A Calling For Advocacy – Sarah Marshall

Sarah Marshall, ’16, discovered her calling very early in life. And as she graduates from Meredith, she feels more prepared than ever to pursue it.

“I’ve always felt like I had a message. Growing up in a really small town, I saw so many people I love not having the opportunities to do all the things they wanted to do. I love Meredith because my experience here has pushed me further to my ultimate message – I want to be an advocate. That’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

An English major with a minor in religious and ethical studies, Sarah studied abroad in Iceland and said the experience changed her life.

“It was incredible. I got to see how men and women are treated equally, how women play such a big role in politics, and how there is such a different respect for women there. It opened my eyes to the fact that things can be better – things can be done differently. It just takes a change in perspective.”

During the summer after Iceland, Sarah taught ESL classes to children in Hawaii, furthering her awareness of different cultures and ways of living.
She said that her professors also have played a big role in expanding her worldview.

“I’ve been so lucky. All of my professors here have a way of making us culturally aware and responsible. It happens in all my classes, from southern lit to social problems. They’ve always had that push toward real life; I really appreciate that about Meredith.”

Actively involved in campus life, Sarah has competed in the Ethics Bowl and participates in the Black Student Union. She also is the Big Sis/Little Sis co-chair for 2016 and a study abroad peer ambassador.

After graduation, Sarah wants to be a “hands-on activist.” She is considering sociology graduate programs and may work with the Black Lives Matter movement. One of her biggest dreams is to create an event for college students from throughout North Carolina to gather peacefully in support of the movement.

“With my background and where I come from, I feel so fortunate to even have these opportunities, when I have so many friends who can only dream about it. I don’t ever want to feel guilty because I know it’s something I’ve earned, but at the same time it pushes me to want to use my voice to make those opportunities available to everyone.”

Learn more about studying English at Meredith.

Discover the world through Meredith’s Study Abroad Program.