Imagine spending an entire summer on your own in another country. What would you do? Where would you live? Where would you work? Presidential Scholar, Rebecca Saunders, could share some of her experiences from her time spent in Europe.
Rebecca Saunders is just a sophomore at Illinois State University, but is already planning her graduation in May of 2010, with a degree in Interior/Environmental Design and a minor in Construction Management. “I’m graduating in three years so it’s kind of like I’m a sophomore, junior and senior all at the same time,” Rebecca commented. Eventually, Rebecca would like to move south to work on hotels, but in the mean time, she is in the process of becoming an Irish citizen. After she receives her certification and saves up some money, Rebecca plans to move overseas, get a job and basically travel the world.
Rebecca was originally drawn to the Honors Program and the Presidential Scholars (PS) Program because of the different opportunities available. In fact, Rebecca mentioned that she particularly enjoyed the smaller sections of classes, where she was able to fully participate and talk. “I’m not good at sitting quiet for an hour, so it was really nice to have those smaller classes.” Through the Honors and the PS Programs, Rebecca had the opportunity to part participate in a Study Abroad experience, and she is also in the process of completing several projects through her Service Learning experience. “I’m getting to work on some very cool projects right now, and also being a PS is what’s helping me graduate in three years,” Rebecca mentioned.
Rebecca went on a two week trip with students and professors from the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. The group spent only a few days each in London, Florence and Paris to experience the culture, but Rebecca came up with a plan of her own to extend her stay in Europe. Rebecca actually stayed the rest of the summer in London, and interned at an architecture and interior design firm for two months. “It was just the best experience ever because I was working, I had to find an apartment, I had to get my work Visa, and it was just a lot of experiences.” Rebecca worked with a variety of professionals and helped with any tasks they assigned to her. She also “just learned a lot about what being an interior designer was all about” simply from talking to professionals and listening to all of the positive and negative aspects of the field.
Rebecca always knew she wanted to work with buildings and interiors, and she was able to put her experiences to work through her Service Learning projects. Rebecca is particularly focused on going green and using sustainable materials for buildings and interiors. She is currently working with the Town of Normal Green Team to assist in disseminating knowledge about going green to the community. She is actually writing and editing an article about going green in News Line, which will eventually be distributed to all Normal residents. She is also working on remodeling the Underwood House, and trying to figure out how to use green technologies to make it a green house. “The meetings I’ve attended have had the mayor, energy inspectors, and remodelers and just looking at everyone that goes into the process of making a house is really useful,” Rebecca commented. On top of that, Rebecca is working on a display case for the Normal Public Library, and she is also working with the Illinois State University Green Team doing research and creating a green event planning guide for those living in the residence halls. “With Service Learning I’m learning a lot about different areas and especially with Underwood House. Just the basic skills of assertiveness [and professionalism] that the Service Learning, Presidential Scholars, and the Honors Program require can definitely help [in a future career].”
Her advice for future students? “I just want to say time management, organization, and not being afraid of professionals. I know (for me) between Service Learning, classes and especially trying to get the grades that all Honors students want, you can’t just lay around and watch TV all day, even if your roommate does.”
written by: Sasha Boheme