A regimented academic path? Why? Isabella Schoning ’16 was interested in so many things her first year at Hamilton College she took courses in seven departments and not one was physics. Still, she’s managed to double major in physics and Russian studies - and study abroad. Schoning went to St. Petersburg, Russia, an experience supported by a Gilman International Scholarship Program award. She is a dean’s list scholar and the 2014 recipient of the College Scholar Athlete Award. She’s also worked as a College tour guide, taught English to refugees and is a member of the women’s varsity tennis team.
Schoning chose Russian because it was new territory for her; she’d always wanted to learn a language with a new alphabet. She expects her post-Hamilton plans will fall into place the way her Russian major did. “But that's what I love about the liberal arts institution - it allows you to explore your interests so when you start on a path, you are sure that's what you want to do, and you don't regret not trying other things first. In my opinion, the faculty and staff at Hamilton support this ideal fully and do everything in their power so their students can explore, learn, and grow in all different directions,” she says.
