Southeastern alumna awarded scholarship to continue studies in the UK
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – A 2015 Southeastern Louisiana University English graduate is continuing
her studies this fall in the United Kingdom after receiving a prestigious scholarship
to study Victorian literature and culture. Sarah Drago of Springfield was awarded
one of only five Vice-Chancellor Scholarships to attend the master’s program at the
University of York in England.
“The University of York has one of the top English programs in the world. Their
Victorian department is especially impressive, as it features several of the most
renown scholars in the field,” said Drago. “I plan to specialize in Victorian literature,
so this opportunity is a dream come true.”
To be considered for the scholarship, Drago had to submit a personal statement
explaining why she was a strong candidate for the scholarship, how it would help her
achieve future ambitions, and how she planned to cover the remaining tuition fees
and living expenses.
The award announcement described the scholarship as one rewarding and encouraging
“exceptionally high achieving students by offering a tuition fee discount to those
expected to achieve AAA at A-level or a first class undergraduate degree or international
equivalents.”
Drago credits Southeastern for preparing her to continue her education abroad.
“If it weren’t for the Southeastern Honors Award and the TOPS program, I would
not have had the opportunity to travel and now study abroad,” she said. “Because of
Southeastern’s generosity, I was able to travel during my undergraduate career. I
was also inspired by Southeastern’s English Department and their extraordinary professors.
Dr. David Hanson, Dr. Ziba Rashidian, and Dr. Joel Fredell were especially influential,
as they have all traveled extensively.”
Upon completion of the one-year master’s program, Drago plans to continue her
studies at the University of York to earn her doctorate and ultimately begin her career
as a professor.
