World traveler Olivia Boyce is a rising senior from Dacula, Georgia (pronounced Duh-que-lah, not “Dracula,” as some have mistakenly called it). Olivia has traveled abroad numerous times and is spending the summer in Vietnam before heading to South Africa for her fall semester. Talk about a world traveler!
An anthropology major with a minor in entrepreneurship and social enterprise, Olivia has made the most of her time at Wake by taking full advantage of international study opportunities and maintaining several major positions with the Old Gold & Black, serving as life editor, managing editor, and currently as an abroad columnist.
Beyond these official roles, Olivia definitely earned herself the title of office mom. Gifted with the virtue of patience, Olivia epitomizes kindness. More than once Olivia entered the office with Bojangle’s biscuits or Cheez-Its for the entire staff.
“Olivia is just so comforting. Sometimes I just want her to read my proofs so she can be proud of me,” said her friend Aaron Colston.
Olivia grew up with five older brothers, which lead to her laid-back and easy temperament.
“I know more random boy knowledge about things like lawnmowers and fishing than the average bear.”
Plus, after spending her entire childhood putting up with being constantly poked fun at, Olivia can take just about anything: “I am pretty difficult to fluster.”
Beyond the newspaper, Olivia commits a lot of her time to a locally based international non-profit Children of Vietnam that aids impoverished children and families in Vietnam. She serves as the executive board secretary, chair of the marketing committee and also heads up the company’s blog.
Olivia certainly exceeded all expectations in her past three years at Wake, and now she’s moving on to more worldly accomplishments. She recently moved out of her apartment in Winston and is taking the next two weeks to study for and take the GMAT—talk about ambition.
After she completes the GMAT she is traveling to Vietnam to lead a Children of Vietnam service project at the Hoa Mai Orphanage in Da Nang, Vietnam.
“We will be setting up a sustainable mushroom farm on the orphanage’s campus, tutoring the kids in English, and delivering donated gifts like shoes and bicycles.”
As if taking a standardized exam and changing the world wasn’t enough for one summer, after Vietnam Olivia will spend a few days at home in Georgia for her brother’s wedding before flying to Cape Town, South Africa.
In early July Olivia will start her semester abroad in a social and economic development program at the University of Cape Town.
“I plan on working in international social ventures and beneficial enterprises in the future, so I think it will be great to get some real-world experience in a country that is known for its social innovations.”
Olivia said she has gained perspective doing the more unconventional abroad experiences. For instance, over Christmas break Olivia went on a VSC trip to volunteer in Kolkata, India where the group spent a week serving mentally disabled, homeless women.
“It was such a challenging but eye-opening experience; those types of experiences are not only the best memories of your life, but they change you for the better and make you look at the world through a new lens.”
When she returns from her adventures abroad next fall, Olivia will graduate a semester early. Eventually Olivia plans on getting her MBA with a social enterprise focus, but until then she hopes to continue journeying around the world and will see where her travels will lead her.
“I guess I we will just have to see how my gypsy tendencies can enmesh with my practical, ambitious side.”
*Photography by Olivia Boyce