Laurel Farr

Q: Why did you choose the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program?

A: I chose to be an Alexander Hamilton Scholar because of the versatility of the program and the diversity of the course options. I started as an International Studies major, but I wanted to gain some more analytical skills through taking business courses offered by Poole. The Alexander Hamilton Scholars program essentially creates an “International Business” major that is not available at NCSU. The interdisciplinary knowledge I have gained from this program can be applied across so many different industries and career paths.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the program?

A: I love the small community Alexander Hamilton Scholars has provided me at such a large school! I have met some great friends through the program and the classes that we take together. It has been wonderful to be mentored by our advisors Dr. Murray and Mr. Sandruck.

Q: How has being a part of Alexander Hamilton Scholars prepared you for your future career?

A: We host many career-related events, such as career fair preparation sessions, alumni panels, and presentations from company recruiters. Alexander Hamilton Scholars also has a big focus on teaching us how to market ourselves and our unique skillset that we have acquired by being in this program, which is very helpful when interviewing for jobs. The program is very globally-minded which has encouraged me to expand my future career options to more international work.

Q: What did studying abroad teach you about yourself?

A: Studying abroad taught me [that] I am much more capable than I realize. There are so many unexpected situations that you will find yourself in where you have no other option than to figure it out on your own. Navigating a foreign public transportation system, communicating with my landlord through a language barrier, missing flights or trains, and planning trips were all things I had no previous experience with, but had to figure out how to make work. Studying abroad was a big step outside of my comfort zone; but I am so grateful for it because it strengthened my problem-solving skills and taught me that I am capable of difficult things on my own.

Q: Did you explore any other locations while you were studying abroad?

A: Traveling was one of the highlights of studying abroad! I was lucky enough to visit London, Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Dublin, Marrakech, Amalfi, Sicily, Amsterdam, Ibiza, and Barcelona.

Q: What was your favorite thing about studying abroad?

A: My favorite thing about study abroad was the incredible friendships I made. Not only did I become close with the other NCSU students in my program, I also got to meet people from all around the world. Whether that be European students, hostel bunkmates, tour guides, or employees at my favorite local restaurants, I now have this massive network of people across the world that I can go visit during future travels.