Katerina Mangini

2012-13 Outbound to Italy

Hometown: Wellington, FL

School: Wellington High School

Sponsor: District 6930, FL

Host: District TBA, Italy

Katerina's Bio

Mi chiamo Katerina Mangini. As of March 2012, I am 18 years of age! I live in a suburb of West Palm Beach called Wellington. We are The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. I’m president of my school’s debate and speech team, which has undoubtedly provided me with many useful skills. I also love to travel and I hope to visit each continent at least once in my lifetime! I’ve resided in Wellington most of my life and this is where I remember growing up, even though I moved from New Jersey when I was five. I live with my two sisters, who are both younger than me and my parents. My mom is the most wonderful person I know, she supports me in everything, so I’ll probably miss her the most throughout my year abroad. However, distance is known to diminish small loves and increase great ones. This is something I’ve already lived, and more than anything else, this is something I know to be true. I’m graduating from Wellington High School May 21st, 2012. Many people ask me about my ambitions in taking a gap year, they find it strange because most people are ecstatic to begin their freshmen year of college. My reply: “I didn’t want to wait another second of my life to do something life-changing.” And that’s the truth. I’m doing this for myself. However, I’m also already a sophomore in college because I early admitted my senior year. When I originally applied to this program, I have to admit I was a little scatterbrained. I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in, or where I saw myself. I finished the application, but still, my heart wasn’t set on a ‘top 5.’ I researched more and more, until I was finally satisfied with my decision. I was in Washington DC when I got the call and found out the big news: I was going to Italy. Although all of my top choices were essentially in Europe, I came to terms with the fact that I was probably going to be placed in Russia. When I chose my top 5, Russia was my wild card or so I thought. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the news. My family is American but of Italian heritage, so I’m not totally unfamiliar with the culture. However, there’s still so much to learn, there always is. I’m familiar with the French language and very little Italian. I know I’m expecting so many life changing experiences from this program, I just don’t know what to expect quite yet. But I’ll keep you updated, I promise.







I’m interested in career paths that involve global politics and diplomacy. I have a strong feeling that after this year, I will have more of an understanding about the lifestyle I wish to pursue and where I want to see myself in terms of a career. I was interested to read the blogs of all the current outbounds and now I’m excited to be writing one of my own. Writing is definitely an outlet for me, so this blog will be a wonderful resource, especially during difficult times of my exchange. Vincent Van Gogh once spoke, “I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” And this year I am. This is the reason why I’m doing this program and in my opinion, this is the most important thing in life you need to be happy and succeed. I would like to thank Rotary for this amazing opportunity, my parents, and even more so my country coordinator Tracy Carroll, who has encouraged me from the very beginning. Until next time...ciao! :o)

Katerina- Outbound to Italy