I was required to study two languages, non-credit, as “research tools.” With my interest in vocal music, Italian and German became natural choices. I signed up for undergraduate beginning Italian course. Dr. Giovanna Jackson was our teacher.
On the first day of class, she walked in; greeted us in Italian and gestured for us to return the greetings. She avoided using English as much as possible. Whenever we were leaning new words or phrases, she would demonstrate and say, “Ripetete.”
Other than teaching Italian, Dr. Jackson was also the Director of International Student Affairs at Kent State. She taught a few other music students before me. So, she already knew me and my work prior to having me in her class. I was the odd duck in that class—Asian and a decade older than the other students. Having a supportive teacher was comforting, to say the least.
After one semester of group instructions, I began independent study with Dr. Jackson. We worked on translations of operas: Barber of Seville and La traviata. I remember her explaining the meaning of the word traviata to me. The word is the past-participle of “traviare,” in feminine form. It comes from tra, meaning “in between,” “across,” “beyond,” and via, “road,” “way” and “path.” Hence, traviare means “to stray from the path.” La traviata is a woman who’s lost her way. She would read the verses with me, showing me the flow of the sound—the built-in rhythm of the Italian language in sync with word stresses.
She was extremely encouraging and helpful in my planning to study in Perugia. Later, she joined my dissertation committee. Before my final defense, Dr. Shindle struck up a conversation with her, realizing that she was the fellow student at Indiana University who helped him with Italian texts in his dissertation. Life goes in circles.
Dr. Jackson came to the States at an early age. Because of her experiences adjusting to new environment and cultures, she understood the challenges of international students. She assisted students in immigration matters and their needs while studying at Kent. She held cross-cultural events involving local community. For some reasons, I always ran into unexpected immigration issues. She was with me every step of the way.
In her heart, Dr. Jackson was through-and-through Italian. She cared for her two boys as well as her students like an Italian mamma. She cooked delicious Italian dishes. She never stopped educating people about Italian language, films and music. From her, I saw the possibility of establishing a life in the States while maintaining my cultural identity. Sadly, she passed away twelve years ago. I treasured the time that we spent together.