Sabrina Netherwood

When you arrive at college, you don’t have to know what comes next. Sabrina didn’t.

She came to Principia planning to graduate in three years—and with no intention of going to graduate school. Then a first-year global studies course shifted her perspective. What started as curiosity grew into a desire to understand the world more deeply, especially its political and security dimensions.

Study abroad experiences in Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia, followed by work as an au pair in France, helped clarify that path. With guidance from her advisor—the chair of the Global Studies program—Sabrina began exploring graduate school options. At first, she worried that Principia’s small size might limit her chances at highly competitive programs. Instead, she learned to see it as a strength—and even highlighted that intimate academic environment in her letter of intent.

“My advisor, and her care for me as a student, played a big role in getting me to where I am today,” Sabrina said.

That support extended beyond the classroom. Sabrina credits faculty, the Career Center, and friends as part of a close-knit community that encouraged her to ask big questions and grow with confidence.

“Playing varsity women’s basketball at Principia allowed me to gain invaluable teamwork skills,” she said.

In addition to basketball, Sabrina’s three years on campus also included leadership roles in the Public Affairs Conference, Phi Alpha Eta Honors Society, and house boards—experiences that shaped both her academic focus and sense of belonging.