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The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day-to-day work.

Next up is Lara Pugi, program coordinator at the University’s campus in Tuscany, Italy, who has previously visited the U.S.

Renee Chmiel: Where did you grow up?
Lara Pugi: I grew up near Florence in a small town in the Chianti area. It’s a nice town, and they have every kind of service there. We were there until I was in middle school, then we lived in Florence. The countryside was very different from life in the city. I had the chance to go out with my friends, and it was very safe. We used to meet at the public garden, and we played in the afternoon. Everyone knew each other.

                       

RC: What is your favorite food?
LP: I like everything! I’m allergic to mushrooms, but otherwise, I enjoy food. I like to cook, and I love making pasta. I like lasagna and gnocchi with meat sauce. Now that I have a daughter, I have an assistant! She started cooking with me a few years ago, and it’s a lot of fun. I hope she continues to enjoy cooking.

RC: What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
LP: This has changed since I had a baby. In the past, I used to spend weekends in the mountains, where I have a house. Now, with a young child, it’s a little different. I dedicate time to her. I bring her to the park, and I play with her a lot.

RC: What are your favorite books to read?
LP: I used to read a lot, but I don’t always have time now. My house is full of books. I have a Kindle too, so that helps me a lot. There isn’t a specific kind of book that I like – I tend to move from one kind to another. I used to read a lot of biographies, then I read history books and romantic comedies.

RC: What do you like best about living in Prato?
LP: I moved to Prato in 2012, and I immediately liked it a lot. Everything is so close by. I feel comfortable living here, and I feel safe. I love the landscape. There are wonderful parks. I like the people, and I find they are very open. When I moved here, I didn’t know anyone, but I made friends quickly. I see this characteristic in people when I ask them to host a family dinner for our students and they are immediately enthusiastic about it and open to it.

RC: Where else have you traveled?
LP: I’ve seen most of the countries across Europe. I visited the U.S. twice and visited Central America, Mexico, and Guatemala.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about your role at the University of New Haven?
LP: When I was our students’ age, I wanted to study abroad, but I didn’t have the chance. My job enables me to be an important part of our students’ experience, which is great. I do my best to make them comfortable and to give them the best experience possible.