Exploring Opportunities with Clair

Segment #5 from College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University

Transcript

Let’s meet Clair, a political science major on a pre-law track. Who has seen the world. St. Ben’s and St.John’s are nationally recognized for their top-notch study abroad programs. Nearly 50% of students have at least one global experience. Clair’s opportunities are possible with the help of scholarships, but that’s not unusual. Every venue and Johnny receive financial assistance. CSB and SJU offer financial aid, that does more than just get you in the door. This residential community empowers the whole college journey. Clair, take it from here.

– Thanks, Alex. As a first generation college student from a small town, I never would’ve been able to imagine before coming to St. Ben’s, that I’d be able to afford a private, quality college education, thrive in three different study abroad programs. All becoming president of the student body. I’ve traveled the world during my time here. I conducted ethnographic research on racial and gender inequalities in elections in Brazil. I spent a semester in Rome studying ancient Roman history, art of the Renaissance, religion, and picked up an ancient Mediterranean studies minor along the way. Next, I’ll be traveling to Dubai with other Bennys and Johnnys to attend the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, as a US delegate. It’s a chance to meet with learn from and engage with global leaders who are tackling our planet’s biggest issues. It is extremely rare for undergraduate students to be able to attend, but this is just another opportunity that Benny’s and Johnny’s get to do every year. Domestically, I’ve been able to take part in our Washington DC summer study program, which connected me with a paid internship in the US House of Representatives. St. Ben’s and St. John’s encourage you to take risks and live courageously. I took that challenge. Every one of these trips I’ve taken, has been with the help of scholarship funding through our Center for Global Education, that’s on top of the generous scholarships already in my financial aid package. St. Ben’s and St. John’s and their generous donors are committed to finding ways to make education accessible, and I’m so grateful. St. Ben’s and St. John’s not only provide opportunities, but the personal and financial assistance that it takes to help students to flourish. I think that’s awesome, Alex, don’t you?

– Clair, I think that is incredible. You sure are making the most of these opportunities. We know your voice will be heard at the UN conference and no doubt you’ll be a change maker. Thanks again.

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