Prestigious Award Paves Way for Student’s Semester in Rome

Federal scholarship helped fund a life-changing semester studying Italian culture and history

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University student Mia Secondino earned the prestigious Gilman Scholarship
• The criminal justice and philosophy double major spent the spring semester studying at John Cabot University in Rome
• She immersed herself in Italian culture while taking courses in subjects ranging from ancient philosophy to international law

Sacred Heart University senior Mia Secondino was the first student in University history to receive a Gilman Scholarship, making her study abroad dreams a reality.

Secondino, a criminal justice and philosophy double major, knew she wanted to study abroad, but financially it was a hurdle. The Middletown, NJ, native learned about the Gilman Scholarship through a family member and decided to fill out the lengthy application.

The federal program provides “merit-based scholarships to outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-oriented internships abroad,” according to Gilman’s website. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application.

Secondino submitted her application in fall 2025. “I knew it was such a selective scholarship,” she said.

Only one in five applicants are selected to receive the award. So, when she read the scholarship award email in class one day, she excitedly asked her professor if she could leave for a moment to call her mother. “I was over the moon!” Secondino said.

The news of the Gilman Scholarship solidified Secondino’s plans for the spring 2026 semester: She would study at John Cabot University in Rome.

In mid-January, with her bags packed, Secondino left for Italy. She knew a few people from SHU who were also going to Rome, but for the most part, she was on her own.

“It was an eye-opening experience,” Secondino said. “I think it was the most defining period of my life, and it really transforms you into an adult.”

Secondino was 4,000 miles away from her friends and family, living alone in a big city, cooking, traveling, and figuring out a routine at a new university. “I felt like a new person; I was pushed out of my comfort zone,” she said.

At John Cabot, she enrolled in four classes—Italian food and culture, ancient philosophy, international law, and introduction to Italian Renaissance art. She said the art course was her favorite, noting that it was amazing to see the art she was studying in person and up close.

“What better place to take that course,” she said. She visited museums throughout Rome, traveled to Florence to look at art, and thoroughly enjoyed an assignment that led her on a 20-minute walk to explore a historic cathedral. “There was so much history available, so much culture,” she said.

The Gilman scholarship enabled her to take advantage of other opportunities, including a United Nations visit. She toured a UN agency in Rome, met other Gilman scholars, and spoke with the Italian ambassador.

In her free time and on weekends, Secondino was able to see more of Europe. She went to Barcelona, Switzerland, Vienna, Budapest and London, as well as other parts of Italy. She said traveling to the top of the Swiss Alps was probably one of her favorite trips. “The views were incredible. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” she said.

Throughout Secondino’s time in Italy, SHU’s study abroad team checked in with her and made sure she was having a successful and educational experience. Renee Pang, director of global education, was one of her biggest cheerleaders.

“We are very proud of Mia for being the first SHU student to receive a Gilman award,” said Pang. “The scholarship not only provides financial support but also access to academic/professional development opportunities and an extensive Gilman alumni network.” Awardees must also conduct a Follow-on Service Project, so Pang is looking forward to supporting Secondino as she shares her Gilman experience with the SHU community.

“I honestly felt so much joy for Mia because the award was also an acknowledgement of all her hard work,” Pang continued. “I can’t say I was surprised Mia received the scholarship because she was a very strong applicant who is passionate and intentional across her interests—academic and otherwise—and certainly deserving of such an award.”

At the end of her study abroad semester, Secondino received As in all her courses. She said it was difficult, but very rewarding.

As a Gilman scholar, Secondino is now part of the program’s alumni network. She can attend events abroad, connect and network with professionals, and even mentor other recipients. She plans on attending law school after she graduates SHU, and she is excited to see what the future holds.

As for advice for fellow Pioneers considering study abroad, she said, “You are capable of doing so much more than you think.” She encourages anyone who is considering studying abroad to go for it. “The scariest things are the most rewarding,” she said. “If you don’t do it, you’re going to think about it for the rest of your life.”

“Study abroad is an impactful and holistic experience,” said Pang. “While the focus is always on a beneficial and high-quality academic experience, learning and growth are not limited to the classroom. Being in a new environment exposes students to varying perspectives, and it challenges them to navigate diverse situations.”

Students who study abroad report increased confidence, an expanded network, and a greater tolerance of ambiguity, among many other developments, “and this directly and positively impacts their future learning and careers,” Pang said.

Students interested in studying abroad should contact global education at SHU to schedule a meeting with an adviser, join an information session, or connect with peers in the global ambassador program to understand the experience and process more fully.