"Hi! My name is Shaun Loh, and I am a rising junior from Duke University studying Economics and Political Science. Before college, I grew up in Singapore. Having benefited from the many blogs published by the Culture and Identity Envoys from past semesters, I hope to contribute my diverse perspectives of Rome and Italy to peers in the program and future students. As an avid writer, the Culture and Identity Envoy Program would allow me to further engage with my passion for writing to start reflective conversations on culture at Rome. Being an international student, I have always been curious about different lived experiences across the globe. Coming from a fairly conservative Asian country to college in America, I enjoyed learning how minority experiences vary across regions. In Rome, I hope to explore how minority communities navigate everyday life, noting that Italy is one of the most conservative European countries. Having previously travelled to Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Munich and Berlin myself, I also hope to document my solo experiences in Rome. I would love to explore local hidden gems and nature, and write about how they offer places of respite for ordinary citizens. I'm particularly interested in documenting Rome's vibrant food culture, lesser-known architectural wonders, and daily rhythms of neighborhood life tourists rarely encounter. I would go out of my comfort zone to interact with local Romans, and ask them for permission to interview them as well. This will offer the Culture and Identity Envoy blog a fresh perspective on how students can truly immerse in the community at Rome. Furthermore, I have also participated in school trips with Duke to New Orleans, Suzhou, and DC, where I contributed to the programs by writing reflections and speaking on panels. These experiences have honed my ability to observe cultural nuances and translate them into engaging, thoughtful content that resonates with student audiences. I really enjoyed paying it forward and reflecting on my own experiences through these opportunities, and I hope to continue doing so with the Culture & Identity Envoy program."