Matura 2024, in Ustica there is only one candidate: “I missed sharing the anxiety. But I’m happy to have studied here”

In Ustica, it was only Gaetano Caminita who crossed the gates of the “Saveria Profeta” technical and economic institute to take his final exams on Wednesday. He is the only 2024 student graduating from the island north of Palermo: on the first day of exams, in the throes of emotion, he arrived earlier than the start time of the test, the Italian essay, set for […]

TO Usticato cross the gates of the “Saveria Profeta” technical and economic institute to face the final exams, on Wednesday it was only Gaetano Caminita. He is the only 2024 student graduating from the island north of Palermo: on the first day of exams, in the throes of emotion, he arrived in advance compared to the start time of the test, the Italian theme, set for 8:30. For the 19-year-old student, loneliness is nothing new: he has just returned from five years of lessons and classwork alone, in the same all-inclusive institute that has seen him grow since kindergarten. “In this last year I have been able to attend some lessons together with others eight students And fourth grade students. During my school career I have had great support from teachers, but in recent months, undeniably, I have missed being able to share the anxiety and compare myself with classmates who were going through the same experience. However, I admit that I am happy to conclude my studies on my island,” she says.

The love for Ustica shines through in the blue color of the shirt that Gaetano decided to wear for the first rehearsal, but also in his every word. Even in the theme, played on the track “Profiles, selfies and blogs” which starts from a text by Maurizio Caminito, he chose to talk about his days on the island, marked by the rhythm of nature. “Far from the frenzy of the city, here we still give a lot of importance to interpersonal relationships, we all know each other. The digital revolution also involves us young people in a more measured way” she explains. An everyday life also told in the film “Infinitamente piccolo” by director Pasquale Scimeca, of which Gaetano was one of the protagonist students. A story in images about loneliness, about the limit, which in the case of Ustica is also the natural border for young people in the long winter months. The graduating senior also has no doubts about his future: “I dream of staying here and contributing to developing the local tourism”.

As soon as he finishes his state exams, Gaetano will go on a trip with friends. But now it’s time to think about the second economics test, which awaits him on Thursday. Always alone, in front of the examination commission, supported by the director of the regional school office for Sicily, Giuseppe Pierroby the manager of the territorial area of ​​Palermo Luca Gataniand the school principal Right Catania. Because his exam has become an exceptional case for the island and for the entire world of school.