From the Court to the Classroom: Elisa’s Journey as a Global Scholar

Meet Elisa Rivas, a U.S. Dual Diploma scholar from Quito, Ecuador. She combines her love for volleyball with her academic goals, using the program’s flexibility to thrive in both. Discover how this student athlete is building strong time-management skills, advancing her studies, and preparing for future opportunities in sports, entrepreneurship, and life abroad.

Hudson Global Scholar: Elisa Rivas

Hudson Global Scholars program: Columbia School U.S. Dual Diploma Program

Home: Ecuador

Balancing Sport and Studies

Elisa Rivas has always been dedicated to sports, especially beach and indoor volleyball. Balancing athletic training and school was once a challenge, but the U.S. Dual Diploma Program through Hudson Global Scholars has given her the flexibility to succeed in her studies while pursuing her athletic goals and competing in sports at a national level.

Elisa’s volleyball journey began at age 11. She first developed her skills in a beach volleyball club, where she trained for two years before following her coach to a new beach program. As her dedication and ability grew, Elisa expanded into indoor volleyball in 2024 and was recruited to join a newly formed team preparing for the national championships. That year became one of her most demanding, as she competed in both beach and indoor volleyball national championships in the under-15 category, balancing intense training with her academic responsibilities. Now 16, Elisa continues to compete at the national level in beach volleyball, qualifying for the championships again this year. While she is increasingly involved in indoor volleyball, her love for the beach game remains at the heart of her athletic journey.

Finding the Right Fit

Before enrolling in the U.S. Dual Diploma Program, Elisa struggled to balance her busy schedule: training from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., attending classes, completing homework, and participating in activities. “Sport has forced me to be organized,” she explains. “I like to organize my time in order to achieve things,” she says. She has learned the importance of prioritizing from her trainer: “doing things 1st, 2nd, 3rd.”

Elisa discovered Hudson Global Scholars through the Comuna School, which partners with Hudson Global Scholars to support students, including serious athletes. “They serve a lot of other athletes like me,” she says. The U.S. Dual Diploma program allowed her to adjust coursework around tournaments and championships, and work ahead when needed.

“The U.S. Dual Diploma program lets you organize yourself. You have your tasks. You know the deadline. You can finish it right now or when you can. I like the flexibility it gives you.”

Academic Growth and Favorites

Now in her senior year, Elisa has been able to train and complete while exploring a wide range of courses: from economics and U.S. government to marine and environmental science. She’s currently taking a course that she loves on startups and innovation.

The dual diploma program has also supported her English development. “Reading academic texts is different than reading memes,” she notes. She has seen improvement in her writing and can collaborate with teachers to revise work when needed.

Community and Future Goals

Although her busy schedule limits participation in online clubs, Elisa has joined the Language Club and the Be Real Trivia Club through the Hudson Global Scholars Community.

Looking ahead, Elisa hopes to study abroad in Spain or Canada while maintaining her involvement in sports: “I want to keep up sports in university even if I can’t do volleyball.” Family and friends remain central to her plans, and she is exploring her academic path. With many possibilities ahead, she is beginning to shape her future. Her class has piqued her interest in startups, and she is considering building one someday with a focus on eco-friendly and environmentally safe products.

Advice for Fellow Students

Elisa encourages other students who are ready for responsibility and dedication to consider the U.S. Dual Diploma program.

“I would recommend it to people who are willing to study. I would also recommend it to people who would like to improve their reading and writing—and who want to study abroad.

Elisa’s story proves that with focus and flexibility, and with the help of the right program, it’s possible to serve up victories both in sports and in the classroom. By balancing rigorous academics as a global scholar with her passion for athletics, Elisa is building skills, confidence, and a foundation for future opportunities at home and abroad. Or, as she says, she is building “a pathway to international education.”

Watch Elisa speak about her experience: