Teresa Filios Korpita ’80

I was looking for a school which wasn’t too big, wasn’t too isolated. I was also looking for something that looked “comfortable.” I was not able to travel to tour schools, so my decision was made based on catalogs and photographs. I loved the look of the buildings with columns and the large open area with the pergola in the center. In addition, I wasn’t certain of my intended major. I was looking at early childhood education; but also home economics; or possibly even religious studies. Hood hit at least two of those. Finally, financial aid was a huge consideration.

My study abroad experience was a direct result of the personal interest Hood professors take in their students. I had studied French in high school, and continued it at Hood as an elective. Professor Charlotte Moran encouraged me to reach real competency in the language. She directed me to the school in Paris, L’Ecole de la Mode, which would work with Hood’s study abroad program and build on my major in home economics. Once she learned that my older sister and husband were living in France (he was doing scientific research), she more or less told me that I HAD to go.

I lived with my sister, husband and child just outside of Paris. I commuted in to the city every day for class. That was a huge challenge for this small town girl. Navigating around the city on the metro, learning the routes of the commuter trains and buses…

Most rewarding were connections with other students. My French language classes were with an assortment of other students sort of patched together by the program.  There were about ten of us who were studying at small schools around the city and came together for these language lessons. The teacher met with us in her own living room…the quintessential French apartment with high ceilings, plaster moldings and elegant windows. In the dressmaking school, most of my classmates were French; with just a couple of other European countries represented. Our work was quite serious, and we alsolaughed together at cultural differences. For example, my French classmates had a hard time adjusting to my nickname. The idea that no one called me “Teresa” confused them. They said nicknames were only used for small children, or perhaps lovers. And they had the permanent effect on me in that I changed the spelling of my nickname from “Terry” (which they thought ought to be male) to “Terrie.”

My college years were a time of huge growth and learning about myself, my beliefs, and were eye-opening on so many levels! I had never been away from home before. Then this small town Massachusetts girl landed in Frederick Maryland, just an hour or so from the nation’s capital. I met friends at Hood from all over… NYC, PA, MD, states further south…. I had never truly thought about regional cultures in the US before. Then, by going to France, my mind expanded even more to include an openness to a whole array of cultural experiences!

At Hood, we were still fairly insulated/cushioned from world problems.  It was a big family really.  As I mentioned above, Hood’s professors really got to know us and took a real interest in each student’s progress and future. When I went to France, I felt much more “on my own in the big world,” even though I went home each night to my older sister and her family. The dressmaking school was all business. The French language courses were about learning the French culture.

Living with my 6-12 month old niece! What a cherub! I also have to mention that I truly understand the draw of “Paris in the Spring.” I arrived in France in January. It was grey and sleeting. That pretty much describes the weather from January through early April. So much time spent commuting underground or through the least scenic areas meant I really was not impressed with the country or city. I loved my living situation and my classes, but not Paris. Then the sun came out! Everything bloomed! There were trees behind walls on the streets in the city that I had never noticed before. People actually smiled! It was miraculous to say the least.

I am a certified Parisian dressmaker. I very seriously considered heading to NYC and the fashion district after graduation. However, more city living did not appeal. Instead I came home to Massachusetts. I intended to become involved in the Cooperative Extension Service.  That didn’t quite work out.  I have worked as a dressmaker/seamstress for a bridal salon; and absolutely loved that work. On a personal level I have continued sewing on a daily basis. I make my own clothes, clothes for my family. I have made and/or altered wedding dresses for sisters and nieces; also christening gowns and First Communion outfits. More recently I do a lot of quilting.

Also on a personal level, I have remained committed to the idea of study abroad and cultural exchange. My family has hosted high school foreign exchange students a dozen times…both short term summer exchanges, and full academic year exchanges. It’s been almost 10 years since our last “rent-a-kid” went home yet we are still in touch with the majority of them. In 2019 we traveled to Europe for the wedding of one young lady; we were also able to stay overnight with another one of our girls. Another took a vacation, rented a B&B and hosted us in Bavaria for several days. And a fourth drove with his Mom and brother over an hour one way just to have lunch with us. Due to the combined efforts of our European kids, we spent a glorious two weeks personally guided through Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland.

Do it! It will be both scary and life-changing.