Going abroad

Going abroad By Janet Flanagan Morningside student studies in Oxford, England

When Steven Postolka decided to map out his future, his life compass led him overseas to Oxford, England. His opinion? “Absolutely, one of the best choices I have ever made in my life!” he said. It was Morningside’s global awareness focus that led the Sioux Rapids, Iowa, native to decide to study abroad. Postolka traveled to Spain in 2009 with the Morningside Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Having some college Spanish under his belt gave him a comfort level visiting with the locals. It also fueled his global curiosity. When the political science and mass communication double major learned of the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Oxford, England, he “thought a study abroad experience was the next logical step,” he said. “My advisor, as always, was behind me.” So Postolka spent the fall of 2010 at a center affiliated with the world-famous University of Oxford, the oldest university of the English-speaking world. “Academically it was very challenging, rigorous and rewarding all at the same time,” said Postolka, a 4.0 student. “I learned a lot about British society and British culture Next year more students will study abroad and British law.” than ever before. Twice as many students He took a required medieval history class, along as usual applied and were approved to with three other classes that participate in study abroad programs. involved one-to-one teaching, small seminar classes, intensive lectures and field trips. Postolka immersed himself in English history and law, critical analysis, oral presentation skills, essays and research papers. “I would not recommend a semester in Oxford unless you are academically prepared and experienced with writing papers,” he said. “It’s an adjustment no matter who you are, but I think I was very prepared for the work. I would say the personal attention you receive at Morningside helps students develop. It certainly helped me. The professors in the political science and mass communication departments have always been willing to make personal connections to help students succeed.” It wasn’t all work and no play in England for the Morningside exchange student. The city of Oxford has a thriving social scene, Postolka said, and the university has an abundance of activities and societies. He also traveled within England, visiting several cities and touring many medieval landmarks. Windsor Castle was a highlight. “London was a great tourist city,” he said. “There’s so much to do there. We spent a day at the Tower of London and went to Big Ben and Abbey Road (of Beatles fame).” He passed on other travel outside of the country to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) while in England. That paid off too. Postolka will be attending the University of Iowa College of Law in the fall on a full-tuition scholarship. In addition to his law school entrance exam score and high grade point average, Postolka feels his experience in Oxford played a critical role in his success. His experiences in Sioux City haven’t hurt either. Postolka worked as an intern last summer at the KWIT-KOJI public radio station. Then when he returned to Morningside from his Oxford studies, he resumed work at the station as a part-time announcer. “Steve really grasped the concept of public radio very quickly and recognized this is a great hands-on opportunity for him,” said Gretchen Gondek, general manager of KWIT-KOJI. “He was always here when he needed to be here. He would show up to work at 4:30 in the morning − a college kid! He picked up news immediately and went out and packaged his own news stories on RAGBRAI and Saturday in the Park. “Steve is one of these rare people you see and know the world will be his oyster. He’s going to do great things.” And now with degree in hand and Oxford on his Morningside resume, the 2011 graduate will chart new roads for his future in law school.

Steven Postolka visits Wells Cathedral in Wells, England. The photo was taken in September of 2010, the first month of his semester in England.