Riverview grad will spend year studying in Oxford, England
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Riverview High School’s 2020 valedictorian, Gillian Gaynor, continues on a firm path of success since her graduation.
She currently attends Notre Dame University and will be heading to Oxford, England, through the Notre Dame Study Abroad Program.
As part of the Oxford tutorial system, Gaynor will spend her junior year studying biochemistry alongside an advanced tutor, who are full-time faculty at the school. The tutors will help her learn the ropes in both a new country and in a difficult major.
Gaynor will start the program in October 2022, and gaining acceptance was no easy task.
“It was a long process, but I received an invitation to apply, and I’m glad that I decided to go for it,” she said.
During the application process, Gaynor had to submit three essays, two academic references, a rector reference, a writing sample, meet a GPA requirement, and then after a three-to-four week wait time, she had to interview with an admissions board, which was a panel of five people from Oxford asking her a variety of questions.
Gaynor was able to navigate the process by leaning on her past experiences at Riverview, which include a wide array of accomplishments. She was vice president of the National Honor Society, president of the French Club, captain of the cross county team, member of the school orchestra, soccer team, History Club, Mock Trial, Key Club, Model U.N. debate team and the track and field team. In addition, she volunteered her time for Meals on Wheels, at the Salvation Army and at Presby Senior Care.
Neil English, superintendent at Riverview School District, offered this summary of Gaynor’s educational career: “She was inquisitive, talented, opportunistic, and one of the hardest-driving students we have had. She took full advantage of her educational experience, achieving a host of academic and athletic honors while focusing heavily on giving back to our community. She represents the very best of what Riverview has to offer.”
Upon arriving at Oxford, Gaynor will stay at Oriel College, which received its charter in 1326 and currently hosts approximately 300 students from all over the world, studying in 31 different subjects across the educational spectrum.
Upon completing her junior year at Oxford, Gaynor will return to Notre Dame for her senior year. She plans to go on to grad school, with thoughts on applying to medical school for anesthesiology or oncology.
She still credits her time at Riverview for giving her the skills to move on to such a worldly educational experience.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity and grateful for everyone that’s helped me — parents, teachers, coaches. I’ve learned so much from all of them and couldn’t have done it without them. It is an honor and a privilege to study biochemistry at Oxford. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Riverview and all of my amazing teachers who supported and challenged me academically. This opportunity wouldn’t have be possible without the strong foundation that was built at Riverview.”