MSU ADPR’s Lily Thornton Goes from Michigan to Malta
Thornton learned valuable lessons and rediscovered creativity at MSU Rome study abroad
By: Alana Burke
MSU ad creative student, Lily Thornton’s nerves grew as she took her seat on her nine-hour flight to Rome for a semester-long study abroad trip her parent’s said would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She reminded herself that this was a unique experience that would allow opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“I was really nervous because all of my friends from MSU go abroad in the summer, and I haven’t heard of many people doing a full semester,” Thornton said.
Her anxiety disappeared when she landed in Rome and arrived at the American University. From the first day of class, she understood her time in Rome would include many hours of studying. Thornton took Italian, along with a few communication courses that supported her major.
Thornton made other excursions related to class, such as scavenger hunts in non-tourist locations, sketching sculptures and touring museums.
“I think the place for growth is creativity with sketching. I feel like it helped me unlock a part of my skillset,” Thornton said.
Outside of classes, Thornton and her boyfriend took an excursion to the tiny island of Malta. Thornton’s father has who serves as Malta’s version of a secretary. Through this connection, Thornton and her boyfriend got a special tour of the island and had free access to museums.
Thornton says she reflects on her experience in Rome almost daily. Her education and experience abroad are unforgettable and have opened a new skillset that she uses as she finishes up her degree in creative advertising.
Thornton took the experience in Malta as a learning experience, understanding her parents’ advice, now more than ever. Moving forward, Thornton says she will fully utilize her connections, both abroad and domestically.
“Just do it,” said Thornton, who encourages other students who might be hesitant to take a leap of faith on their own MSU study abroad program experience.
To learn more about the AD+PR study abroad programs, check here: https://comartsci.msu.edu/education-abroad.
