86 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/2019
IN AUGUST, I went for hike in Liguria and got lost—several times. Luckily, I was able
to ask for directions in Italian. I had learned Italian during a year abroad, which was
thanks to a college scholarship. The college scholarship was possible because I had
received financial aid for high school.
Educational scholarships have been the great gifts of my life, and they all came
from people who began as absolute strangers. Some I had the chance to meet,
some not. Several were anonymous. Some of their names I know: John Motley
Morehead of North Carolina; Richard J. Franke of Chicago; Jane Oliensis of New
York and Assisi. This spring, just before my Master of Wine practical exams, a
charitable foundation previously unknown to me came to my aid and changed my
attitude toward my wine studies.
"Wine studies" sounds oxymoronic to anyone who hasn't pursued them. Wine is
pleasurable, delicious, and intoxicating, while study is arduous. The field of knowledge
is vast and constantly changing. Mastering it can also be expensive. Courses, wine,
and study trips can quickly deplete a bank account or exceed a credit card limit.
Some students are supported in part by their employers, but all of us invest more
than we can easily afford in the pursuit of learning about the world of wine.
The hills of Liguria, Italy.
The Kindness of Strangers
A SOMMFOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
REFLECTS ON HER
BENEFACTORS
story to s r o and and photos p t s o o h o o p by b Jessica c s s e J i e i H. H Green e e G n r e e
