Degrees: B.A. in International Affairs, Spanish, and Political Science
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship allowed me to study abroad four times in my undergraduate career. Twice for Spring break trips to South America, a summer term in Spain, and a semester at Oxford University, England. These experiences allowed to put my studies into action and to broaden my worldview through international experience. Without the Stamps Scholarship, I would not have been able to afford to go on these trips.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Never, ever, procrastinate. Always stay on top of your workload and never get behind.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
The person with the single greatest impact on my college career has been my IAF advisor, Dr. Eimad Houry, who has taught me in 9 courses and served as a mentor for two research theses – one in Political Science and another in International Affairs. He has been teaching me since freshman year and has helped me transform from a confused high school student into a slightly less confused college graduate.
Please share your most memorable Stamps Scholar experience.
My most memorable Stamps Scholar experience was my opportunity to study for a semester at Oxford University. It was a dream of mine to study at a university of that caliber, especially outside of the US for an extended period of time. I was able to immerse myself in the culture and student body as a visiting student within a college and a member of a Junior Common Room, rather than as a student within a study abroad program with other American students. The experience was made possible by the Stamps Scholarship, and I was consistently aware that I was representing Mercer’s Stamps program while I was abroad.
Plans after graduation?
I’m currently applying for NGO jobs in the Washington, D.C. area and to online TEFL teacher certification programs.