Belle (she/her) joins the third class of international Scholars and is the first from Mater Dei School in Bangkok, Thailand. She has fond memories of IU and Bloomington from childhood, when her family lived on campus while her mother pursued doctoral coursework. Belle attributes her passion for studying international studies to this early exposure to many different cultures and perspectives.
Leyla (she/her), who has lived in the same town her entire life, is very much looking forward to exploring Bloomington, learning the ins and outs of a new city, and building a home away from home. She will study psychology, a first step towards fulfilling her childhood dream of practicing medicine.
IU’s medical school and R1 resources made it a top choice for Shivam (he/him), who is excited to investigate undergraduate research in genomics while majoring in molecular life science and computer science. He also appreciates IU’s diverse degree options and encouragement for students to be flexible in pursuing multiple interests, and he is eager to take part in Overseas Study’s abundant study abroad programs.
Nicky’s (he/him) proudest accomplishment is his Eagle Scout project enhancing the garden and outdoor educational opportunities at Bloomington’s own Childs Elementary School. As the eighteenth student from Bloomington High School South, he has chosen to stay local and continue enjoying the IU campus’ proximity to great outdoor experiences like hiking trails while pursuing studies in intelligent systems engineering and microbiology, as well as extending his biofilm research in the lab of Professor Clay Fuqua.
Maria Amanda (she/her) joins the third class of international Scholars and is the first Scholar from Lincoln International Academy in Managua, Nicaragua. She will major in journalism with a concentration in public relations and minor in marketing.
Evan (he/him) is the first Scholar from Pine-Richland High School and plans to major in computer science. IU’s great programs, beautiful campus, and many opportunities for branching out and exploring different areas are what originally drew Evan to the university, and he looks forward to meeting lots of people with diverse backgrounds and interests, learning from these experiences, and becoming a more versatile person.
Ana (she/her), who plans to major in English, chose IU for its incredible professors, strong programs in her interest areas, wealth of resources, and support available for her to achieve success.
Aaron (he/him), the first Scholar from AC Reynolds High School, came to IU to study clarinet performance in the renowned Jacobs School of Music with Professor Eli Eban. He looks forward to focusing on his music studies, balanced with learning more about the unique topics offered through WSP seminars.
Offered the chance to meet anyone from history, Woodrow (he/him) is torn between Peyton Manning from the Colts, his favorite NFL team, or Ludwig van Beethoven, his favorite classical composer. Woodrow will study music composition and math and decided to attend IU specifically for its world-class music school and composition program.
Grant Newman is a rising senior, majoring in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Spanish. Grant’s favorite quote, “You must have the courage of your own convictions,” highlights the importance of acting confidently according to one’s values. In his personal hierarchy of values, trustworthiness stands out, as it fosters lifelong friendships.
The best advice Jordan (she/her) has ever received comes from her dad: “Don’t be a chicken–be an eagle and soar.” She will follow these words of wisdom and push herself to expand her horizons at IU and is eager to try new things and meet new people from all over.
Heidi (she/her) is a rising junior studying graphic design and psychology. Joining the graphic design program as a second-semester freshman is her proudest achievement and has boosted her confidence as well as helped hone her personal design and illustration styles.
While he plans to major in audio engineering and sound production, Keegan (he/him) picked IU not only for its excellence in music but also for its limitless resources across many academic subjects and opportunities to get involved both on campus and in town.
STEM and the performing arts are Meghan’s (she/her) two greatest passions, and she chose IU for its strong reputations in both fields as well as its beautiful campus and welcoming environment. She will major in physics and eagerly anticipates befriending people who share her interests and love of learning.
Anastasia (she/her), the second Scholar from Maconaquah High School, is most looking forward to learning more about topics that fascinate her, discovering new interests, making new friends and connections, and studying abroad.
As a child, Reagan (she/her) dreamed of being a doctor. Her interests haven’t strayed very far in the intervening years, and she now hopes to major in biology and pursue medical research.
Grania (she/they) is a rising sophomore majoring in theatre & drama and English. While she finds it impossible to definitively determine her favorite books, three works she loves are Luster by Raven Leilani, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
