Four College of Charleston Students Named Gilman Scholars
The scholarship provides students with study abroad opportunities that will enhance their academic pursuits and broaden their cultural horizons.
With the assistance of the College of Charleston’s National Competitive Awards Office, four College of Charleston students – Hannah Escalente, Isabelle Monachelli, Nya Pitts and Aaliyah Wiggs – recently received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support their study aboard experiences.
While Monachelli, a junior majoring in economics, has already embarked on her study abroad in Italy, the other students in the cohort are set to embark on their studies abroad this summer: sophomore biology and Spanish double major Escalente in Costa Rica, junior sociology major Pitts in Greece, and junior marine biology major Wiggs in Ireland.
“I want to approach this trip with an interdisciplinary mindset that will expand my skills, knowledge and experience in the sciences and humanities,” says Wiggs, who is eager to explore Ireland’s rich culture and natural beauty, including landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher and Lough Hyne. She adds that her academic minor will come in handy for her experience. “With my studio art minor and interest in professionally pursuing photography – especially wildlife, landscape and travel – I can use my excursions to expand my own photography portfolio. Ireland is also host to a plethora of biodiversity and biological phenomena that are incredible to observe firsthand as a marine biology student!”
Escalante also looks forward to furthering her academic interests while in Costa Rica.
“With this opportunity to study abroad, I will be going out to different rainforests and learning about biology in an extremely biodiverse and productive area,” says Escalante, who is currently working on a service project with the Charleston M.A.R.S.H. Project. “This experience will give me more perspective and ideas of the environmental and chemical field that I hope to learn.”
Students who are interested in applying for a Gilman Scholarship or other external fellowships and scholarships should the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at nationalawards@cofc.edu.
Aiming to raise the College of Charleston’s profile by helping students pursue prestigious opportunities both in the U.S. and internationally, the Office of National Competitive Awards helps students find and apply for awards that support their studies, research projects, learning new languages and studying abroad. The office works closely with students to guide them through the application process. This includes matching students with specific awards, giving feedback on personal statements, conducting mock interviews and organizing selection committees.
