New Dual BA Students Discuss Starting Their First Year in Dublin

Amélie Lundskog ‘25GS and Taylor Moniz ‘25GS are entering their first year in the Dual BA Program with Trinity College Dublin. Hailing from Sweden and Hawai’i, respectively, these students share their unique life experiences, aspirations for the future, and why they chose the Dual BA Program for their undergraduate studies.

What are you most looking forward to about starting your journey in the program?

Taylor: I am most looking forward to expanding my horizons and making new friends from all over the world. I am excited about sharing my cultural background and growing from learning about others.

Amélie: The internationality of the Dual BA has always appealed to me. I can't wait to move from Sweden to Dublin, meet my peers from all around the world, and begin our university journey together. The perspectives that people will bring into our academic life will be inspiring and I look forward to gaining insights and perspectives from my classmates as well as from professors.

Why did you choose to apply to this program and what do you hope to gain from it over the next few years?

Taylor: I applied to this program because it allows me to get a stellar education from two amazing universities and experience living and studying abroad. I hope that over the next few years I gain a better worldview and further my love for and knowledge in the field of biology.

Amélie: Having always wanted to study abroad at university, the Dual BA between Trinity and Columbia seemed like an incredible opportunity to fully broaden my horizons. Additionally, as an English major, both universities are appealing because of their impressive alumni within the field of literature and journalism. As an aspiring writer, I am hoping to meet inspirational people and learn more about the field of English in general to proceed into a joyous career.

What's the best advice you've received over the past year?

Taylor: The best piece of advice I’ve received came from my high school research mentor: I know I have lived because I have made a difference in other people's lives. I will carry this with me into this program and will try to always be a positive influence on other people's lives.

Amélie: You don't have to be perfect to succeed. This advice has helped me to feel less pressured in my academic and personal life and I have, as a result, performed better in school and felt better mentally. I hope to continue to embrace my imperfections and spread the positivity that this advice cultivates to my peers, which can hopefully contribute to a safer learning environment.

What is the last book you read?

Taylor: The last book I read was I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.

Amélie: I read The MaddAddam trilogy by Margaret Atwood.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Taylor: If I could have one superpower it would be teleportation so that I could travel the world.

Amélie: Teleportation because there would be zero carbon emissions, lower travel expenses to New York, and entertaining weekends.