Hurdles Conquered, Adventures Won
Rowan Curry '27
Student Snapshot: Rowan Curry '27
“Performing with Dance Theatre Group, studying in Bologna and working in the Writing Center are all things I couldn’t see myself doing before Dickinson,” says Rowan Curry ’27, who brings enthusiasm and commitment to everything they do. Rowan is grateful for the financial aid that makes their education possible and for the caring, dynamic professors who spur their academic growth. Highlights include an Italian-language internship and studying abroad for a year in Italy for a year. “I had a lot of hurdles to overcome. But now that I’m actually here, the hard times all feel so worth it,” Curry says.
Hometown:
Washington, Pa.
High school:
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.
Major:
Environmental studies, with minors in Italian and educational studies.
On choosing Dickinson:
It felt like home the first time I stepped on campus.
What's the best thing about the college experience at Dickinson:
"I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things here that I never would have experienced otherwise. Performing with Dance Theatre Group, studying in Bologna and working in the Writing Center are all things I couldn’t ever see myself doing before Dickinson."
What's the best thing about majoring in environmental studies at Dickinson:
The professors are all so knowledgeable. They make their classes very hands-on, and they care so much about students.
Favorite class/learning experience:
My research proposal in Intro to Educational Research. We got to spend a whole semester digging into a topic that interested us. We had a lot of support throughout the research and writing process, and I really grew and developed as a writer. I researched mental-health interventions in schools.
Favorite professor:
Visiting International Lecturer Sara Galli taught my Italian 101 class, and she is the reason I ended up continuing Italian. I worked with her on her Inclusive Language Bookmark project. It was an amazing opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Italian. She is an amazing person and professor.
On studying abroad:
I studied abroad in Bologna for the 2025-26 academic year. It was a very different pace of life here, but it’s been the most educational experience of my life so far. Being here for the 60th-anniversary celebration was a highlight. It’s really cool to see myself as a part of something so big.
About my internships:
I interned at L’Asilo by La Scuola d’Italia Galileo Galilei in Pittsburgh, Pa., over the summer. I was working with children, ages 1-5, in a multilingual environment, which let me gain experience in not only education, but also in Italian. I learned a lot about myself and about working in childcare. It was so interesting to see how young kids pick up language and educators can influence that.
Post-Dickinson plans:
After Dickinson, I plan to work in outdoor education.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
I’d never left the U.S. before studying abroad, so getting on a plane to Italy was a big deal for me! As a low-income student, I had a lot of hurdles to overcome. But now that I’m actually here, the hard times all feel so worth it.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Don’t be scared to ask for help! Resources are here for you to use.
Best advice:
Go to the Writing Center! We love talking about writing. We also love brainstorming, so don’t be scared of coming in without a draft.
Clubs and organizations:
Norman M. Eberly Multilingual Writing Center (tutor), Dance Theatre Group, Kappa Delta Pi, Dickinson Workers Party.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Stafford Scholarship for Bioinformatics and K. Robert and Juliana P. Nilsson Scholarship.
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Published June 24, 2026