Get to know the Sicilians: Interview 2 – Piero

Piero | 23 | Master’s student at The University of Catania | Catania

1. Nice shoes! Tell me about them

Sneakers have been one of my passions since I was 14-15, so much so that today I have about 50 pairs! But my love is not directed exclusively to sneakers, but to the whole world of streetwear. In particular, I am in love with one of the most famous Italian brands of which I now have a collection (to date I have almost 40 items): Stone Island, initially famous in England as it was a distinctive sign of the Ultras, supporters of the British football teams, now famous all over the world thanks to some collaborations with the biggest luxury brands. Infact, streetwear has been the focus of my latest university project – Hype on the Street.

2.  How do you find studying in Sicily?

Studying in Sicily was a choice for me. I had the opportunity to go and study in the North but I decided to stay where I grew up, because it would have been difficult to leave my life and create a new one elsewhere.

3. What do you hope to do after university?

My post-graduate ambitions are high, it is always good to aim for the best. From the first year of university I embarked on a university political career that has allowed me to grow and broaden my horizons and I wouldn’t mind in all sincerity to continue on this wavelength. From a working point of view, however, we know that “Politics doesn’t put food on the table”, so I will certify as a Chartered Accountant as soon as I finish my university studies.

4. Which places do you like to go to in Sicily in your free time?

Considering that I am a motorcyclist, it is easy to imagine that the places I love to visit are touristic places in the mountains. My absolute favourite place is Rifugio Sapienza on Etna, which between one curve and another allows me to release the accumulated stress and the breathtaking view we have from there is something that cannot be explained.

5. In your opinion, what are some of the stereotypes that sicilians are combatting?

All over the world the Sicilian is seen as the mafia or the ignorant and these are the most widespread stereotypes we are fighting and trying to solve. We must remember that most of the universities in the North are populated by Sicilian students or students from southern Italy.

6. In your mind, are there differences between Sicilians from Palermo and those from Catania?

Personally, I think there are no differences between Catanesi and Palermitani, we must all be united and fight against the clichés that have been created over time. We are Sicilians, all the same and we must be proud of it, from the beginning to the end.

7. What do you think are some of the most important things in life?        

There are many important things in life, but for me there are three that allow you to lead a healthy and problem-free life: health, family and money. Health comes first because you can be the richest man in the world, but if you are not healthy or you are not right with yourself, there is nothing in the world that can remedy it.

8. Is there an expression or saying in the Sicilian dialect that you particularly like?

The Sicilian saying that most reflects me and that I prefer is this: “Comu veni si cunta”. My personal interpretation of it is this: I live my life in the moment and face every situation despite everything, what comes comes, the important thing is to have tried.