Major: Political Science, Biology
Minor: None
Hometown: Wallingford, PA

How did you learn about this opportunity?

This enrichment experience was offered through the Schreyer Honors College, class Theater 496H.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

The experience itself was fantastic. We traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland and London, England for two weeks packed with plays and performances. Highlights included the Buried Child featuring Ed Harris, Art at the Old Vic, Hansel and Gretel at the Scottish Ballet, and Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This trip took place between our 2016 elections and inauguration, meaning that everyone that we met wanted to talk about our politics. Additionally, this trip was about six months after Brexit and during a new little wave of Scottish nationalism (the Scottish PM has called for a new vote for independence) which means UK politics are shifting drastically as well. As a political science major, I spent time at pubs and in taxis discussing all sorts of geopolitical topics and learning all about British nationalism, the schism (or perceived schism) between the Scottish and the English, and participated in some really interesting talks about views on immigrants and refuges. I was also able to take time to visit the British War Museum and Parliament.

"This experience gave me a renewed appreciation for the arts and live performance."

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

While I'm not set on career goals, I know I am interested in the intersection of health and policy. This program did two things for me - first, it gave me an opportunity at a really unique time to engage in political discourse with individuals from multiple walks of life. Second, this experience gave me a renewed appreciation for the arts and live performance. While this isn't exactly career oriented, I am sure that I want to make going to shows and performances a major part of my life.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Absolutely. As a double major I didn't expect to be able to study abroad in college. This short program gave me the experience of being abroad without needing to take away from my studies. Dr. Sage and Dr. Bev were absolutely brilliant professors to go and learn from, and I was blessed to be part of a great group that went over - every member of my class was fun and unique and taught me something different. I would recommend this to anyone.