Julia Blumberg ’15 graduated from High Point University in 2019 where she majored in Spanish and International Relations and minored in History and Latin American Studies. During her time at High Point, Julia was a member of the Spanish Club, worked as an Office Assistant at High Point’s Office of Global Education, and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. A member of the History Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta, Julia was selected to present her Spanish Thesis at High Point’s Research and Creativity Symposium as a senior. 

After graduating from High Point, Julia continued her educational career at the University of Arizona where received two masters degrees; one degree in Bilingual Journalism and the other degree in Latin American Studies. A member of the Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society, Julia accomplished quite a bit during her three years as a graduate student in Tucson. She co-founded and served as co-chair of the Arizona Latin American Studies Symposium, won the 2022 Outstanding Graduate Student award and the 2022 Excellence in Research award, and worked as a Spanish Teaching Assistant in University of Arizona’s Spanish and Portuguese Department.

Currently, Julia serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the School of Journalism and in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Department at the University of Arizona. During the summers, she also works with local Arizona high school students through the School of Journalism as Co-Director of the Donald W. Sharkey Journalism Diversity Workshop, helping local students learn about journalism and the University of Arizona. Reflecting on what she loves most about her current work, Julia states, “I love working with the students and helping them learn about bilingual journalism and Spanish. I teach for the students, and I love to see them progress academically, but also help them with important skills like time management, practicing self-care, and research.” 

Prior to her time at High Point University, Julia was a WFS student. While at Friends, Julia kept herself busy as she played field hockey and basketball, was the stage manager for upper school plays, served as a member of the Quakeover Cancer Committee, and worked as a Jones House Intern. She was also the recipient of the Howard W. Starkweather Jr. ’44 Community Service Award, an award given to graduating seniors who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community service. 

Her advice to the class of 2023?  “My biggest piece of advice is to learn to say no. It is easy to get involved in so many clubs, extracurricular activities, and extra work in college, but you also need time to rest, relax, and have fun. That being said, I also recommend trying new things and taking risks. Don’t be afraid to meet new people, but also keep in touch with your friends from high school. The last piece of advice I will share is to be open to having conversations about differing perspectives, and approaching these conversations with compassion.”