Liberal Arts Major(s): English
Other Major: Public Relations
Minor: Spanish, History
Hometown: Palmerton, Pennsylvania

What was the best part of your experience?

The best part of studying abroad was being able to experience the literature of another culture with a close-knit group of students and professors that I'm still in contact with. We all were able to connect over art and literature, while experiencing the beautiful landscape and rich culture of Ireland. This allowed me to explore my own creative aspirations and enjoy time spent in the classroom and outside in nature.

This experience helped shape the way I look at creative disciplines by exposing me to the thought processes of countless artists and literary professionals

How did this experience impact you academically?

Academically, this experience helped shape the way I look at creative disciplines by exposing me to the thought processes of countless artists and literary professionals. It provided me with upper-level knowledge within my English major and still helps to influence the way I approach my honors thesis.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will impact my career goals because it began my international conscience and helped me branch out from a lifetime of experiences had in the confines of America. Studying in Ireland was my first time traveling internationally, and it gave me a wealth of knowledge I will use in the future to consider critically and experience firsthand the world outside the United States. This will help me to be more culturally and socially aware in the workplace.

How has the Paterno Fellows Program had an impact on this experience?

The Paterno Fellows program affected this experience by helping to ensure not only that I could physically attend this program, but also that I had a stronger base of liberal arts knowledge with which to approach it. My previous studies of creative arts and literature both inside and outside the classroom greatly helped me to succeed on this journey.