What are Hoyas Looking Forward To This Year? Ask This Year’s Georgetown Storytellers

There's a lot to look forward to as the new academic year goes into full swing.

This year, the cast of Georgetown Stories, a series that follows a group of students throughout the academic year at Georgetown, is excited to document all that makes being a Hoya special.

Follow the Storytellers on Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeand the Student Life Blogas they highlight the Georgetown student experience and what it means to be a Hoya through classes, events on campus, internships in DC, campus clubs and more.

Get to know this year's Storytellers and what they're looking forward to in the year ahead.

Ninabella Arlis (C'26, B'26)

Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois

This upcoming school year at Georgetown, I'm excited about diving deeper into my major in international business, language and culture, and exploring interdisciplinary courses like Business Law and French for Business. I'm particularly looking forward to working in the copy section at TheGeorgetown Voiceand being the vice president of the French Cultural Association.

Additionally, I'm ready to put what I've learned so far into practice by starting a new internship with Business Sweden's Green Transition Initiative at the Swedish Embassy. Overall, I'm eager about the opportunities to challenge myself, create lasting connections and make the most of my junior year.

Sarah Brannigan (B'28)

Hometown: Bronx, New York

Since I was little, I have always been fascinated by the mix of cultures and languages around me while walking the bustling New York City streets. Unfortunately, most New Yorkers walk very fast, and it is often hard to start a conversation with those around you.

This year at Georgetown, I am excited to meet new people from all over the world excited to share their unique stories. Georgetown's campus is the perfect place to foster new friendships. It is also the perfect size to hear new stories each day and learn even more about the people you already know.

Sydney Carroll (C'27)

Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee

This year, I'm most excited to get back on campus with my friends and start truly digging into my niches at Georgetown. My freshman year was a wonderful timeto learn and grow, but now that I know my way around campus (and the Epi's buffet), I'm ready to get more involved in the things I'm passionate about. In my time at Georgetown, I've really enjoyed writing for TheVoice, playing club field hockey and being involved in several other clubs that fight for issues I care about. I can't wait to continue writing, playing and learning in my sophomore year!

Bennie Chang (SFS'26)

Hometown: San Jose, California

In my past two years at Georgetown, I have broadly studied U.S.-China relations, and recently, I have developed a specific interest in the two countries' technological development.

This school year, I am eager to deepen my understanding by taking specialized courses about emerging technologies and tech policy, developing my technical skills and pursuing related research. By the end of the year, I aim to have a clearer understanding of how technological development impacts U.S.-China relations.

Mariela Cruz-Suarez (SFS'28)

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

After years of participating in extracurriculars that would allow me to demonstrate my academic and professional interests to a college admissions panel, I'm looking forward to joining clubs simply for fun.

I'm eager to explore my heritage through Ballet Folklorico, where I can connect with my Mexican roots. I'm ready to contribute to The Voicein the design department to improve my drawing skills. I'm also working as the assistant set dresser for The Great Gatsby! Overall, I'm beyond excited to ensure that my creative abilities are just as developed as my academic side.

Josh Ford (SFS'25)

Hometown: London, England

As I begin my senior year at Georgetown, I am looking forward to celebrating my time as a Hoya by throwing myself into activities, academics and student life. Although slightly bittersweet, being a senior allows me to look back and reflect on the last three years with pride for my accomplishments and acknowledgment of my growth.

I can't wait to make more memories with my friends, whether I'm performing on the stage of Gaston Hall for Mr. Georgetown and Rangila, helping out with New Student Orientation or giving tours to prospective students as a Blue and Gray tour guide. I can't wait to see what this year will bring and am already nostalgic for my time on the Hilltop!

Samantha Garcia (C'28)

Hometown: Ojai, California

I think that there is nothing like a fresh start. A chance to expand your horizons and learn new things about yourself and the world.

As I approach this fresh start at Georgetown, I am thinking of all the ways my life will change for the better. I am excited to make new friends, take classes on subjects I am passionate about and explore a new city. I would encourage everyone to be optimistic during this busy time and have fun!

Mara Goldstein (C'27)

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Hey Hoyas! I'm so excited to start my sophomore year! I look forward to meeting new people and making memories with my closest friends while discovering everything DC and Georgetown has to offer.

This year, I hope to continue pursuing my goal of visiting every museum in the District and expanding my postcard collection at the local bookstores I haven't been to yet. I'm absolutely thrilled to continue my education for another year at Georgetown!

Grace Hardymon (C'25)

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

I am looking forward to making the most of my final year at Georgetown. It's a year of bucket lists and bittersweet moments, but I am most excited to soak up warm days on the front lawn and walk through the neighborhood with friends.

I plan to pursue new experiences and opportunities to ensure I leave no stone unturned during my remaining time in DC with the Georgetown community. Even preparing for this next school year, I am struck by the "last times" - from the last undergraduate move-in to the last Welcome Back Jack BBQ.

Justin Higgins (C'28)

Hometown: Albany, New York

This year, I am most looking forward to getting involved on campus. While I have a broad range of interests, one of my pre-orientation leaders from Campaign Bootcamp lent me some advice before New Student Orientation began: Join a lot of clubs in your first semesterand stick with at least one that covers one of each area - a career or professional club, a fun club and a service-oriented club. I look forward to getting involved in new things as a Hoya and figuring out what I enjoy while meeting new people along the way.

Luke Hughes (SFS'27)

Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois

Georgetown is the best school in the entire world because of its location. Not only can students enrich their lives on campus, but there is a world of opportunities right outside the front gates.

Washington, DC, is an optimal place to get some exercise outdoors. This fall, I will be running in the DC Half Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. Training for these races is easy when we have the monuments just a few miles away!

Georgetown students are also lucky because of our beautiful neighborhood. Holy Trinity Church is home to many Hoya alumni living just a block away from 37th and O. On Sunday mornings I will be teaching religious education to elementary school students through Holy Trinity's program!

Ashley Jeong (H'26)

Hometown: Rutherford, New Jersey

Something that I'm looking forward to this semester is simply learning more and absorbing as much knowledge as I can. Whether this means going to more speaker events on campus, taking classes in my intended minor or continuing my involvement in club activities, I am thrilled to know that there are so many different ways I can explore the things that excite me. As an upperclassman, I still feel like there is so much for me to learn here at Georgetown, and this semester, I am beyond excited to do just that!

Alex Johnson (C'25)

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois

What I am excited for most this school year is celebrating my last year at Georgetown with all of my friends. It feels like just yesterday that I arrived on the Hilltop for the first time, so it's hard to believe that my time at Georgetown is coming to a close. Whether in my classes, extracurriculars or social life, I'm looking forward to taking advantage of everything Georgetown and DC have to offer!

Harrison McCarty (SFS'26)

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas

I am spending this fall semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, allowing me to learn more about Spanish culture and hone my Spanish skills. I am so excited to travel through Europe and share the experiences that only a Georgetown study abroad experience could provide. When I return to the Hilltop, I'm excited to return to working with the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union, Blue and Gray, and (of course) Georgetown.

Juliette Robinson (SFS'28)

Hometown: Hong Kong and Little Rock, Arkansas

This year, I'm really looking forward to the chance to dive into courses that fuel my intellectual curiosity, especially surrounded by students who are equally passionate. I'm eager to join this community of driven individuals who I know will inspire me to learn and grow. I'm excited to find my place on campus and get involved in as much as I can - I want to make the most of every opportunity on campus.

On a bit of a lighter note, while I'm definitely going to miss my mum's home-cooked meals, I'm also looking forward to exploring the diverse culinary scene in DC and discovering all the amazing food options the city has to offer. Honestly, Georgetown's dining hall food has been pretty good as well!

Harnoor Sachar (SFS'26)

Hometown: Bergen County, New Jersey

I am most looking forward to studying abroad this year! I just arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark, where I will be for the fall semester. I am studying public health as my "core" or major course, which aligns with my Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA)-Global Health concentration in the SFS at Georgetown.

I am especially excited to learn more about international health systems and compare that knowledge to all I have studied at Georgetown. I will also be taking theology, philosophy and Danish courses during my time here. I am incredibly grateful to be engaging with Georgetown's study abroad program this fall!

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