Lauren Girard on the Stiller School of Business, Studying Abroad Around the World, and Life in Burlington
Lauren Girard, '21
Division
Stiller School of Business
Major
International Business
Double Minor
Data Analytics and Digital Marketing
Hometown
Biddleford, ME
Pronouns
she/her
Studied Abroad
Shanghai, China and Dublin, Ireland
“
The Office of International Education is a big reason why I came to Champlain. They make studying abroad easy and seamless.
”
What is the best thing about the Stiller School of Business?
I like the community. Everyone knows everyone because of our small class sizes, which creates a close-knit, welcoming community. Plus, I love the professors at Champlain. They know your name, and they're very understanding and kind. I feel like I can stop and ask any of my professors a question and they'll have an answer.
Do you have any plans for study abroad?
I will be traveling a lot while at Champlain. I lived in Shanghai, China the summer after my sophomore year, completing an internship through the Freeman Foundation Grant program. After that, I went to Dublin, Ireland at Champlain's campus for the fall semester. The Office of International Education is a big reason why I came to Champlain. They make studying abroad easy and seamless.
What is like being a student in Burlington, VT?
Burlington is such a great town. Part of choosing Champlain for me was the location. I love watching the sunsets and going to the Church Street marketplace. There's always something to do, because everything is walkable. The whole city and community feels like a part of our campus.
Derrick Blackwell-Hunt on the International Roundtable, Internships, and Quest
Derrick Blackwell-Hunt, '19
Division
Stiller School of Business
Major
International Business
Minor
Global Studies
Hometown
Virginia
Pronouns
he/him
Studied Abroad
Dublin, Ireland
Internship
Legislative Intern for the Office of Congressman Peter Welch in Burlington, VT
Post-Grad Job
Medical Records Representative at Community Health Centers of Burlington in Burlington, VT
“
I'm pretty involved with the International Roundtable, which is a group at Champlain that offers a safe space for all sorts of political opinions and backgrounds. We structure debates; it's interesting and it works.
”
What made you choose your major?
I chose International Business because I want to travel. I love learning about the world, different cultures, and different people. The introductory course that International Business majors take when they first get here really shows you how you're going to be able to interact with different people. I feel like this major is the best at Champlain because it goes with everything.
Are you involved in any extracurricual activities?
I'm pretty involved with the International Roundtable, which is a group at Champlain that offers a safe space for all sorts of political opinions and backgrounds. We structure debates; it's interesting and it works. I feel like we're learning a broader view of why people advocate for certain things.
I also joined Quest, a men of color affinity group. We have different topics to discuss, like a spoken word poem day, where we broke down different poems and how they related to our personal experiences. It was a good support group during my first year—a great family. We look forward to it each week, and we want to team up with other affinity groups around Vermont.
Have you had any internships during your time at Champlain?
Scott Baker, the Dean of the Stiller School of Business, was my Advisor before he became Dean, and he has been a guiding force since I've been here. He gave me tips, sent me to academic coaching, and was really supportive. He was the one who helped me get my internship for the office of Congressman Welch. I enjoyed working with Congressman Welch a lot because he is very human. I attended events with him, like meeting people at the farmers market, getting people's names, corresponding with them, and taking pictures.