This week I had an opportunity to interview Maddy Del Cano, an editor on our Her Campus staff, member of the Honors Program and an employee at the Sojourner Truth Library on our campus. She spoke to me about her time studying abroad last semester as well as some of the things she likes about New Paltz.
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Q: What made you choose SUNY New Paltz?
A: Â I’m from Albany, so it’s a convenient ride down the highway from where I live! I also felt welcome when I came to welcome week; there were a lot of people who were as academically motivated as I was. Â It’s such a friendly, beautiful campus!
Q: What is your major?
A: I’m double majoring in Communication Studies with a Concentration in Public Relations and French, and minoring in Asian Studies. Â It’s a mouthful!
Q: Where did you study abroad?
A: I studied in Besançon, France, aka the best little town in the world. I also did an internship in a town called Banyuls-sur-Mer.
Q: What was your favorite thing about studying abroad?
A: The freedom! I come from a pretty sheltered suburban area, so having to take a bus and metro to class everyday was an awesome way to grow up. Â The diversity was also so important–the program I did was available to people from all over the world, so I was in class with people from Russia, China, Malaysia, Syria, Uzbekistan, Japan, Taiwan, Algeria you name it. Â Being the only “Western” person at a table gave me insight to my privilege and helped me become more humble.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs on campus? If so which?
A: Â I’m in the Honors Program, I work at the library, I’m in a folk punk band called the Ever Present Pennyroyal, I help run the social media accounts for the library, and I swim at the pool as much as I can. Â I keep busy, but I’m not officially in any clubs. Â Is that weird?
Q: What made you join the Her Campus team?
A: I love writing, but if I don’t have deadlines, I won’t be able to find the time. Â Plus, I took a few journalism classes and absolutely loved it! Q: What is your dream job?
A: While I’m studying to work in an international company, my dream job is actually to be a cartoon voice actor!
Q: What do you miss most about studying abroad?
A: Everything. Â Sitting at the bus stop on my way home from class, cooking dinner with my friends, hopping on a plane to any country I wanted, walking around town listening to the accordion player, going to the beach after work during my internship, speaking French with people from all over the world…yeah, everything.
Q: Do you have any advice for people who are newer to our campus?
A: Get outside! I know it can be hard to leave the room if you’re feeling blue, but getting yourself to the gym or the library or Starbucks can make all the difference. Â And welcome!
If you see Maddy around campus feel free to say hello to her and chat with her about her study abroad experience!