Convent of the Sacred Heart senior Victoria Paternina is taking her collegiate studies abroad to the University of Navarra, “Universidad de Navarra,” in Pamplona, Spain. Victoria will be studying over 3,500 miles away from Sacred Heart in hopes of pursing her interest in law while being fully immersed in another culture.

Victoria’s decision to attend college abroad is attributed to her family’s close heritage with Spain. Her parents grew up in Spain and moved to America 22 years ago. The Spanish culture has remained an integral part of Victoria’s upbringing as her family often celebrates Spanish customs and visits Spain at least once a year.

Her older brothers, Bernard, Luis, Pablo, and Gabriel Paternina have also attended the University of Navarra. Luis graduated from the University of Navarra’s law school, which helped Victoria realize her interest in law. She began visiting the University in second grade to see her older brothers and discovered her dream of also attending the school.

“I think living outside America will help me experience new things and learn about new people from all different cultures. I am also excited to travel throughout Europe to many different countries while studying in Spain,” Victoria said.

In America, students must graduate with a bachelors degree before attending law school. The University of Navarra, however, allows students with a high school diploma to immediately begin studying within the law school at an undergraduate level. Victoria plans to attend the University of Navarra School of Law for the Degree in Spanish Law, “Licenciatura de Derecho.”
The University of Navarra provides opportunities for bilingual and trilingual majors, however, Victoria will be studying solely in Spanish. Although Victoria is fluent in Spanish, this will be the first time she is required to study and learn completely in Spanish.

“I am excited for all the new opportunities and people that I will meet. I am nervous, however, about being far away from my parents, friends, and even my room,” Victoria said.

– Holly Roth, Co-Features Editor