I’ve been working with Merrill Lynch since August of 2006. I’ve held a couple positions. Right now I’m the staff assistant/office manager for Alternative Investment Product Services located in Hopewell, NJ. I am currently residing in Asbury Park with my sister, Sarah, who is also a study abroad/Monmouth alum.
I studied abroad because I wanted to experience something new and get away; I had never really traveled before. I went to a preliminary meeting, explaining the study abroad program and was hooked from the start. The desire to experience a variety of cultures drew me to London and the easy access to travel Europe was the most appealing part of it.
Studying abroad forced me to be outgoing and to meet new people. This is something I had not really done in my life prior to that. It’s given me endless stories and memories I will have for the rest of my life. I’m completely a better person today than I would have been if I didn’t take advantage of this program. I will be a groomsman in a wedding next year, both the bride and groom are best friends of mine, the bride-to-be I met studying abroad and we’ve remained extremely close ever since. Studying abroad has created everlasting bonds with several people. Many of us, myself included, have a “NW1 4NS” tattoo which is the zip code for Regent’s University London area.
Five Questions:
Q. On a scale of ONE to TEN, how would your rate your study abroad experience?
A. 11, this one definitely goes to 11!
Q. Give us one word that sums it up?
A. Everlasting
Q. Why do you think more students don’t study abroad?
A. Fear of stepping out of a comfort zone. When you’re still in college a semester can seem like an eternity.
Q. Do you still think about your study abroad experience?
A. Yes, constantly. There’s always a story to tell from my experience.
Q. What advice would you give to a freshman student today?
A. When I was a freshman, there is no chance I would have considered going away for a semester. But things change once presented with the opportunity. If you’re on the fence about it, just go. I’ve heard too many people say “I wish I had done that” after hearing a story about my time abroad.
Bill Stryker pictured with his sister, Sara Stryker and Jennifer Berlingeri (both former MU and Study Abroad students) Political Science, 06’ Studied abroad in London, England in fall 2003 and 2005
