Ty Gamble-Eddington is always pushing himself to seek opportunities to further his education. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science and history earlier this year from Union College, he’s currently enrolled in a graduate program at Trinity College in Dublin.

“I’ve been really enjoying that so far,” said Gamble-Eddington. “It has just kind of been getting used to Ireland and getting used to Dublin, and just the field of sociology.”

Next year, the Union graduate will cross the Irish Sea to study at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He’s one of 32 Americans to receive the prestigious opportunity this year, and according to Union, he's just the second student in school history to be named a Rhodes Scholar.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to go to Oxford because it has always been one of my dream schools to go to,” Gamble-Eddington said, “because I mean, it’s just kind of magical when you look at the campus, when you hear about it.”

According to the Rhodes Trust, more than 2,300 students began the application process, which included eight letters of recommendation, a 1,000-word personal statement, and a 1,000-word academic statement. Of that, 826 were endorsed by colleges. Then 16 U.S. district selection committees each invited at least 14 finalists to be interviewed.

“It’s a pretty long and drawn-out process over the weekend, especially if you’re in person,” Gamble-Eddington said. “But I also think it’s pretty in-depth.”

At the end of the virtual reception, Gamble-Eddington was one of the two selected from his district. Ironically, just a few hours after the announcement, he was on an unrelated flight to the United Kingdom and still trying to wrap his mind around what just happened.

“I went to bed for like 3 or 4 hours, and I woke up and I kind of sat on the airplane ride the whole time like, ‘I’m going to Oxford, going to Oxford.’ And I was like ‘I guess it’s not that awkward that I’m going to the U.K. right now,’ ” said Gamble-Eddington.

He is now applying to Oxford’s master’s program, where he’s planning to study politics. After that, Gamble-Eddington is eying law school, where one day he hopes to work in international human rights law.

He credits the Union faculty and staff, as well as his family, for helping him get to where he is today.

“Everyone has kind of supported me along the way and encouraged me to do what I want, and to kind of pursue my passions,” Gamble-Eddington said. “And so that’s something I really value, especially as someone who doesn’t come from those privileged backgrounds; it’s been really amazing to have those support systems not only at school, but also at home.”