Anchored in Excellence: Chapter Members Explore New Horizons

This summer, many of our sisters have been actively representing one of our most cherished values—cultural responsibility. Through various study abroad programs, members of Delta Gamma Beta Xi are busy exploring other continents, and doing important work that opens them up to new curiosities. Beta Xi chapter members are exploring a wide variety of places, from the coastal beauty of Italy, to the rolling hills of Switzerland.

“My favorite part of studying abroad so far is being able to travel and see so many new places. . . I’ve learned that not everything will be as you expect it, so keeping an open mind is key,” Anna Merucci said. Merucci, a rising senior in Beta Xi, is spending her summer in Sorrento, Italy. She spends her days immersing herself in Italian culture, speaking the language, and working a leather-making internship in Florence.

Merucci is currently exploring Malta, where she is exploring the environment and learning about a different way of life, a complete juxtaposition to her sorority life at Michigan State.

“Keeping in touch with family is so incredibly important in order to keep having a good time while away from them,” Merucci said.

Although the culture and new experiences can be an exciting and cherished time for a college student, Michigan State University and Delta Gamma are in the same place the study abroad students left them—ready for their arrival in the fall semester.

Emily Schneider is another member of Beta Xi who is taking the summer to explore new horizons. She has been exploring several countries in Europe, and is directly applying what she is learning at school to her studies in a new place.

“Mathematics is everywhere. It was so interesting learning how it shapes our world and how history and science is so intertwined,” Schneider said. Schneider is studying engineering and math in Europe, and has been able to visit places where those areas of study directly took part in the architecture. She’s not only enjoying the academic side of studying abroad, but also the social aspect of establishing new connections with her peers.

“Talk to everyone. Go out of your comfort zone to meet new people. . . you’ll never know other people’s stories and connections,” Schneider advised. One of her biggest takeaways from her trip has been the importance of taking every opportunity, whether big or small.

Beta Xi is so proud of its members that are taking the opportunity to experience academic life in a brand new country. The chapter members are excited to hear about the memories made, and to have their sisters back in East Lansing in the fall.