Carinthia Bank

University of Stirling Postgraduate Award, University of Stirling - Psychology

Last spring, I completed a master’s in social work at the University of Pennsylvania, after studying history as an undergraduate at Princeton University. My pre-college experience as a professional ballet dancer and the difficulties I faced transitioning out of that life inspired me to work towards supporting other athletes, artists and performers moving through retirement and into their next chapters. As an undergraduate, I started a group for students wanting to discuss these transitions. This led me to an independent research project in London that opened my eyes to the UK’s position as a world leader in researching and addressing issues related to athlete transitions. Stirling is a hub for athlete transition work, and my journey since retiring from ballet has fed my awareness of the value of connecting with others and exploring challenges together. I look forward to layering what I learn inside and outside the classroom during my Fulbright year at Stirling onto my past personal experiences and my social work knowledge. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to exchange thought with people at the forefront of the work that has added meaning to my life after ballet as I develop my own role as a helper.