ASB alumni, Victoria Puglia, has been awarded the highly prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University next year, where she plans to pursue a Master's in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and, later, a Master's in Global Governance and Diplomacy.

Born to a Spanish mother and Italian-American father, Victoria spent much of her early childhood in Barcelona, where she was a student at the American School of Barcelona from Pre-Kindergarten until Grade 8. "I always thought I would graduate from ASB!" she admits, adding, "being together with everyone from so young, there was a strong sense of community and solidarity with those around me. I noticed that was missing when I left the school."

"I am incredibly proud of Victoria and her Rhodes Scholarship," said school Director, Mr. Mark Pingitore. "Her commitment to improving the living conditions of refugees and her scholarly research and fieldwork on this global crisis exemplify the type of active leadership we hope our students can have in international communities. It is especially inspiring to see a young adult have such a positive impact and profound drive to help others. I am confident that her studies at Oxford University will help her achieve her dream of improving the living conditions of refugees around the world."



Currently a Senior at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, studying International Affairs, Victoria explains how a semester of study abroad in Uganda during her sophomore year fueled her growing interest and research into refugee resettlement, assimilation, and livelihood opportunities. "Part of the program was a one-month field research opportunity, and I decided to go to the North of Uganda to research the effects of unstable humanitarian food aid on food and human security in South Sudanese refugee settlements. My honors thesis currently looks at the relationship between acute food shocks and food insecurity on patterns of migration across sub-Saharan Africa."

Passionate about intentional and mindful travel, Victoria shares that while at Lafayette, she has worked several jobs to fund annual interim trips to Senegal, India, and Peru. "I would encourage everyone to travel if they have the opportunity. In terms of self-growth, it's one of the best things you can do."

"Growing up, I've always been a naturally curious person, and that curiosity has guided me. I'm very intrinsically motivated."

Once a Lynx, Always a Lynx!
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Contributed: November 2020