Katrina David '25 wanted to study abroad, somewhere, anywhere, but convincing her mom was the challenge. Katrina's mom had reservations about her daughter traveling, alone, to parts unknown. But when Katrina saw Prague near the top of a particular list, everything fell into place.
According to a report published by the U.K.-based insurance company William Russell, which used perceived crime rates on the crowdsourced global database Numbeo, Taipei is the top city in the world where tourists feel the safest. Tokyo ranks second on the list and Prague was third. Prague's also frequently included in other rankings of the planet's safest cities. When Katrina made this discovered, she realized she had an opening with her mom.
"I chose Prague to please my mom. The number one thing for her was the safety aspect. I didn't know anything about Prague, so I Googled it. When I saw the pictures, the sunsets, I knew I'd be happy here. I've loved every minute of it."
The creative arts major with a minor in educational studies just wanted to get her passport stamped, and with her mom's blessing, figured Prague would do. She knew nothing about its art scene before she left, but now she's completely transfixed by it.
"The history of art here is weird and different from the art back home. I never realized I could fall more in love with art than I actually have."
Katrina's plan is to be an art teacher, and she's hoping in a couple years she can blend the history and culture of international art into her classroom. She wants to teach her students about different and wonderful art to spark creativity and open their minds. Specifically, she wants every to know about David Černý.
"People over here are insane for his work. My goal is to see every one of his sculptures while I'm here."
Černý has a couple dozen statues throughout Prague, like the 79-foot tall "Lilit" above, embracing the side of a housing development. There's also "Pegasus" and the head of Franz Kafka .
Katrina has other interests besides her David Černý scavenger hunt. She went to Paris two weeks ago (a bucket list trip) and she saw the "Mona Lisa" at the Louvre. Most of all, Katrina has enjoyed her freedom, an the opportunity to learn, discover, and explore.
"Back home, I had very little independence. I'm the first person from my family to leave the country. When I saw 'Lilit', she's just so beautiful and cool. The moment I went there and saw her (above), it's the moment I realized how free I am."
