For Monika Korbusieski, a student on the Spring 2024 Voyage and a senior at Central Connecticut State University, Semester at Sea likely wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Jeffrey Glazer and Lisa Braun Glazer Family IMPACT Scholarship.
“When I was accepted to Semester at Sea, I had to figure out how I could afford it,” Monika said. “Unfortunately, my dad lost his job during COVID, which put a strain on my family’s finances. I knew I would need multiple scholarships and financial aid to make it happen. Thanks to this scholarship, I was able to go. I know so many students are in similar situations, and we can’t thank donors like the Braun Glazers enough for making this incredible experience possible.”
The impact of this scholarship extends even further—earning it and participating in Semester at Sea may have changed the course of Monika’s life. Before the voyage, she was unsure of her future career despite majoring in International Relations and Political Science. With graduation on the horizon, the pressure was mounting. However, on the voyage—an opportunity made possible by her scholarship—she took a course with Dr. Mara Karlin, a Semester at Sea Board of Trustees member who has served in national security roles for three presidents and six secretaries of defense, including as the former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. Dr. Karlin’s influence and expertise inspired Monika to pursue a career in Washington, D.C., following in her professor’s footsteps to become a change-maker in national policy.
Monika’s experience on the voyage also deepened her understanding of global environmental issues. In her Global Studies course, she studied ocean conservation with Dr. Ursula Quillman, who emphasized the connection between oceans and human behavior. “I really came to understand how climate change, drilling, and ocean pollution are driving major global issues,” Monika said. “It was eye-opening because we could see these impacts firsthand as we traveled to different ports. We even documented visible ocean pollution as part of our coursework.” Through her studies, Monika explored topics such as overfishing, microplastics, and biodiversity, as well as the health risks posed by microplastics in the ocean. “When I get to Washington, D.C., I want to help create policies that address these issues—for the sake of our health, wildlife, and the planet,” she said.
For Monika, as for so many other students, the impact of Semester at Sea is undeniable. The connection between the Jeffrey Glazer and Lisa Braun Glazer Family IMPACT Scholarship and the opportunities it creates for students worldwide is clear. “To put it simply, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support,” Monika said. “And I know I’m just one of many students who feel the same way. We are all so grateful for the generosity of families like the Braun Glazers, who are changing lives forever.”
