As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Ceara Stewart, an economics major with minors in Spanish and international business studies from Bloomfield, New York, has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stewart, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Stewart was nominated for this series by UD Assistant Professor of Economics Elizabeth Bayley, who said, “Ceara has excelled in her multiple academic pursuits: economics, international business and Spanish, including study abroad programs in Madrid and Barcelona. She is always looking for the next challenge, whether it be an advanced economics course, internship or scholarship opportunity.”
In this profile, Stewart shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Stewart: Being a Blue Hen has helped me gain the confidence to go out into the world and get what I want. I am no longer hesitant or too shy to stand out and make an impact and I have UD to thank for that. Looking back at my freshman year, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or how I wanted to make an impact. But now I have gained independence, I have found my passions and I know what I want and where I am going.
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Stewart: My favorite place at UD has to be The Green. There is nothing better than laying out a blanket on the grass and studying with friends between classes.
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Stewart: The most memorable course I took was Urban Economics (ECON393) with Professor Daniels. Although challenging, the course fueled my passion for economics by moving past the normal discussions of supply and demand and teaching me that economics really does make up all aspects of our lives in the most unique ways. Professor Daniels made the content easy to digest and I was lucky to have him for other economics courses during my time at UD.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Stewart: I came to UD to be a member of the World Scholars Program and this experience has made my time here at UD the best. I was so lucky to have spent my first semester in Madrid, Spain and another semester my junior year in Barcelona, Spain. These experiences have made me a better person and have given me some amazing memories and lifelong friends.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Stewart: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means getting to always stay connected to the people at the business school that have helped me in my journey towards graduation. Being a “Lifelong Lerner” also means getting to share what I have learned with the world and help work towards meeting it a better place. Thanks to Lerner College, I have the skills and the confidence to keep doing amazing things.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Stewart: Along with many other students, I am still looking for the right opportunity to present itself due to the pandemic. But I am actively searching for roles as an economic analyst either in the public or private sector.