Clémence Besnard is a French exchange student who has been attending the University of Akron since January 2015. She is working on her master of science in international marketing at the ESC Rennes School of Business. Some of her hobbies include painting, other artistic pursuits, and swimming.

When she arrived in the United States, it was a difficult adjustment because it was the first time she had left her family for a long period of time and gone somewhere unfamiliar. She had to adapt to the American culture and to balance work and school. This opportunity to study abroad has proven itself to be a positive experience and it has made her more independent and confident in her ability to adjust. In her opinion, positivity, motivation, determination, open-mindedness, and trustworthiness are paramount to having a beneficial professional experience abroad.

In addition to her education, she would like go on a humanitarian mission to raise funds and provide education for all people, particularly those who are discriminated against. After she receives her master’s degree, she wants to find a job that would allow her to travel abroad.

Before she leaves America, Clémence wants to travel to various cities such as Pittsburgh, Chicago, Washington, DC, and to explore the West Coast.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

On June 29, State & Federal Communications’ Team Intern attended an Akron RubberDucks afternoon game at Canal Park.  Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State & Federal Communications, extended the invitation to our parents or family members to accompany us.  It was really exciting to be able to meet the parents of team Intern and learn a little bit more about them.  Most of Team Intern brought at least one parent, and Elizabeth Bartz brought her husband, John Chames, as well as her parents and visiting sister and brother-in-law.

Seated in a suite, the air conditioning was very much appreciated by everyone.  Near the end of the game the team mascot, Webster the duck, came into our suite and we were able to take pictures with him.  The game itself almost went into extra innings, but the away team, Bowie Baysox, scored the winning run in the 9th inning.  Despite the loss, the game was a fun experience for all of us.  After the game ended Elizabeth Bartz took the opportunity to say goodbye to two of the interns, Elizabeth Scozzaro and Costa Janos, who were finishing their internship two days later.