Home Away From Home

Home Away From Home

First year student Kate Park already knows what it means to live away from home. The Spanish major spent her senior year of high school living with a family in La Serena, Chile. “It was an amazing experience,” says Park. “I got to speak a foreign language every day, learn the cueca (national dance of Chile), and I got to experience another part of the world first hand. I traveled from the north of Chile all the way down to the south of Chile, from the desert to the icebergs. I learned so much about myself and how to deal with new situations, and I honestly had the time of my life.”

The Glen Gardner, N.J., native says she knew Saint Mary’s was a great school, with its small class sizes. “I love the way the professors involve the students and allow us to discuss topics. It makes the class fly by and it’s a great way to learn the information,” says Park. “The attention students receive here helps them to shape, change, and grow into beautiful, strong, better women.”

Park also appreciates that Saint Mary’s is a Catholic institution. “God is really important in my life, and I enjoy being in a place that shares my ideas.” Being close to the University of Notre Dame is another added bonus. Park is already taking advantage of “the best of both worlds,” playing field hockey at Notre Dame. And she’s busy on Saint Mary’s campus as a member of the Spanish club and campus ministry.

With a minor in secondary education , Park’s goals for the future are twofold. She’d eventually like to be a Spanish teacher, but not before living abroad and teaching English. Saint Mary’s can prepare her for this with the many study abroad programs currently offered. “Being abroad and being able to speak Spanish would be amazing, and hopefully by teaching English, I can open some doors for a child through teaching them another language.”