January 28, 2013
Milana Edwards ’14CPS is exploring all that Europe has to offer,
and thanks to her blog – Going Global – you can
explore along with her!
“I’ve always wanted to be a blogger,” said Edwards, who is
currently participating in St. John’s University’s unique
Discover the World program, an opportunity for students to live
and study in Paris, Rome and Seville, Spain. “The goal of my blog
is to allow our alumni and friends to live through me, to feel as
if they’ve living abroad too just by following the sights and
sounds of my posts.”
This semester marks Edwards’ first time in Europe, so she’s
excited to see some of the continent’s most famous landmarks. And
from photo galleries to videos to short, historical write-ups,
she’ll be providing a fun and comprehensive look at her trip with
every blog post.
“I can’t wait to see the Louvre,” she said, “and to walk the
cobblestone in Rome. The food, the language, the vistas – it’s all
going to be so new to me, and hopefully my blog will convey what
I’m thinking and feeling as I experience these things.”
She added, “And if any of our alumni are in the same boat as me
and haven’t seen those sights either – they’ll probably relate to a
lot of what I have to say.”
Originally
from Staten Island, Edwards transferred to St. John’s prior to her
sophomore year in college and was attracted to the University’s
on-campus atmosphere and its top-notch Public Relations program.
The fact that St. John’s is also a major force in college
basketball also appealed to her.
“This is a unique campus,” she noted. “Everyone is so friendly,
and when there’s a basketball or soccer game, things get crazy!
Whether it’s on campus or at Madison Square Garden, our games are a
lot of fun, and I really can’t imagine college without it.”
Edwards also has a knack for music and the performing arts.
She’s never shy to burst out into song, and she even put her
talents on display when she participated in St. John’s 2011 music
video, “We
Need a Dollar.” Not surprisingly, she’s studied music history
for years and is looking forward to learning about some of her
favorite composers while in Europe.
“I’ve been playing classical music since the sixth grade, so
I’ve definitely had this passion for a while,” she said. “It’s
crazy to think that I’ll be standing in the very places where these
musical giants crafted their most famous compositions. That’s going
to be incredible.”
For Edwards, the most remarkable part about her study-abroad
experience is that it wouldn’t have been possible without the
generous support of alumni and friends. In fact, financial aid
proved to be the deciding factor for Edwards when she was debating
signing up for Discover the World.
“When I received an e-mail last semester telling me I had gotten
a grant to study abroad, I pumped my fist and said, ‘Yes!’” Edwards
recalled. “That was a great moment, and I know that I may not have
an opportunity like this again, so I’m going to make the most of
it. And I hope that St. John’s donors can see through my blog where
their gifts are going and the type of impact they’re having on
students like me.”
Follow along with Edwards’ blog throughout the semester to see
Europe through her eyes. Feel free to leave comments on her posts
and ask her questions – she’ll try to respond as soon as she
can!