Focus on the Class of 2015: Loredana Mihani's Story

Loredana Mihani

My name is Loredana Mihani and I am a degree-seeking freshman at John Cabot University studying English Literature. I am from Albania. Languages and translating are my greatest passions: I am fluent in English, Italian, and Albanian and I can speak some basic French. I have translated some books from English into Albanian and vice versa. A poem that I have translated from Albanian into English, titled Letters from the Dark, has been recently published.

I started studying English at the age of eight and I have always been fascinated by the beautiful sound of the language. After finishing middle school in Albania, I moved to Italy with my family. For the first two years of high school I attended an Italian liceo scientifico. From the third year, I won a scholarship to the Canadian College of Italy CCI: The Renaissance School, where the language of instruction is English. Upon graduating from this Canadian high school I was awarded the Governor’s General Bronze Medal for academic excellence. I am also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, an American society that recognizes academic excellence. I am currently collaborating with Wayne Miller, an American writer and editor of the magazine Pleiades: A Journal of New Writing, on translating from Albanian into English Sellers of Chaos, a book written by the renowned Albanian writer Dr. Moikom Zeqo.

My great desire to study English more in depth prompted me to apply to John Cabot. This University really helped me by awarding me the Presidential Scholarship and an Assistance Grant. I am really grateful to John Cabot because the University is committed to helping students finance their education. I am confident that John Cabot University and the American culture it reflects will help me meet my educational goals and broaden my knowledge of English language and literature. In addition, I welcome the opportunity to meet and befriend people from different cultures and lifestyles. Located in the center of Rome, close to a wealth of architectural marvels, John Cabot University is inspiring. I feel proud to pursue my dreams at this University.