My name is Marc (but I always go by Marco [Italian]) LaNave. I am a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts with an undecided major. I am leaning towards a “science communication� double-major: one in physics, and the other individually-designed with concentrations in journalism and mass communication, scientific and technical communication, and history and philosophy of science. Part of the reason I was interested in this course was the material on indigenous worldviews of science, which I think will broaden my perspective in my areas of interest. I am also a spiritual person, and my personal faith is important to me, so the connection of worldviews of science and faith is also an interest of mine.
I became much more open to the possibility of studying abroad last year, after I had experienced the initial hurdles of college. But since I have never traveled outside of the United States or Canada, I wanted to try out a three-week global seminar before jumping into a semester- or year-long experience. This was another reason that this opportunity seemed like a good one. But I am indeed anxious about going to a place and culture I have not experienced, and using a language that I have not had to rely on, and getting to know people who I have not known previously. (Prior to this, the biggest travel “risk� I have taken was a four-week canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness about three and a half years ago.)
I took five years of Spanish before college; but, unfortunately, much has escaped me in just a year and a half. The opportunity to use that knowledge was another factor in my choice of this global seminar. I have reviewed a little in preparation for the trip; I wrote a couple of emails in Spanish to a former teacher, and conversed entirely in Spanish (and not without struggle) for an hour and a half with a Colombian exchange student at my high school. My reading and writing skills are well ahead of my listening and speaking skills, so I will appreciate practice in the latter areas.
One of the most important things to know about me is that I am a person of many interests. I like to learn about philosophy, spirituality, international relations, psychology, and many other disciplines. I appreciate the number of opportunities in- and outside the classroom at the University of Minnesota, and my only disappointment is that I cannot do them all. My primary extra-curricular activity is volunteering as a sports reporter for the radio station on campus (Radio K). Over the past year and a half, I have covered Gopher football, men’s basketball, and baseball. It has been a ton of fun for me to develop skills in sports broadcasting and journalism. Last summer in my hometown of St. Cloud, MN, I was actually the radio color commentator for all 34 home games for a summer baseball team that I grew up following. My greatest passion is definitely baseball, and that is where my curiosity in sports broadcasting and journalism has its roots.
See you all bright (I guess it will still be dark) and early on Sunday!
Boozhoo niiji-bimaadiziig nindinawemaaganidok. Allison Austin nindizhinikaaz. 
