When it comes to exploring the globe, it’s hard to find students more interested in the opportunity than Kyla Merriman.
“This is my year for world travel,” Merriman said. “This past June, I spent two weeks traveling around southern Italy and Sicily, taking in the country’s sights, sounds, smells, and especially tastes.”
“The Italian courses I took at Le Moyne really proved useful,” she added. “Grazie, Professore Ricciardiello!”
Merriman is a junior history major with a concentration in adolescent education and hopes to eventually teach high school history. In the meantime, she’s taking in everything Le Moyne has to offer.
“I love to sing,” Merriman noted. “I was in the Le Moyne Jazzuits for a semester my freshman year. I always try to take advantage of any events offered through the LSPB and/or the Performing Arts Center.”
Ironically, Merriman was ultimately aided by SUNY Oswego in her plan to study abroad.
“…Le Moyne currently only offers study abroad to Limerick, Ireland,” she said. “SUNY Oswego had the program I was searching for: a semester in Dublin at University College Dublin. The same university, as it would happen, that Le Moyne’s very own Dr. Douglas Egerton lent his experience to last semester.”
Studying abroad has been a plan of Merriman’s since her start as a Le Moyne student.
“I looked into study abroad my freshman year, trying to narrow down where I wanted to go,” she explained. “I’ve already been to Ireland, but I knew there was a rich, ancient history there that I didn’t have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in.”
It goes without saying then, that Merriman is ready to explore Ireland’s endless opportunities.
“I want the full experience… to completely immerse myself in Irish history and culture,” Merriman said. “I look forward to bearing witness to the effect history has on this country’s present and future.”
“I am preparing myself for all the international connections I will make,” she continued. “Connections, both on an academic level and a personal level. Plus, I want to take advantage of Ireland’s beauty and possibly explore more European countries.”
Despite her love of travel, however, Merriman won’t forget about her Le Moyne connections anytime soon.
“I truly love supporting my fellow dolphins,” Merriman said. “Whether I’m enjoying a performance at the PAC or cheering on Le Moyne athletes, our close community makes my heart happy.”
