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By Matteo Travers, Community Manager

In our Alumni Spotlight series, we highlight Alumni who have followed their path of self-authorship to continue their learning inside, outside, and beyond the classroom. Check out the stories of Leilani and Katharine below!

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Leilani Hurtado (Fall 2022, Florence)

What is your life like post-Verto? 

I am a current junior undergraduate student at UT Tyler pursuing a double major in Political Science and English. I am currently studying out-of-state in Washington, D.C. as an Archer Fellow and working on Capitol Hill in a congressional office. Back home, I am the President of the nationally acclaimed UT Parliamentary Debate team as well as the elected 24-25 National Student Representative of the National Parliamentary Debate Association. I have also co-founded a grassroots, student-run nonprofit called East Texas Monarchs which is aimed at providing accessible resources, education, and career networking opportunities to undocumented students in East Texas. 

What’s been your biggest accomplishment after Verto?

Apart from being immensely involved in my local community with debate work on campus and organizing events for the nonprofit I cofounded, I was selected as a Fall 2024 Archer Fellow. The Archer Center offers students of the UT-system the opportunity to intern, study, and live in Washington, D.C. I am now currently based in DC working as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill!

What advice would you give to a high school student considering Verto?

My Verto experience was life-changing. I would go as far as to say it was the best decision of my life. Being so young in a completely new country surrounded by completely new people allowed me to branch outside of my comfort zone and develop an entirely new understanding of myself and the world around me. I returned home with life-long friends from all over the world, invaluable memories I can reminisce fondly on, and an insatiable drive to continue learning more about the world outside of my own. My professors in Florence, Italy, as well as other individuals I met, solidified my career ambitions to pursue international relations and humanitarian affairs. Without Verto, I would not be as confident in my career, academic, or personal journey as I am now. 

I would advise high school students who are considering Verto to just do it. To enter with an open mind and to have a willingness to immerse yourself in the culture, as well as take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences offered to them while in a new country with a cohort. To talk to each individual in their cohort at least once and take advantage of being in a cohort with people going through the same experience they are. 

Katharine McColley – Hawaii 2021 & Seville 2022

What was your experience like with Verto, and what did you learn about yourself?

My two semesters with Verto in Hawaii and Seville were life-altering, unconventional, and entirely different from one another. I discovered my passion for living abroad, learning Spanish, and sustainability. Most importantly, I learned to be independent.

What has your life been like after Verto?

I initially intended to transfer to an American university, but Verto helped curate my desire to study international issues in foreign settings. I transferred to Anglo-American University in Prague where I am completing my BA in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Politics. I also teach English and am the President of the Yoga Club at AAU.

Studying in the central city of Prague has provided me with the opportunity for inexpensive travel through smaller Czech towns, France, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Georgia, and even back to Spain. I look forward to continuing my studies and traveling this school year. I adore Prague and feel grateful to have this city as a part of my life journey.

What are your long-term goals?

I am interested in gaining work experience related to international humanitarian aid, achieving fluency in Spanish/French, and learning other languages. I hope to continue my higher education with a specialization in international criminal law or journalism.

There is something addicting for me about living in foreign countries and I will continue to do so throughout the rest of my life. I love Spanish culture and lifestyle and am highly interested in working or studying there again thanks to the dynamic experience Verto created for me.

Want to see if a Verto start to college can work for you? Apply today to get started.