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» English Department
» Fellowships, Scholarships and Awards
Senior Jackie Boyce has received a scholarship to attend Oxford University this summer from the Richmond Branch of the English-Speaking Union (ESU).
By Megan Z. Shearin '06
Senior Jackie Boyce of Newport News, Va.
Virginia Wesleyan College senior Jackie Boyce of Newport News, Va., will travel abroad for the first time in her life this summer as she is the recipient of a scholarship to attend Oxford University. The award from the Richmond Branch of the English-Speaking Union (ESU) will cover the cost of three weeks of study and a travel allowance.
Majoring in English with a 3.97 GPA on a scale of 4.0, Boyce will spend three weeks from June 29 to July 19 at the University of Oxford studying English literature. She will take literature courses ranging from the splendors of Medieval and Renaissance to the exciting diversity of contemporary British fiction.
"As an English major, I don't think one could connect with literature without going to Oxford," said Boyce. "This program is geared toward people who are going into teaching. The combination was perfect for me."
Boyce, who aspires to teach English at the high school level, said she felt the ESU program at Oxford would give her in-depth knowledge of the English curriculum. She noted that Shakespeare, one of the courses she will study, is an essential part of English.
To qualify for the ESU scholarship, students must be a resident of Virginia and be registered at a Virginia college. Only one student from each university could be nominated to compete. Other schools with applicants included the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia. The scholarship was awarded based on academic performance, scholarly or extracurricular accomplishments and quality of character.
Boyce said she first learned about the program from Dr. Michael Hall, professor of English at Virginia Wesleyan College. He encouraged her to apply, although she had reservations about being accepted.
"There were a lot of students from big universities in the final, and I wasn't counting on getting it," said Boyce. "I was really excited when I found out I was accepted."
Now that Boyce has confirmed she'll be attending Oxford, she's more anxious about being in a completely unfamiliar location than the course work she'll be taking.
"The English program at the College is wonderful and my professors have prepared me for this opportunity," she said. "The course work is definitely geared toward the course work that I'll be doing at Oxford."
While at Oxford, Boyce plans to visit local attractions such as the Bodleian Library and the Hertford Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Sighs. For the three-week program, she will reside on campus and live in a single dorm.
After graduation in December 2008, Boyce plans to attend graduate school and receive her master's degree in English. A lover of English literature and her three dogs, Boyce says her mother inspires her to be the best she can in life.
"My mom is my inspiration in life. She's such a hard worker and she has a great outlook on life," said Boyce. "Both of my parents have encouraged me to go as far in my education as I can."
For more information about student fellowships, scholarships and awards at Virginia Wesleyan College, contact College Liaison Dr. Kate Loring at 757.233.8747 or kmloring@vwc.edu.
03.05.08