A Life-Changing Move: Student Sadie Dunham
Originally from Ouray, Colorado, Sadie Dunham is a junior majoring in International Business and minoring in English Literature. She is a student ambassador for incoming students from Colorado and a member of the Board Game Club.
What brought you to JCU and Rome?
I learned about JCU from a poster in my high school hallway and originally applied as an International Affairs major. I figured there was no better way to learn about International Affairs than at a university abroad. Since applying, I have changed my major to International Business with a minor in English Literature.
Why did you decide to major in International Business and minor in English Literature?
I chose to major in International Business because I grew up in a business environment. My parents have inspired me with the hard work they put in to create and grow their shop, Khristopher’s Culinaire, a kitchen and retail store. I have been going to trade shows with my dad in Las Vegas, Nevada, and this has taught me different ways to successfully run a business.
I added a minor in English Literature because I have always enjoyed reading and learning about literature. My favorite thing about literature is that it helps us understand the past and it can be applied to modern days. It shows that people from hundreds of years ago have felt the same things that we feel now.
You’re a student ambassador for incoming students from Colorado. Tell us more about this role.
I took this ambassadorship to help others who have made such a life-changing move. When I first came to Rome, it would have been helpful to have someone who understood where I was from to help me adjust and give me tips to make the transition smoother. It is useful to know more about the small things people don’t think are important, like what the weather is going to be like. Going to college is difficult enough, let alone moving to a whole new continent and I want to help others who have taken this challenging journey.
I am a point of reference for JCU students who are also from Colorado. This involves communication on different platforms, from emails to Zoom meetings. Ambassadors answer any questions or concerns new students have before committing and coming to JCU, and we do a “meet and greet” event to introduce everyone when they arrive in Rome. Ambassadors are essentially living proof that everything will work out for incoming students.
You’re also a member of the Board Game Club. Why is it important to be involved in extra-curricular activities that you enjoy?
The Board Game Club is a fun way to relax after a week of constant schoolwork. It’s a place where you can be with your friends, play games, and get competitive. Through the club, I have met new friends and learned how to play more games. The club hosts a few events per semester, which are always fun. It is important to be involved in campus activities to build friendships and broaden your social network.
What advice would you give to students considering JCU?
Traveling from Rome is so easy that sometimes people forget about the “study” part of study abroad. With two international airports and cheap flights, Rome has access to many countries. This is convenient, but my advice would be to figure out your schedule first and then plan your trips around schoolwork. That way, you can travel without stress.
What are your plans for the future?
I am graduating in Spring 2025 and will likely take a gap year to work before going to graduate school. I would like to go into book publishing to use both my International Business major and my English Literature minor.
