Stephanie Clark
 
Stephanie Clark is a Virginia native with majors in International Studies and Hispanic Studies. She is involved in many of the Arts at VWU in addition to being highly involved in the Young Democrats Club and Model United Nations. Stephanie is also a student ambassador she looks forward to continuing to make connections around campus and the world during her semester abroad.
What  is your favorite BHC-related memory?
During my first J-Term,  I was given the opportunity to take a study abroad course in Guanacaste, Costa  Rica. So far, this has been my favorite BHC memory as it allowed me to work  with international restoration projects which I later conducted my own,  independent research on, and presented a project at the academic symposium in  Spring 2024. This memory also gave me many friends and connections which I hope  to use further in my career both at and outside of Virginia Wesleyan.
What is your most  significant takeaway from being a member of the Batten Honors College?
I believe that one of  the most significant takeaways I have from being a member of the Batten Honors  College is how to be a global resident and not just a tourist. The program has  allowed me to learn different cultures and make connections with people from  around the world. 
What is the most  prominent skill that you have gained as a BHC student?
Through the  BHC, I’ve learned how to effectively communicate. This is one of the most  prominent skills I’ve developed while being enrolled in the program as it has  allowed me to open a dialogue and come to agreements with people.
What advice would you  offer to future Batten Honors College students?
My advice to  future BHC students would be to take every opportunity you can to learn about  something new. Whether that be a new culture or language, or perhaps even  learning how to dance the salsa, these precious moments in your college career  are the times you will remember the most, and they will stay with you.
Campus involvement:
- Secretary of the Young Democrats Club
- Theater
- Choir
- Model UN
- Marlins Go Green
I am hoping to start my own culture and language organization in Fall 2024
Awards, recognitions, and/or conference presentations:
- Presidential Service Award 2024 -Distinguished Delegation Award 2024
- I have presented a poster in the Spring Academic Symposium 2024
What are your plans  after graduation? 
After graduating from Virginia Wesleyan University,  I plan to take advantage of the MBA program offered through the Batten Honors  College. Afterwards, I will be pursuing a Master’s in Science in Foreign  Service and hopefully a PhD in the field of international relations. My  professional plan is to join the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of  Women and pass new resolutions for Latin American immigrant women and children.