NAME:
Signora Bonelli
SCHOOL:
Hammarskjold Middle School/Churchill Junior High School
CLASS:
7th Grade Italian 1 Part 2/ 8th Grade Italian 2
SCHOOL PHONE:
732-613-4326
I was born in Brooklyn, NY to Italian American parents. Growing up in the
predominantly Italian neighborhood of Bensonhurst/Dyker Heights, it was
difficult to ignore the Italian culture that was so prevalent throughout my
daily life. Many of my friends spoke Italian at home and I was fascinated by
this from an early age. I did not speak nor understand Italian and I could
not understand how one could speak using these strange sounding words and
then understand them as well. It was this experience that sparked my interest
in languages and set me out on a mission to learn to speak Italian.
I borrowed some Italian books from family members and began teaching myself
vocabulary words. It wasn't until high school at Fontbonne Hall Academy that
I was able to formally study Italian. My passion for the language and
culture grew as I continued to study throughout high school. While attending
Ithaca Collge and studying Psychology, I minored in Italian and German. I was
fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Milan,
Italy. I chose to live with Italians that did not speak English so that I
would be immersed in everyday Italian life. While taking courses at the IULM
(Istituto Universitario di Lingue Moderne) in Italian art, history,
literature, grammar and composition I travelled extensively throughout
Italy and visited other coutnries such as France, Switzerland, Austria, and
Greece.
After college I worked on Wall Street, but my heart was not into it. I
wanted to do something with Italian. After the events of September 11th, I
decided to pursue my dream of returning to school to study the Italian
language and literature. I took a number of master's classes in Italian
literature and language instruction. After the birth of my first daughter,
Isabella Sophia, I began teaching. This September I am returning from a
maternity leave from the birth of my second daughter, Lilianna Rose, and look
forward to coming back and teaching again.
I have travelled to Italy many times since my study abroad. I usually stay
with family which allows me to experience Italy as a native. I enjoy teaching
Italian and sharing with my students all of the wonderful experiences that I
have had in Italy.
Here are some random facts about me:
- In my free time, I like to listen to music, especially
heavy metal/hard rock.
- Two of my favorite bands are Led Zeppelin and Metallica.
- I studied classical violin from age 9 to age 22 and played in a
number of orchestras and performed in dozens of concerts throughout
Brooklyn.
- I love to watch MTV, VH1, Bravo and the E! channels in my free time.
- I can write using my right or left hand.
