As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Madison Paladine, international business studies major with a minor in Japanese from Rockland County, N.Y. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Paladine was nominated for this series by Adjunct Faculty Ryan Sanders.
In this profile, Paladine shares 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?
Paladine: When I first became a student at UD, adapting to the new environment felt overwhelming, especially as an introvert. However, over time I gained confidence in my abilities and in myself. I made tons of new friends, remained dedicated to my studies, and pushed myself to become more independent in all aspects of life. I am extremely happy with the person I am today, and I owe it all to stepping out of my comfort zone.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Paladine: Throughout college, balancing a heavy workload with time for socializing and relaxation has been a challenge. This was especially difficult when I was taking the maximum number of credits. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use an agenda book to keep track of assignments and exams. Additionally, checking the due dates of coursework ahead of time and planning accordingly can help you free up your schedule down the line.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Paladine: My favorite signature UD experience was my study abroad trip to Japan in spring 2024. I attended Akita International University for an entire semester, where I had the opportunity to meet people from various countries, experience Japanese culture firsthand, practice my language skills, and make lifelong friends. It was my first time traveling by myself, let alone to another country, so I was incredibly nervous going into it. However, I quickly eased into it, and it ended up being the most enjoyable time of my college career. I saw the rural life of Akita, the shrines and temples of Kyoto, and the castles of Osaka. It was extremely rewarding to see how well I could communicate with the locals after studying the language for so long. This trip reinforced my love for Japan, and I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced something so special.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Paladine: Throughout my college career, I have been lucky to meet several faculty members who will have a lasting impact on me. I took Professor Ryan Sanders’ globalization and business course, where I learned how to write policy briefs and was encouraged to apply concepts we spoke about in class to real-world examples through research. In addition to this, he helped me build professional connections and guided me on how to achieve my future goals. I am also appreciative of Professor Eva Alfoldi, who not only helped me realize my interest in international marketing, but also provided valuable mentorship and advice. Lastly, Professor Frederick Bentley taught me in his strategic management course the importance of standing out so that competition becomes irrelevant. Beyond corporate strategy, this principle applies to many aspects of life and continues to motivate me. I will always be grateful to my professors at UD for everything they have taught me over the years.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Paladine: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means continuing to work hard in all that I do and remaining connected to the college by putting the lessons I have learned to use. Throughout my time at the Lerner College, I have come to realize how extensive the business world is, and how crucial each business function is in ensuring the success of companies globally. I am excited to be able to contribute to that.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Paladine: The advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to try new things, even if they make you uncomfortable at first. It is important to remember that moving to college is a huge adjustment, but everyone is in the same boat. Feeling nervous is a part of the process, but making friends along the way can help ease the transition. Another important aspect is taking the time to get to know your professors on a personal level. They have years of experience and can offer valuable advice on the steps you should take if you are unsure about something, whether it is course material or aspects of your future. Building these relationships is also crucial for networking.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Paladine: Following graduation, I plan to continue studying Japanese in order to achieve absolute fluency. With this, I am looking to put my knowledge of language and business to use by working for a Japanese company in the future, and perhaps as a translator when I gain enough experience to do so. I hope to be able to travel between the United States and Japan regularly.