Erminita

Questa e` Erminita! Erminita is also an Avanti Italia worker. Last Tuesday, Erminita graduated from the University of Florence! So, what does this mean?? Not only has Erminita been working at the church in Florence, with Bible studies, and organizing events, she also has been attending college! Erminita is from Albania, so on top of all of this, she also has learned to speak Italian and English. and quite well I might add =) She is such a positive encouargement to everyone who is around her. She always has a sweet smile on her face and is ready to help. I am so happy that she is part of our team. 

Anyways! Allora, as I said above, last Tuesday was her graduation. To receive your diploma in Italy is a very different process than in the states. Actually the school system as a whole is a toally different thing all together- but I will post about this later. 

Here is the process: After working on a book (literally) that is your thesis to graduate (this is undergraduate/Bachelors), you are subject to be called upon and questioned by your professors. This takes place over a course of 5-7 min in a small room such as the one in the photo below. The professors can ask you anything and you must defend your thesis/book ( similar to a doctorate program in America). In this room, you are allowed to  choose 3 or 4 of your closest family/friends to witness all of this. The rest of one's family and friends wait outside in a crowded hallway to hear the results.

After Erminita was questioned, they called her back into the room and this time left the door open so we all could hear their decision....

.... she made it. =)