Performing beautiful repertoire and harmonizing with talented peers in Women’s Chorale has been particularly enriching through our exploration of music beyond the Western canon. Engaging with diverse musical traditions has broadened my understanding of the universality of music and its power to transcend cultural boundaries. As a Global Scholar at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, this intersection of choral performance and global education has deepened my appreciation for how music serves as a bridge between communities and traditions. To highlight this connection, I have included a concert reflection that illustrates how these experiences have shaped my understanding of the cultural significance of the arts.

Engaging in advanced English courses at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, ranging from Honors World Literature to Honors British Literature to AP English Language and AP English Literature, has been deeply fulfilling, particularly in connecting these literary studies to my work as a Global Scholar. Each course has offered unique opportunities to examine the intersection of literature, culture, and history, enhancing my understanding of global themes. To illustrate this relationship, I have included my essays on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Bacchae, along with my British Literature final research paper, Jane Eyre: The Infancy Narrative of Victorian Reformism. These works demonstrate how critical analysis through literary theory complements my exploration of societal values, historical reform, and global perspectives in the Global Scholars program.

My study of Latin at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur has been an intellectually rewarding journey, offering a deep dive into the language, literature, and historical context of ancient Rome. This pursuit has provided opportunities to engage in rigorous research and analysis, including two papers on Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita—one examining the themes of the first decade and another analyzing the rhetorical strategies in Roman versus non-Roman speeches in Book XXII. Additionally, I collaborated on a comparative presentation exploring the influence and motives of Livy and Vergil, which highlighted their roles in shaping Roman identity and ideology. These studies have not only sharpened my analytical skills but also deepened my understanding of classical literature’s enduring impact, aligning closely with the interdisciplinary approach of the Global Scholars program.

As a Diocesan Scholar, my dual enrollment courses at Saint Joseph’s University have provided invaluable opportunities to deepen my understanding of economic principles. In the fall semester, I completed Microeconomics, culminating in a final presentation that was awarded the top grade in the class, showcasing my ability to analyze and communicate complex economic concepts effectively. This spring, I am set to study Macroeconomics, where I look forward to exploring broader economic systems and their global implications. These experiences have enhanced my perspective on how economic policies influence equity and development, aligning seamlessly with the interdisciplinary objectives of the Global Scholars program.