Olivia Sommers graduated from nearby Chambersburg Area Senior High School. She came to Shippensburg University and has literally been able to go far ever since.

In June 2019, Sommers had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain. But that wasn’t the first time Ship provided her with an opportunity to explore something new. A member of the class of 2021, Sommers started out as an exploratory student before finding an academic home in the John L. Grove College of Business.

“The business college leaves a lot of room for exploration into other colleges as well as within itself,” Sommers said. “If you plan your courses out it helps you identify opportunities to take electives outside the college of business that may interest you, potentially double major or even work in a chance to study abroad.”

Sommers is in the Management, International Management Concentration, B.S.B.A. program. She is complementing her degree program with the Spanish Minor. She’s pleased to take advantage of the comprehensive aspects of her studies.

“All business majors are required to take the core business classes that give students a look into every aspect of business. So even though I am a management major, I learn the basic concepts of accounting and supply chain which will help me maintain well-rounded knowledge within the workforce,” Sommers said.

Beyond the network of knowledge she has developed, Sommers has also been able to strengthen her network of personal and professional connections through Ship as well. She is active in Women Business Leaders, Cycling Club and the cross country and track and field teams.

“I have met a lot of new people since becoming a Ship student and had the opportunity to experience a lot of new things,” Sommers said. “Overall, it has helped me grow and change and discover new aspects about myself and what I really want to be doing.”

Read more stories from the Class of 2021.