Alison Pham

“After receiving the Presidential Scholarship from Ramapo College, I knew that I wanted to use my scholarship money toward traveling abroad. In my sophomore year of college, I was able to exchange to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for an entire year. Traveling throughout the islands changed my perspective about our Ohana (in Hawaiian culture, family). In Hawaii, everyone calls each other brother, sister, uncle and auntie. I learned that we are all connected to each other and our community, and we have a responsibility, or kuleana, to help each other and our environment progress.

During my senior year, I decided to study abroad again, this time to Milan, Italy, at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Milan was an entirely different change of pace and I was excited for a more global experience and perspective. My favorite class was “The Discovery of Italy Through its Culinary Traditions” where we learned about Italy’s food culture and cooked delicious traditional recipes. I also took a class on European Economics, which gave me an incredible insight into the European integration and the global financial crisis. Traveling throughout Europe deepened my world perspective immeasurably.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I was given at Ramapo College. Throughout all my travels, the greatest gift I was given was a greater appreciation for everything that I have here in America. Returning from Hawaii and Italy has deepened my intellectual curiosity and my personal growth. Without the support of Ramapo, I wouldn’t have been able to travel and grow as much as I have throughout my college career.” – Alison Pham ’18 graduated with a degree in Marketing and a minor in International Business. Her Ramapo Honors Program Thesis was on New Product Development.

Programs:
National Student Exchange
Universita’ Cattolica del Sacro Cuore