Abby Wahl

What are your central passion(s), and how do you plan to pursue them after graduation? How have your experiences at Flagler shaped these passions?  

I have lived a majority of my life overseas, despite being a U.S. citizen. I spent 13 years in Russia and am currently living in Germany. I am beyond grateful to my family for giving me the experiences of visiting and learning about different countries. Travel is something that is very important to me, I choose not to make decisions about places until I have fully experienced them, which has shown me a variety of cultures and lifestyles I have grown to appreciate. My time in Russia was the most impactful for helping me realized my passions for international relations. I have always felt comfortable overseas, so making an impact outside of the United States has always been the goal for me. I would love to pursue my master's degree and go into the fields of Foreign Service or Diplomacy for the United States. Being able to create lasting connections and understanding the needs of other people while assessing the political and cultural landscape I am in is something I hope to pursue in the future. My experience at Flagler helped me realize how much international diplomacy is needed and how this is the perfect career track for me. I would also like to publish research regarding relations in Eastern Europe and help track the conflicts and peacekeeping happening within those regions.  

Who or what inspired your passion in this area?  

I went to an international high school and was surrounded by students coming from many different countries. I have always felt comfortable talking to and learning about people’s life experiences as well as their aspirations and ties to their home country. It has also made me empathetic towards issues international students experience within their home countries and while studying abroad. I hope that by utilizing my citizenship, I can help international students have safe and fulfilling opportunities within the United States. Growing up a third culture kid, my parents always taught me to be kind to everyone, as you never knew what they were dealing with back in their home country. I choose to make a positive impact with my privilege and be able to connect with larger cultures and help students and citizens like me achieve their highest potential, whether it is providing support for them while their study overseas or guide them through the Visa process. Everyone is deserving of realizing their full potential, regardless of their cultural background.  

Can you share a memorable story from your time at Flagler that always makes you smile? What made this moment special for you?  

I have always had fun helping to organize and run the Pride Alliance drag show every fall around Halloween time. This past year, we decided to do something different and have students have fun and express themselves in a lip- sync battle, in the same fashion our valued drag performers would entertain the students. This made for some great performances with the winner receiving extra prize money from the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department. The winner of the contest was then recognized and complimented by the Flagler student body for months after their memorable performance. You could tell that the students would cherish this experience for the rest of their undergraduate studies, and I am so happy I could help organize and be a part of someone’s core college memory. This moment is special for me as I was able to give a student an opportunity to express themselves and give them a memory they can look back on. That is what community is about and being able to help other people realize their full potential is something I am proud I was able to accomplish.  

Which academic resources, experiences, or mentors at Flagler were most valuable to you, and how did they contribute to your success?  

I am especially grateful to the Political Science faculty and how they helped guide me throughout my journey in college. My advisor, Dr. Bracewell pushed me to a higher level of academic research, and suggested I take my work to a conference to present. Throughout my college career, I have seen nothing but support and continues encouragement from her, even in the face of missteps and failures. I have taken multiple engaging classes with Dr. Kaufman, which shaped my interest in International Relations as my future field of study. I am grateful to her for her continued guidance and mentorship as well as her positive attitude and approach to learning, a quality I have learned to foster myself. Professor Sellers is another faculty member I would like to thank as her guidance and continued communication with me introduced me to the graduate world and gave me valuable knowledge of the post-graduate world as well as perfecting my methodology for my future research. With their constant optimism and perseverance, I was able to choose my own path at Flagler College and make the experience my own, as well as realize my potential as an academic scholar and researcher.  

What advice or lesson would you give to your freshman year self about the college experience?  

Change will not come into your life gently knocking on your door and asking you if you are alright with it coming into your life. It will come in at the times when you are most comfortable or the most lost in your life. It does not wait for anyone or anything, and it’s an unpleasant but necessary skill to be able to roll with the punches. There will be times in your college experience when you will feel at your lowest and most isolated, and there will be times when you feel on top of the world. Being able to take it day by day and show up for yourself is a powerful skill I had to learn while in college. Life is what you make of it, and you can choose to find comfort in fear and sadness or work hard for the happiness you deserve.  

In the Flagler spirit, how do you hope to make history after graduation? Share any exciting experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up.  

I will be continuing working for Common Power, as well as applying for my master's in international relations following my graduation. I hope to continue my community work centered around advocacy for marginalized communities, as well as continue publishing independent newswriting on topics I am passionate about.