In today’s society, there is immense pressure to go to a university immediately after students graduate high school. Despite this “typical” chronological sequence of events following graduation, some Sea King students have dared to venture to different countries after receiving their diplomas. Rather than pursuing their educational goals in America, these PV High seniors are creating their own adventures to see the world.
Caroline D’Ambra is one of the few people in high school who seems to have it all. Her achievements through the past four years alone include Project Runway president, a highly active member in PVHS ASB, captain for PV varsity water polo, Las Ninas charity group president, National Honors Society treasurer, recipient of the Girl Scout gold award, and a CSF Gold Sealbearer.
One would wonder how D’Ambra could juggle all of these activities and still have time to excel in her academics. Adventure-hungry D’Ambra will be off to attend the prestigious Leeds Beckett University, located in Leeds, England. This university is ranked to have the best events management program in the world, D’Ambra’s chosen field of study.
In addition to attending this marvelous school, D’Ambra already has bigger plans than just finding the perfect school to attend. “In my second year I have a full year of internship sponsored by the school and I have applied to work as a part of prince Harry’s staff in putting on his parties and events, which I am really excited about,” exclaimed D’Ambra.
When asked why she is interested in studying in England, D’Ambra excitedly stated, “It really intrigued me because there is no general education courses I have to do before I get into my major, it just goes straight into educating me about my career.” Furthermore, D’Ambra compares the social aspect of attending a university overseas, “If I were in America I would have a three day weekend and just hang out with friends but being in Europe when I have a three day weekend I can be sitting on the beaches of Italy or Greece. Reflecting on her reasons for applying to Leeds Beckett University, D’Ambra stated, “I just have always been a traveler and interested in exploring the world and I figure what better time to do it than now before I have a job or a family.”
Another PV High senior very interested in adventure is Keaton Steed. Steed will be traveling to different areas of Asia helping human sex trafficked victims, ex-prostitutes, and orphans. Steed learned about this life-changing program through someone at her church who started this trip a couple years ago. On the trip, there will be only ten people, Keaton being the youngest to take part. Their goal is to help people through their hard pasts in their life and move on from the hardships they have had to face.
When asked why she is interested in this exact cause, Steed said, “I’m really interested and excited to go to Cambodia because this is where I’ll be speaking to the girls that have been rescued from human sex trafficking. Working against human sex trafficking – actually doing something to help stop – it has been a passion of mine for a long time.”
Keaton added, “I will also be going to help at an underground church in India where any religion except Hinduism is illegal. Reflecting on her reasons to travel abroad, Steed explained, “I decided to take next year off because I really wanted to go to a different country where help was needed. Being in a foreign country opens your eyes to so much that we don’t really see much here in North America.”
After spending a year of her time devoted to helping others improve their lives and spread the goodness from her heart, Steed plans to attend a university. At the moment, she is unsure of what she would like to study and at what school. Steed is hoping to find something within the next year that will inspire her to find something she is passionate about and allow it to positively impact her.
Despite taking a different route from the usual American college path, these PV High seniors are sure to succeed in their educational endeavors abroad; Best of luck to them in their astounding futures.