Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
A student from St. John's University has won a scholarship that has enabled her to study abroad in Rome, Italy. The scholarship, provided by Joy Worldwide Inc., was awarded through the Office of International Education at the university. This opportunity is part of her educational journey which began with attending St. John’s University after moving from Richmond, Virginia.
The student recounted how she initially resisted enrolling in a Global Passport course during her first year but eventually took a public speaking course that led her to Rome in Spring 2023. She described being one of the few Black students there and experiencing cultural differences, including the stares from locals which she came to understand as part of their culture.
Following this experience, she attended a summer session in Paris, France, where she studied French. Her plans for Fall 2024 included participating in St. John’s Semester in Rome program when she learned about the scholarship opportunity.
Upon winning the scholarship after an interview process, her plan to study abroad became feasible despite initial challenges like packing for the trip and adjusting to life in Rome without knowing the language. She expressed anxiety about budgeting and being away from family but emphasized that these challenges should motivate rather than deter people.
Part of the scholarship's requirements involves documenting her journey, which has encouraged her to explore more of Rome and its surrounding cultures during weekends. With three months remaining on this semester-long adventure, she hopes it will not end soon.
Reflecting on studying abroad versus studying in America, she acknowledged feeling like an immigrant and expressed a desire to continue immersing herself in different cultures while maintaining academic excellence.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”—Neale Donald Walsch
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