Growing up, Deanna Devon never had the opportunity to travel with her family, but she always wanted to. So, when she was offered the chance to study abroad in England for her first year at SUNY New Paltz, she accepted.

"Going there was a great way to complete my general education requirements and figure out what I wanted to do," said Deanna.

What she decided was to major in Spanish, which allowed her to study in Seville, Spain a year-and-a-half later.

"What better way to study a language than to be there?" said Deanna.

Deanna maintains her connection to study abroad by working as a peer counselor for the Center for International Programs at New Paltz. As a peer counselor, she speaks with students who are interested in studying abroad in England and Spain. In addition, she is a student ambassador for the British Council, promoting study abroad in England.

Because of her involvement with the Center for International Programs, Deanna was chosen to be a teaching assistant for the London Theatre Seminar during the winter 2004 intersession.

Now, as a 2005 SUNY New Paltz graduate, Deanna plans to pursue a master's degree, continue to travel, and eventually return home to teach Spanish at the high school from which she graduated from.

Goals: To travel to Brazil, Greece and Australia.

Influences: "My mom has always been my biggest influence," said Deanna, who added that her mother has always been scared to travel, but has always encouraged Deanna to experience it for herself.