Last week, I had the chance to volunteer at Mensa, a local soup kitchen in Rome. Having only been here for two weeks, I felt both excited and a little nervous to step into a part of the city I had never seen before. Most of my time so far has been spent near campus, where the streets are filled with designer stores and crowded with tourists. But I knew that if I truly wanted to immerse myself in Rome, I had to experience the city beyond the surface.
Our day began with a tour of the facility led by Carlo, the manager, who walked us through each role and explained how everyone worked together to properly serve the guests. He told us that in order to receive meals, visitors are referred to outside organizations, depending on their specific struggles, and must consistently seek help to continue receiving support. This was something that stood out to me, as it showed me that the soup kitchen is not only about providing food, but also about creating a system of care that can help in the long term.
The entrance to the soup kitchen.
Before we entered the kitchen, we were reminded to greet every guest with open hearts and big smiles, because we never know what they might be going through. That reminder stayed with me the whole time. I wanted to make sure that despite my limited Italian, I could spread positivity and make their worries seem smaller, even for a second.
When it was time to begin, I was assigned the role of collecting tickets and handing out trays. This was when I truly started to understand that I’d be meeting all different types of people. I greeted people from all across Italy and from other countries as well. Some spoke Italian, and others spoke French or Spanish. Some were old, some young. Some were cheerful, while others were a bit more reserved. Every encounter was unique, and I felt grateful for each one.
Meal tickets collected from guests.
While I worked, I also was able to practice my Italian. I picked up the word biglietto, which means ticket, and I practiced using it right away. Other volunteers who were from Italy helped me learn new words and phrases, and I found it rewarding to use them with the guests. I started off with simply collecting tickets and handing out trays, but my interactions slowly grew into small conversations. I even ended up shares some jokes and laughs with a few of the people I met.
By the end of the day, I realized how immersive this experience had been. It was not only about volunteering, but also about connecting with people and learning more about Rome in a deeper way. The city I have seen so far has been beautiful, but this experience reminded me that beauty is not only found in the main attractions. It is also found in people and in the small acts of kindness that happen every day.
The walls of the kitchen covered with t-shirts.
I left this experience feeling grounded and grateful. In just a few hours, I had a new understanding of Rome and of myself. This reminded me why it is so important to step out of our comfort zones and to see every side of the places we live in or visit.
I strongly recommend that everyone considering studying abroad in Rome take this opportunity to connect with the community. The impact made by this organization is felt by hundreds of people, and being part of that, even in a small way, is something I will carry with me forever. Click the link to learn more!