For Kimberly Wainscoat and her daughter Grace, the allure of Rome and the pursuit of knowledge led them on a remarkable journey from the San Francisco Bay Area to Italy John Cabot University (JCU). Grace first arrived in 2017 as an undergraduate, and now, while pursuing law school at the University of San Francisco, her mother Kimberly is currently immersed in the MA in Art History program at JCU, creating a unique family connection to this esteemed institution.
The Initial Spark: Grace’s Introduction to JCU
Grace credits her mother for introducing her to John Cabot University. Initially unsure of her academic path, Grace, with Italian heritage on her mother’s side, felt a pull to reconnect with her cultural roots. Having lived in Italy as a teenager and later spending a gap year in Florence, she knew she wanted to return. This desire for Italian immersion led them to discover JCU.
Kimberly and Grace Wainscoat
Grace explains, “My mom brought JCU to my awareness… I was very curious about re-exploring that side of me as an adult and learning more about Italian history and the language.” Her initial major was art history, but she also embraced humanities courses, on-site explorations, and the vibrant international community at JCU. She fondly remembers the empowering professors, particularly Professor Inge Hansen, who taught her Ancient Roman art history with dignity and respect. Interestingly, Grace later recommended Professor Hansen to her mother when Kimberly decided to study at JCU, creating a shared academic experience.
Kimberly’s Master’s Pursuit: Inspired by Family and Rome
Kimberly’s path to Italy John Cabot University was inspired by Grace’s transformative undergraduate experience. With a background in Theater Arts and a long-standing interest in ancient history, Kimberly had been living vicariously through Grace’s Italian studies. She made a promise to herself: once her youngest child turned 18, she would pursue her own academic dreams in Rome.
“When [Grace] came to Italy to study, I thought that it was wonderful,” Kimberly recounts. “So, I promised myself that when my youngest turned 18, I would come here and do it. And so here I am.” For Kimberly, studying at JCU has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing her to share her passion for Italy and art with her daughter on a deeper level. This shared experience has created a new dimension to their relationship, fostering a “similar language” and a stronger connection.
John Cabot University’s location in Rome and its emphasis on on-site courses were key factors in Kimberly’s decision. The opportunity to study art history firsthand, amidst the historical and cultural richness of Rome, was irresistible. She knew this immersive experience would surpass anything she could learn in a classroom in San Francisco.
Academic Evolution and Lasting Impact
While Grace initially majored in art history at JCU, her academic journey took an unexpected turn. The diverse ideas and perspectives she encountered at JCU, particularly in philosophy classes with Professor Tom Bailey, sparked a shift in her interests. Professor Bailey’s classes explored the ethics of nature, animals, and the connection between philosophy and climate change, profoundly influencing Grace.
This intellectual exploration led Grace to transfer to the University of California at Berkeley, changing her major to Society and Environment, focusing on policy, environmental justice, and climate change. She emphasizes, “even though I didn’t stay at JCU, it still had a huge impact on me.” The influence of JCU, particularly Professor Bailey’s classes, extended beyond her undergraduate studies, ultimately contributing to her receiving a scholarship and shaping her current path in animal law at the University of San Francisco.
A Nontraditional Student Thriving at JCU
Kimberly, as a nontraditional-aged student, has found a welcoming and enriching environment at Italy John Cabot University. She appreciates the camaraderie with other mature students and the helpfulness of younger students, many of whom have art history backgrounds. The supportive atmosphere has fostered both academic and social connections.
Kimberly highlights the transformative nature of her studies, particularly Professor Hansen’s classes, which have revolutionized her understanding of art history. “I always thought of art history in a very static way, but I suddenly realized that it is really not. It is so alive,” she explains. This dynamic perspective has broadened her worldview and created a profound connection to history, making the distant past feel remarkably present.
Future Paths and Enduring Advice
Looking ahead, Grace is set to graduate from law school in Spring 2025 and plans to take the California bar exam. She will begin her legal career at a Berkeley law firm specializing in environmental and animal law, driven by a passion for strategic advocacy related to climate change and animal protection.
Both Kimberly and Grace wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad, especially at John Cabot University in Italy. Grace advises prospective students to embrace the transformative potential of studying abroad, assuring them that “Rome becomes home very quickly.” She emphasizes the unique opportunity to pursue a full four-year degree at JCU and the lasting impact it has had on both her and her mother’s lives. For Kimberly, JCU has not only enriched her academic pursuits but also deepened her connection with her daughter and provided a fresh, dynamic perspective on art history and life itself.
