2021 Award: Martin P. Blum Scholarship Award in Recognition of Exemplary Academic Performance in French
Major: International Relations
Minor: French and General Business
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Extracurricular activities: Gonzaga Environmental Organization, Spokane Humane Society Volunteer, Cashier at QFC
About the Award
The Martin P. Blum Scholarship Award goes to a student who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in French language, literature, and culture.
More about Maia
I’m 21 years old, living with my two closest friends. In my spare time, I enjoy going on walks, coloring, listening to DnD podcasts, and making bracelets. If I’m not studying, I’m hanging out with my friends, watching Criminal Minds, or spending time with my aunt and uncle who live in Spokane. I’m quiet at first, but very silly and outgoing when you get to know me.
Future plans:
At the moment, I have no concrete plans for after graduation. However, I think I would like to put my skills in analysis to use and either work for an international company, such as Microsoft, or for a research facility like the Brookings Institute. It would be fulfilling for me to be able to continue learning and expanding my horizons after I leave college. If I can’t find a fulfilling career after I graduate, I’d like to pursue a postgraduate education overseas, ideally at the International Institute in Geneva.
How has your major contributed to your professional or personal development?
Having International Relations as my major has taught me to appreciate the various ways people in different cultures think, to recognize and love the differences between us. Making connections between different cultures has made me a better analyst and a more open and understanding person.
What has been your proudest or most significant accomplishment during your Gonzaga career?
The moment I realized I didn’t have to think in order to understand the French being spoken to me – I just understood. That was when I knew my eight years of studying had paid off and it made me very happy.