Going on an exchange to gain different perspectives and form new friendships has been my dream ever since I was a high school senior. Yet with a full course load, extracurricular activities, and my hesitation of stepping out of my comfort zone, I was not able to do so before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Knowing

When I first applied to the Corbett Virtual Exchange I really had no idea what an amazing experience I was opening myself up to. All that I knew was that I needed a reason to feel excited when opening up my computer (which had become quite a stressful task as classes were moved online). I

It goes without saying that this is a strange year to be a Corbett scholar. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve often felt that my world has become ‘smaller’, with nearly every area of my life being conducted from my bedroom desk. Yet, despite the fellowship being entirely online, I have been immensely grateful for the

I see myself as someone who is incredibly blessed and privileged. This past year has been easier on me than it has been for many others. I have been financially supported. I have been able to live with other people my age. I do not have any health conditions that make something as simple as

Connections by water  The ocean has always been the most peaceful and calming place for me to visit. We are lucky in the Pacific Northwest to have access to the beach, for me Cadboro Bay Beach is only a 30-minute walk from my house, I go here to clear my thoughts. The water also connects

Of course it is hard to have one’s plans change. I recall sitting in front of the Ave’s Herkimer Coffee in Seattle when I found out I had been selected to participate in the 2020-2021 Corbett Exchange. I’ve never accepted an offer faster. Having spent my life growing up in the greater Seattle metropolitan area,

During winter quarter here at the University of Washington, I was able to take Introduction to Digital Design which prepares urban planning students to produce publicly facing visuals. As a part of this class we were encouraged to choose a single study area to focus our efforts on and in the spirit of the Corbett

This past year has been full of turmoil and uncertainty, as well as new opportunities. In my case, I was excited to attend the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle as a Corbett Scholar exchange student for the 2020-21 school year. These plans changed when all in-person activities were cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite this

When the Canada-U.S border closed indefinitely in 2020, the Corbett Exchange Program was—like so many other study abroad programs—forced to adjust. In other years, the goal of the program is to give students immersive, in-person cultural exchange experiences in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. As a result of the pandemic, the Canadian Studies Center developed an

I often take walks in my neighbourhood, on the beach, on the coast overlooking Washington state. I unfortunately did not have the opportunity during my exchange to physically go to UW; got to be safe from COVID!  But the virtual format of this year’s Corbett Exchange allowed me to connect online with the other students