Sarah Marshall, 鈥�16,聽discovered her calling very early in life. And as she graduates from Meredith, she feels more prepared than ever to pursue it.
鈥淚鈥檝e always felt like I had a message. Growing up in a really small town, I saw so many people I love not having the opportunities to do all the things they wanted to do. I love Meredith because my experience here has pushed me further to my ultimate message 鈥� I want to be an advocate. That鈥檚 what I want to do for the rest of my life.鈥�
An聽English聽major with a minor聽in聽religious and ethical studies, Sarah studied abroad in Iceland and said the experience changed her life.
鈥淚t was incredible. I got to see how men and women are treated equally, how women play such a big role in politics, and how there is such a different respect for women there. It opened my eyes to the fact that things can be better 鈥� things can be done differently. It just takes a change in perspective.鈥�
During the summer after Iceland, Sarah taught ESL classes to children in Hawaii, furthering her awareness of different cultures and ways of living.
She said that her professors also have played a big role in expanding her worldview.
鈥淚鈥檝e been so lucky. All of my professors here have a way of making us culturally aware and responsible. It happens in all my classes, from southern lit to social problems. They鈥檝e always had that push toward real life; I really appreciate that about Meredith.鈥�
Actively involved in campus life, Sarah has competed in the Ethics Bowl and participates in the Black Student Union. She also is the Big Sis/Little Sis co-chair for 2016 and a study abroad peer ambassador.
After graduation, Sarah wants to be a 鈥渉ands-on activist.鈥� She is considering sociology graduate programs and may work with the Black Lives Matter movement. One of her biggest dreams is to create an event for college students from throughout North Carolina to gather peacefully in support of the movement.
鈥淲ith my background and where I come from, I feel so fortunate to even have these opportunities, when I have so many friends who can only dream about it. I don鈥檛 ever want to feel guilty because I know it鈥檚 something I鈥檝e earned, but at the same time it pushes me to want to use my voice to make those opportunities available to everyone.鈥�
Learn more about studying聽English聽at Meredith.
Discover the world through Meredith’s聽Study Abroad Program.
