Nicole Brand
Paly Class of 2020, Saint Louis University in Madrid
What is your major/what are you interested in studying?
I am studying at Saint Louis University in Madrid and my current major is Marketing and communications with a minor in Spanish.
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes this term? Why?
My favorite class that I took this semester was Intro to International Politics. In this class, I was able to be challenged intellectually, which allowed me to be more engaged during the class. It was really interesting to learn about foreign affairs and how the world has been able to be developed thanks to the advancements of international relations.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best part about going to college is that I was able to find myself. I was finally independent and was able to learn more about the kind of lifestyle that I wanted to live. Additionally living abroad really helped me become more outgoing and surround myself with amazing people. I am very happy with the school that I am attending and the community that surrounds me on a daily basis.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree?
RTE has allowed me to be more confident in the decision of attending college. Before I was scared of how I was going to be able to afford a four-year university. However, the scholarship money that RTE gives me every semester helps me cover my living expenses. Affording college is definitely something that has always worried me but I get some peace by knowing that RTE is there to support me in any way they can. At the beginning of my college process finances were something that was holding me back. By knowing that I had a scholarship such as RTE to help me it allowed me to feel more confident in my decision to attend a private four-year institution.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting to college?
My parents definitely made a huge impact on the process of my getting into college. They have always supported my dreams and have always allowed me to pursue my college education. They also went on many college visits with me and helped me find the best institutions to apply to.
Another person that played a crucial part in my college process was Kimberly Schwan (RTE Mentorship Chairperson). She has always supported me and helped me with anything that I may have needed while I was applying to schools. Kimberly read my common app essays and gave me tons of feedback on how to make it better. She has also always kept in touch with me and has helped me get to the school that I am today. I could afford and allowed me to see clearly how much financial assistance that I would be receiving since RTE’s scholars is a four-year-long scholarship.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do after college?
After college, I think that I will want to stay in Spain for a couple more years and work at a marketing firm. I want to gain a lot of experience working abroad before coming back to the US and perhaps settling down back in California.
What is your major/what are you interested in studying?
I am studying at Saint Louis University in Madrid and my current major is Marketing and communications with a minor in Spanish.
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes this term? Why?
My favorite class that I took this semester was Intro to International Politics. In this class, I was able to be challenged intellectually, which allowed me to be more engaged during the class. It was really interesting to learn about foreign affairs and how the world has been able to be developed thanks to the advancements of international relations.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best part about going to college is that I was able to find myself. I was finally independent and was able to learn more about the kind of lifestyle that I wanted to live. Additionally living abroad really helped me become more outgoing and surround myself with amazing people. I am very happy with the school that I am attending and the community that surrounds me on a daily basis.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree?
RTE has allowed me to be more confident in the decision of attending college. Before I was scared of how I was going to be able to afford a four-year university. However, the scholarship money that RTE gives me every semester helps me cover my living expenses. Affording college is definitely something that has always worried me but I get some peace by knowing that RTE is there to support me in any way they can. At the beginning of my college process finances were something that was holding me back. By knowing that I had a scholarship such as RTE to help me it allowed me to feel more confident in my decision to attend a private four-year institution.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting to college?
My parents definitely made a huge impact on the process of my getting into college. They have always supported my dreams and have always allowed me to pursue my college education. They also went on many college visits with me and helped me find the best institutions to apply to.
Another person that played a crucial part in my college process was Kimberly Schwan (RTE Mentorship Chairperson). She has always supported me and helped me with anything that I may have needed while I was applying to schools. Kimberly read my common app essays and gave me tons of feedback on how to make it better. She has also always kept in touch with me and has helped me get to the school that I am today. I could afford and allowed me to see clearly how much financial assistance that I would be receiving since RTE’s scholars is a four-year-long scholarship.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do after college?
After college, I think that I will want to stay in Spain for a couple more years and work at a marketing firm. I want to gain a lot of experience working abroad before coming back to the US and perhaps settling down back in California.