Guiliana Sodaro shares her experiences with Lone Star College, LSC Global Scholars and using her Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Ireland.

Why is education important to you?

Education is incredibly important to me because it is the only way to make the world a better place.

Tell me about your experience with LSC Global Scholars.

When and why did you get involved?

I joined LSC Global Scholars in fall 2022 to gain a broader understanding of the world. The program pushes the development of cultural competency and knowledge, which I think is incredibly important given we are in an increasingly globalized world.

What type of projects have you worked on?

I am proud of my involvement at the Culture in Action Conference and the International Education Biennial. At both events, I sat on a panel with other Global Scholars discussing why I enjoy the program, how developing cultural competency is beneficial, and most importantly, how to engage with others in a culturally competent manner.

How did you initially benefit from the Gilman International Scholarship?

This international scholarship helped me to realize my dream of studying abroad. I completed the requirements of attending the workshop and writing three essays to become a recipient.

Why did you select Ireland, when did you visit, and what learning and cultural activities did you experience?

I chose Ireland to expand on what I learned in an EDUC 1300 class. As an LSC Global Scholar, I had to take an International Studies course each semester. My first course, led by the Study Abroad Institute on Intercultural Ireland, exposed us to weekly lessons about different aspects of Irish culture and asked us to compare Irish and American history and culture.

I was in Ireland June 19-July 1 and spent most of my time in Bundoran (Northern Ireland) and experienced parts of Ireland that often go unappreciated. I learned about Irish history, specifically the Troubles, Irish kingdoms, colonization and modern Ireland.

Through Irish guest speakers and performers, I heard about the country’s people of color experiences and Irish music. I highly recommend listening to the Henry Girls, a Celtic group similar to country music.

My group also hiked up mountains and learned about the cairns (rock piles often used for burial grounds), took a Celtic art class, ate fish and chips and went to a Gaelic Football game, mixture of soccer, American football and basketball.

I am incredibly grateful to have experienced Ireland and feel like I saw cultural competency in action.

How will LSC Global Scholars and the Gilman International Scholarship impact your future goals?

Being a Global Scholar has put me in the position to meet others and gain a broader understanding of the world, which is crucial to becoming a lawyer.

Are you involved in other Lone Star College programs besides Global Scholars?

Along with being a Global Scholar, I am also an Honors College Merit Scholar. I believe both LSC programs are helping me to develop cultural competency and critical thinking skills, which will help me as an attorney.

What is your academic goal at Lone Star College?

I will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Political Science from LSC-Tomball in spring 2024.

What is your future career field, why did you choose it, and what do you hope to accomplish?

I want to be a lawyer, perhaps in either immigration or public defense, to help people and make a positive difference in the community. I hope to be an attorney people can trust to be on their side, which I think starts with my commitment to learning more about the everchanging world. I want to make this world better instead of letting it stay the same.

What are your academic or career plans after Lone Star College?

I plan to transfer to a four-year university and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.