Volunteering at an Italian High School

With my group! 

I had the privilege to go to an Italian high school to help them improve their conversational English.  The school we visited was called Liceo Artistico Leon Battista Alberti.  The school is divided into various campuses throughout Florence, each campus focusing on a specific subject.  This school that we visited in particular was the art school.  As soon as we walked in, we saw walls lined with artwork that had been done by the students.  Seeing all of this, made me wish that my high school had emphasized the fine arts a bit more.
Talking with the students, I was very surprised to find out their ages.  They ranged from as young as 14 years old to 18 years of age.  I never realized how distinct differences in age were in your physical appearance and level of maturity!  Even though they were very young, almost all of them smoked cigarettes!  They asked me to come with them during their 15 minute break to smoke a cigarette.  I don't smoke so I just went outside with them, tried my best to not cough, and continue talking with them.  For fun, high school students in Italy go out with their friends to the bars.  Before the recent change in the law, they could buy cigarettes and alcohol at 16.  They can also ride motorcycles (vespas) as early as 14!  Their faces dropped in disbelief when I told them that in America, you had to be 21 years old to buy alcohol. :P  I asked them what kind of music they listened to and they replied back with the names of American singers and bands.  From Bob Marley to Rihanna to Beyonce.  I asked them about Italian music and they said no one their age listened to Italian music.
Its crazy how different schools in Italy are compared to America!