YHC student Laura Mauldin wins scholarship to Norway

YOUNG HARRIS – Towns County native Laura Mauldin, a sophomore triple major at Young Harris College, has been selected as one of two students in Georgia by the Georgia Rotary Student Program for a scholarship offered by the Rotarians of Oslo, Norway, for the 2026 International Summer School at the University of Oslo.

“Competing against students from across Georgia was intimidating,” said Mauldin, who is majoring in management, marketing, and business administration. “I felt confident in my application, yet I also understood what I was up against. So, when I received the news that I had been selected, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.”

“This opportunity is both surreal and inspiring,” she continued. “Studying in Oslo will allow me to experience new cultures, broaden my perspective, and grow both as a student and a leader. I believe strong leadership comes from exposure to diverse ideas and environments. This scholarship will allow me to do just that.”

Mauldin will travel to Oslo to study at the International Summer School at Oslo University in Norway, from June 27 to July 25, 2026.

“This opportunity is more than travel or academics; it’s a chance to challenge myself while broadening my understanding of the world and growing into a leader who contributes meaningfully to it,” Mauldin said.

This willingness to grow as a leader demonstrates why Mauldin was nominated for this opportunity.

“She consistently demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service Above Self in her daily actions. She has a genuine heart for service and the curiosity and openness needed to grow from an international experience such as this,” shared nominator Bobbie Thomson, director of development and corporate relations at the College.

Mauldin is grateful to come from a community that believes in her, guides her, and challenges her: “Without my community and the Rotary, none of this would be possible. Representing them is an honor, and I hope to make them proud!”

The scholarship includes six credit hours of undergraduate coursework at the International Summer School at Aarhus University. Mauldin will also enjoy a daytrip in Oslo with a host from the Norwegian Rotary.

“We are so excited to have Laura represent Young Harris College and Georgia as a Rotary Scholar this summer in Oslo, Norway,” said Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, YHC’s director of study away and professor of biology. “Studying abroad is a transformative experience where students can further develop their self-confidence and independence, better understand themselves and their place in the world, and explore how their own cultural life-experiences compare with those common to other countries.

“We look forward to having her share about her adventures and insights when she returns to campus in the fall, encouraging other YHC students to also expand their world-view.”