Sam Prosise

My name is Sam Prosise, and I was born and raised in Western Washington. In high school, I was a competitive academic debater, the captain of the Mount Si debate team, and the top speaker in the State of Washington during State Championships. During this time, I enrolled in the Running Start program, allowing me to complete two years of college in place of my junior and senior years of high school. This opportunity enabled me to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

At the University of Washington, I am in the middle of completing a double major in International Studies at the Jackson School and Public Service & Policy at the Evans School. In the time off from studying, I enjoy walking around the beautiful campus and exploring hidden gems in the city.

At a time of political uncertainty between Canada and the United States, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to experience an academic year at the University of Victoria. The relationship particularly between British Columbia and Washington State is characterized by many similarities of climate, culture, values, geography, and economics. It is exciting to spend time further exploring these similarities and further appreciating the differences between the State and Province.

During my time in Victoria, I plan to fully immerse myself in the culture and life of the city and appreciate the generosity of my homestay family. For education, I am excited to partake in UVic Public Administration courses and to explore Canadian legal structures in comparison to the United States. Outside of academics, I will explore the social and economic relations of citizens and small businesses between Washington State and Victoria. I hope to examine how small businesses act as cultural bridges, especially between Victoria and Port Angeles.

It is efforts like this that facilitate mutual understanding and help us appreciate the ties that bind us together in the Pacific Northwest.

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