“Just go for it,” urges recent Humanities grad Justine O’Connell when asked if she had any advice for incoming students. “Even if you don’t know anyone, just do it.” That is exactly what Justine did when she studied abroad in Vina del Mar in Chile during the Fall of 2013. Not knowing anyone in her program, Justine embarked on an adventure to learn about a new culture and country. She lived with a homestay family who didn’t speak any English. Living only four blocks from the beach, Justine said the seafood was great, even though if she didn’t know what it was most of the time. 

Since beginning her academic career at the U of A, Justine has put both her Spanish and Global Studies majors to good use. In addition to studying abroad in Chile, she completed her internship with a Tucson international school. Interning in a second-grade classroom, Justine enjoyed working with the young students to hone their Spanish comprehension and enunciation. “They have taught me more than I have taught them,” she said fondly her of 5-week internship coordinated by the Spanish Department.

Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Justine gravitated toward the sunshine and sports of southern Arizona. As a huge basketball fan, she enjoyed going to the games and was a Rally Cat both her freshman and sophomore year. As if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Justine served as a College of Humanities Ambassador and worked part-time in the communications department at the College of Pharmacy.

As a proud member of the graduating class of May 2015, Justine smiled when asked about her future. “I’m most excited about not having an exact plan.” At this point, her plans include a variety of options including possibly returning overseas to work or applying to Teach for America. Regardless of her specific path, it is clear that Justine is going to utilize her Spanish and Global Studies background to lay a foundation for an exciting international career. Whether teaching Spanish abroad or applying for the Peace Corps, one thing is for certain: she is not going to let anything hold her back.

“We’re so young. We have so much to explore. My desire is to go out and do things that are different.”