For Kimberly Wainscoat and her daughter Grace, the allure of Rome and the pursuit of art history led them on a remarkable journey from the San Francisco Bay Area to the heart of Italy. Their story is deeply intertwined with John Cabot University (JCU), an American university in Rome that became a pivotal setting for their academic and personal growth. Grace first arrived at JCU as an undergraduate student in 2017, and her positive experience paved the way for Kimberly to later join the university’s MA in Art History program. Their intertwined experiences offer a unique perspective on the enriching environment and academic opportunities available at John Cabot University in Italy.
Grace’s introduction to John Cabot University was through her mother, Kimberly. As Grace began exploring college options, she felt a pull towards her Italian heritage. “I’m of Italian origin on my mom’s side,” Grace explains, “she helped me stay connected to that side of our culture.” Having lived in Italy as a teenager, Grace was eager to reconnect with her roots and delve deeper into Italian history and language. A gap year in Florence solidified her desire to return to Italy for her studies, leading them to discover John Cabot University in Rome.
Kimberly and Grace Wainscoat
Kimberly and Grace Wainscoat share their experiences at John Cabot University in Rome, highlighting the unique mother-daughter academic journey in Italy.
Initially drawn to art history, Grace also explored other humanities disciplines at JCU, including philosophy and on-site courses that brought the ancient world to life. She found a vibrant international community and felt empowered by the faculty. Professor Inge Hansen, in particular, made a significant impact. “I loved the community – I met amazing people while at JCU, all with international backgrounds,” Grace recalls, emphasizing the supportive and respectful environment fostered by professors like Inge Hansen, who taught her Ancient Roman art history. This positive experience led Grace to recommend both John Cabot University and Professor Hansen to her mother when Kimberly considered pursuing her master’s degree.
Kimberly’s path to John Cabot University was inspired by Grace’s transformative experience. With an undergraduate degree in Theater Arts and a long-held interest in ancient history, Kimberly saw her daughter’s time in Rome as an inspiration. “I was sort of living vicariously through Grace,” Kimberly admits. When Grace embarked on her studies in Italy, Kimberly made a promise to herself: “when my youngest turned 18, I would come here and do it.” Fulfilling that promise, Kimberly enrolled in the MA in Art History program at JCU. This decision was deeply rewarding, allowing her to pursue her passion for art and Italian culture while sharing this unique chapter with her daughter. “It has been so rewarding to actually give this opportunity to myself and to share my love for Italy and art with my daughter,” Kimberly reflects. Studying at John Cabot University has created a new dimension in their relationship, as they now share a common language and understanding of art and Italian history.
Choosing John Cabot University for her master’s was a natural decision for Kimberly. Impressed by Grace’s accounts of the university, Kimberly was particularly drawn to JCU’s on-site courses. “I wanted to learn more about Italian culture and the history of Rome, so the on-site courses were what ultimately drew me in,” she explains. The opportunity to study art history in Rome, surrounded by the very art and history she was learning about, was a major factor in her decision to choose John Cabot University over other programs.
Interestingly, Grace’s academic journey took an unexpected turn during her time at John Cabot University. Exposure to new ideas in philosophy classes, particularly those taught by Professor Tom Bailey, sparked a shift in her interests. Discussions about ethics, nature, and the connection between philosophy and climate change profoundly impacted her. “He was very supportive and helped me unpack all of those concepts,” Grace says about Professor Bailey. This intellectual exploration led her to transfer to the University of California at Berkeley, where she switched her major to Society and Environment, focusing on policy and environmental justice. Although Grace ultimately transferred, she acknowledges the lasting influence of John Cabot University. Her experiences at JCU, especially in Professor Bailey’s class, even contributed to her winning a scholarship. Currently in law school at the University of San Francisco specializing in animal law, Grace can still trace the impact of her time at John Cabot University on her academic and career trajectory.
Kimberly also highlights the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at John Cabot University, particularly for non-traditional students. While there are other mature students in her program, the majority are closer in age to Grace. Kimberly has found this intergenerational environment enriching. “Most of the students are my daughter’s age, and they have been very helpful and welcoming,” she notes. She appreciates the support and camaraderie she has found within the JCU community. Her experience as a non-traditional student at John Cabot University has been overwhelmingly positive, marked by personal growth and transformative learning. “I feel like I’m learning and growing so much,” Kimberly states, emphasizing the profound impact of Professor Hansen’s classes, which have revolutionized her understanding of art history. She describes this shift as a “new perspective on the world and life itself,” where history feels vividly alive and relevant.
Looking ahead, Grace is on track to complete law school in Spring 2025 and plans to take the California bar exam. She is set to begin her career at a Berkeley law firm specializing in environmental and animal law, pursuing her passion for strategic advocacy related to climate change and animal protection.
For prospective students considering studying abroad, Grace offers encouraging advice based on her own transformative journey at John Cabot University in Italy. “The idea of going abroad may seem daunting, but I think it is extremely transformative and can be an amazing experience,” she advises. She emphasizes how quickly Rome can feel like home and highlights the unique opportunity to pursue a full four-year degree at JCU, not just a semester abroad. Both Kimberly and Grace’s experiences underscore the lasting impact of John Cabot University, not only on their academic paths but also on their personal connection and shared appreciation for art history and the vibrant culture of Rome. As Grace aptly concludes, “JCU has had a very lasting impact on our lives.”
