What are your majors/minors? When do you expect to graduate?
I’m a double major in International and Global Studies with a concentration in Human Rights and Peace and Conflict Studies and I minor in Dance and Spanish. I hope to graduate Spring 2018, but it might be Fall 2018
What do you want to do after graduation? Why?
I definitely want to take a year or so to travel, or even join the Peace Corp. I enjoy learning about other cultures and other experiences people have across our country and internationally.
Does this line up with what you thought you would be doing when you graduated high school?
Not really, in high school I didn’t even want to go to college, but straight to New York to dance. I came to UNCG as a dance major, but different experiences I’ve had through the university have helped change what I wanted to do. In high school I thought I was going to be dancing in a company and teaching, and I can still do that if I want to, but my idea has changed. But I always wanted to travel, so that hasn’t changed.
Where are you studying abroad? Why did you choose to travel there?
I’m currently studying at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town South Africa. I had a few friends who studied at UCT and really loved their experiences. I decided I wanted to go to a place that fit well with my major, and was a place I might not get a chance to experience again.
What is the most important experience you have had while studying there so far?
I have to say my interactions with local students and other study abroad students has definitely been an important experience. I have learned a lot about the history of South Africa, and about people in general. I’ve met some amazing students and people who have similar dreams to mine, which has been reassuring and eye-opening to different perspectives.
Considering everything that you have learned since your freshman year, what advice do you have for the freshmen who are on campus now?
Take advantage of everything you can. Even if you’re just the slightest bit interested, join a club, or run for a position, and take classes that you enjoy. Taking classes I was interested in, even if they didn’t pertain to my major, have definitely shaped what I want to study and what I want to do. Just don’t be afraid to branch out, it will definitely be worth it.
Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
Plan ahead, whether it is deciding when you want to study, the kind of classes you want to take, and deadlines. It’s better to be early than to be late! And think about places that you normally wouldn’t consider and are different from your friends. I have a few friends who are abroad this semester as well, and we all went to different countries. It’ll be exciting to hear all of the different stories and experiences when you get back.