That's A Wrap! Reflecting on the First Year of the Scholar Blogger Series

Where has this year gone? It feels like just yesterday I was preparing to introduce our Scholar Bloggers and launch this new project. Now, as I wrap up the very first year of the Scholar Blogger Series, I could not be prouder of these four women! This year’s Scholar Bloggers have given us invaluable advice for not only surviving the school year, but truly embracing and finding joy in every challenge along the way, too. They have accomplished so much and aren’t stopping any time soon! Here is what the 2015-2016 Scholar Bloggers are looking forward to during the coming year:

Ali Manske, Rho/Nebraska

Now a Junior Bachelor’s degree in Biological Systems Engineering with an emphasis in Biomedical Engineering, minor in International Engineering with an emphasis in Spanish

This summer, Ali is looking forward to studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain, for a month after a hectic yet fulfilling academic year. During the past year, she has traveled to different places, jumped into leadership roles, and been challenged academically—what a year it has been! During her time abroad, she will finish her International Engineering minor while continuing to practice her Spanish skills, and she couldn’t be more excited.

Amelia Ayers, Epsilon Iota/Westminster College

Now a graduate student Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies, Transnational Studies, and Political Science, minors in German and Psychology

Amelia recently graduated from Westminster College and is planning on attending grad school next year to earn her Master’s Degree, either in Strategic Studies or Intelligence and International Security. This summer, she plans on completing an internship to gain more experience in security studies. She has multiple grad school and internship offers and is trying to choose between numerous top-tier programs. It’s clear she has a bright future ahead!

Kate Arnold, Omicron/USC

Now a 2nd-year medical student Doctorate in Medicine

Kate will participate in the Pritzker School of Medicine’s Summer Research Program, conducting research under the mentorship of a cardiology faculty member. She will be investigating atherosclerosis and trying to identify markers of progressive versus stable coronary artery disease. Next year, she will enter her second year of medical school, honing her clinical knowledge in preparation for clinical training on the wards in her third year. In between her studies, she is excited to take some time off for a family vacation in Hawaii!

Cory Davis, Zeta Rho/UC San Diego

Now a 3rd-year doctoral student Doctorate in Higher Education Administration

Cory’s main focus for the foreseeable future will be working on her dissertation. This summer, she will conduct a pilot study and continue planning for her final project into the next academic year. She will also have the opportunity to present at a conference amidst her dissertation work! Cory will be taking classes again next year as she enters the third year of her Ph.D. program in Higher Education Administration.

Ladies, thank you for volunteering your time and talents to make this a unique and helpful blog series. All of us at Theta Foundation can’t wait to see where you go from here!

I am excited to announce that there will be a second edition of the Scholar Blogger series coming this fall featuring four 2016 Theta Foundation Scholarship recipients! Stay tuned as we welcome a new “class” of scholarship recipients and four new Scholar Bloggers!

You can read all of this year’s Scholar Blogger posts on our blog. We encourage you to keep in touch using our B.A.Y. (Brag About Yourself) form and share your accomplishments with Theta Foundation throughout the year. You might even be featured on Theta Foundation’s social media pages!