Starting in late July, Sophia Gant ’16 will move halfway around the world for a 10-month Global Academic Fellowship at NYU Shanghai. Gant will join a group of high-achieving college graduates to provide one-on-one academic support to the university’s diverse student body.
“There are lots of English-teaching programs for recent graduates all over the world,” she says, “but what really drew me to NYU Shanghai were the incredible resources and support systems for fellows.”
During her time at Haverford, Gant majored in comparative literature—a field that, as she points out, has a strong international focus. She also spent a semester studying in Paris and received funding from the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship (CPGC) to work for the Rwanda Film Festival the summer before her junior year.
“Both experiences have enabled me to feel comfortable navigating new places, which will definitely be helpful since I’ve never been to China,” she says.
Gant did not have to go far to learn about this opportunity. Gant, who spent three years tutoring students in the Writing Center, first learned about it from its director, Kristin Lindgren. And she was encouraged to apply by Candace Jordan ’12, currently a program coordinator in the Office of Academic Resources (OAR) on campus and one of several alumni who held a similar position at NYU’s campus in Abu Dhabi.
“My three years of work in Haverford’s Writing Center gave me the confidence and the skill-set necessary to take on the demands of this job,” she says.
Gant will also have an opportunity to improve her own writing skills while working on an independent project that should meet both her interests and the needs of NYU. She hopes to work on mental health advocacy and resources for students or join the Admissions Office.
Although her future goals are still unresolved, Gant believes a year spent doing both higher-education administrative work and hands-on teaching will help her figure out the right career path.
“I can’t say for certain where NYU Shanghai will take me, but I’m looking forward to this year and to all the changes, challenges, and opportunities it presents,” she says. “I know I will grow tremendously during my time in China.”
“Where They’re Headed” is a blog series reporting on the post-collegiate plans of recent Haverford graduates.