With Commencement approaching on June 1, Spalding is publishing a series of stories and Q&A’s that highlight students from a range of degree programs who are set to graduate. Next up is Allison Campbell, who is earning the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She is also a Student Media Ambassador and has contributed guest blogs for this site on her decision to transfer to Spalding, her thoughts on attending MFA in Writing lectures and her experience in the study-abroad trip to Ireland.

What is your favorite Spalding memory?
My favorite Spalding memory is taking a giant leap out of my comfort zone and studying abroad in Ireland with fellow Spalding students, faculty, and staff.

Which accomplishments are you most proud of during your time at Spalding?
During my time at Spalding, I am most proud of my completion of an internship with Louisville Literary Arts, pitching a novel to two literary agents whom I connected with through my internship, and writing stories that have helped me develop my writing craft.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Mansion because it’s antique and creaky like out of an old movie.

At Spalding, we like to say that, “Today is a great day to change the world.” For many of our students, Commencement is a world changing experience. After graduation, how do you plan to change the world, big or small, and who inspires you to be a #spaldingworldchanger?
After graduation, I plan to change the world with my writing by telling stories that can help inspire people, make them laugh and make them feel like they aren’t alone. My brother, Sean Campbell, who works in financial aid at Spalding) inspires me to be a #spaldingworldchanger because he always does the right thing, loves to help other people and challenges me to be the best person I can be.

The Emerald Isle Experience

Studying abroad in Ireland last year is one of the highlights of my college experience at Spalding. The trip, led by religious studies professor Dr. Dori Parmenter, took place June 3-17 during the last two weeks of session six, and was embedded in my Irish Religion and Culture class. Because class sessions are six weeks long at Spalding, we had our regular class for the four weeks leading up to the trip.

Spalding student Allison Campbell in Ireland on study abroad experience
Student Allison Campbell

More affordable than you’d think

At first, I was afraid the cost of tuition for the class in addition to the travel fee would be too much. Although intimidating, scholarships were available, and we did a lot of fundraising. With the financial assistance, my study abroad experience became possible!

An educational experience beyond the classroom

As my first trip out of the country, I was nervous, but mostly excited. In my class, I had learned about the religious tension between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland and how Celtic ancestry still influences Irish culture. It was a great learning experience to see evidence of Ireland’s rich history in person.

We traveled across the country to many beautiful places, including Galway, Dublin, Killarney, the island of Inis Mór, and Belfast in Northern Island. We also witnessed stunning landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, Newgrange, the Dingle Peninsula, King John’s Castle, Skellig Michael, Dύn Aonghasa, Grianan of Aileach, Giant’s Causeway, and Trinity College.

Spalding students on boat tour of Ireland with cliffs in background
Students on a boat tour of Ireland

An experience every student should have

Studying abroad is a great way to experience a country for the first time. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Parmenter and to Spalding for this incredible opportunity. I learned so much by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I strongly recommend the Study Abroad in Ireland program at Spalding University.

The trip takes place every other year, is open to any Spalding student and is embedded into a variety of courses. The next trip is at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. You can find out more information by emailing Dr. Dori Parmenter, checking out Spalding’s Study Abroad page or following along with our Ireland Abroad Facebook page.

Allison Campbell is a senior in Spalding’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. 

Get meaningful holiday gifts and support the students of your favorite university at the same time?! What a deal.

It can be a reality tonight (Monday, Dec. 4) from 6 to 8 p.m. at during the Community Shopping Night at Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Avenue.  A portion of all sales will go toward the Spalding Study Abroad in Ireland program.

Global education is an appropriate cause to be associated with Just Creations, which is a Fair Trade nonprofit organization that provides marketing assistance to low-income artisans and farmers throughout the developing world. Your purchase of gifts, household items, clothing, jewelry, and food helps to provide a fair wage for the artisans and enables them to pay for food, education, health care and housing.

It’s loaded with cool, one-of-kind items, and you can feel good about yourself when you buy it, knowing you’re making a difference.

We’ll see you there.