McNair Scholar
Spring Grove Area High School
Spring Grove, Pa.
International Business, Finance
Career plans: I plan to start my career as a management consultant for Ernst & Young Parthenon in Washington, D.C. immediately following graduation. I hope to work in the world of international business and international relations as a career, as well as pursue higher education either through an MBA program or law program. My goal is to one day utilize my international business knowledge to create a social enterprise and foster long-term sustainable economic development.
Most impactful experience: The most impactful experiences I have had were pursuing a degree in International Business, completing four internships with the U.S. Department of State, International Trade Administration, Economic Development Administration and Associated British Foods, and conducting interviews with authors, politicians and NGO leaders on behalf of the Seeking Refuge Podcast and Advocacy Group. These experiences have made me realize the potential in a world of opportunities.
Best part of the Top Scholars program: The Top Scholar program has provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow and develop my academic and personal interests. The Top Scholar community and its resources have been essential to my collegiate success and they have formed the foundation of my experience at the University of South Carolina. The Top Scholar program has allowed me to grow and flourish into a young professional eager to make an impact in the world.
UofSC Story: One influential experience that I had at UofSC was when former Tanzanian presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, spoke to my Business in Africa class. Mr. Lissu gave an eye opening presentation on the current state of Tanzania, the assassination attempt that was made on his life and what life is like in Tanzania compared to the United States. His story was incredibly inspiring, and I had the privilege to speak with him after class on a variety of topics regarding international relations. This experience created a profound interest within me regarding East Africa and Central African politics and also contributed to my decision to write my senior thesis on Foreign Direct Investment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have had many opportunities and wonderful experiences at the University of South Carolina, and they have all helped to shape me into the person I am today.