Student Profile: Shea Maunsell ’15

'These wide-ranging experiences have inspired me to continue pursuing challenges on a global, international scale'



NAME Shea Maunsell ’15

HOMETOWN Chicago

ACADEMICS Classics and self-designed international relations double major

A LOCAL COMMITMENT Shea has a successful track record of making herself at home in new places. Originally from Chicago, she has created a place for herself here at Holy Cross, and  even more so in the neighborhoods beyond campus. Since her first year, she has taught English as a second language at the Southeast Asian Coalition (SEAC) in Worcester through Student Program for Urban Development (SPUD), the largest student organization on campus, involving approximately 700 students who volunteer in the Worcester community. “Getting involved with the SEAC has been one of my most rewarding experiences as a Holy Cross student,” says Shea. “Tackling English with my students is challenging, fun, and sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny! At the same time, I’ve been able to learn about another culture, and been a part of the larger Worcester community.”

AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE After completing her second year at the College, Shea decided to participate in a year-long study abroad program in Athens. “Studying in Greece was an opportunity to connect what I had learned in class about the ancient past with the current political and economic environment of the region,” explains Shea. Although she had studied ancient Greek language and culture at Holy Cross, she was able to add modern Greek to her repertoire through an accelerated language course over the summer on the Greek islands. “Spending a full year in Greece allowed me to really immerse myself in the culture, strengthening my own multicultural understanding while learning the language and forming relationships with those around me.”

THE PURSUIT OF CHALLENGES While in Greece, Shea’s involvement went beyond the university classroom. She expanded her experience through internships in Athens, ranging from time spent with Doctors of the World to participating in research at the Institute of International Economic Relations. Her time in Greece also gave her the opportunity to travel to Israel and Palestine as a part of her studies on non-violent resistance in Palestine. “These wide-ranging experiences, coupled with my liberal arts education, have broadened my perspective on my career paths, and inspired a desire to continue pursuing challenges on a global, international scale,” offers Shea, who says she will use the foundation she has laid both on and off the Hill to take on the new challenge of  navigating the post-graduate world.