The courage and fortitude of Honors student Calley Hull ’23 appears to know no bounds. After graduating from Weaver Academy in Greensboro at the top of her class with a near-perfect academic record, she earned a scholarship to attend college. She soon chose Guilford, where she's double-majoring in Modern Language Studies (Spanish) and English with a minor in Communications. She has a 4.0 GPA.
“I was drawn to the close-knit community at Guilford. I was excited for the opportunity to build relationships with my professors and classmates. I felt that Guilford would push me academically and allow me to pursue my areas of study in a collaborative environment.”
“Coming from a small arts high school, I was drawn to the close-knit community at Guilford. I was excited for the opportunity to build relationships with my professors and classmates,” Calley says. “I felt that Guilford would push me academically and allow me to pursue my areas of study in a collaborative environment.”
Finding Her Passion
Calley’s accomplishments are impressive on their own. However, she did all this while using a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy. Her physical limitations haven’t held her back from getting involved outside of the classroom either. Part of competitive theater during high school, Calley continues to be active in extracurriculars at Guilford.
She’s part of the communications team for Guilford Christian Ministry, and she’s the executive copy editor for The Guilfordian. “I’m so thankful for the experiences and friendships I have gained from being involved in these activities,” she says.
Calley also traveled to Disney World with members of Guilford’s Honors Program for a three-week course during the fall of 2021. “I was able to apply my communications skills in helping the College with some social media/marketing projects,” she says. “I have also had the opportunity to help students improve their writing and Spanish skills as a Writing Fellow and Spanish tutor.”
Academic Aspirations
Her areas of study were inspired by a variety of factors. Calley attended Spanish immersion schools for elementary and middle school, where she gained fluency in the language.
“In college, I wanted to continue to improve my Spanish-speaking and writing abilities, learn more about the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries, and explore careers in which I could use my Spanish skills to help my community,” she says. “I have always enjoyed studying English as well, especially English literature, and I wanted to be able to explore this passion in college through reading, writing, and discussion with my professors and peers.”
Calley notes that all of her professors have been extremely helpful. “I would especially like to thank Karen Spira and Heather Hayton for pushing me and providing me with many opportunities,” she says.
After completing her degree at Guilford, Calley plans to attend graduate school and become a Spanish or English teacher. With her experience has come wisdom.
“I would tell students to persevere and take advantage of opportunities in college,” she advises, “and to lean on friends and mentors for support and encouragement.”
What are your passions? Do you want to teach? Write? Go to graduate school? Whatever you dream of accomplishing, your Guilford College professors will help you get there. Schedule your personalized visit to Guilford to learn more about the College's variety of majors and minors and to meet students like Calley, who are excited to share more with you about why they love being a Guilfordian.