Momentum Magazine | 2025-2026

As the sun sets over the Arno River and Florence’s Renaissance domes color the skyline, USF student Mary Carlin will be living a reality she once believed unattainable. A first‑generation college student, Carlin is the inaugural recipient of the Eisner International Experience Scholarship, created to remove financial barriers to transformative global learning. 

“When I found out I had been selected to receive the Eisner Scholarship, I felt so many emotions at once: shock, excitement, gratitude and pride,” Carlin said.  “This scholarship makes it possible for me to study abroad in Florence.” 

A junior majoring in marketing, Carlin will travel to Italy in June for USF’s Business Study Abroad program, a goal she had quietly held since her freshman year. “I always dreamed of studying abroad, but I knew my family couldn’t afford it,” she said. “As my third year began, I realized this summer would be my last chance. Even though I didn’t personally know anyone who had received these scholarships, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply anyway.” 

That leap changed everything. Funded through the generosity of the Eisner family, the scholarship covers all out-of-pocket expenses, lifting what Carlin describes as “a huge weight off my shoulders.” Dean, Matthew and Sarah Eisner understand deeply and personally how stepping into a new country can change a student’s life trajectory. They’ve seen how global experiences spark confidence, ambition and new ways of thinking. Guided by that passion, they are committed to opening those life‑changing opportunities to students who may have once thought the world was out of reach

Dean Eisner, a former president and CEO and Longboat Key resident, has long been devoted to mentoring the next generation. “I want to open people’s minds, have them explore and help them think for themselves,” he said. 

For Carlin, Florence will be her first international experience. She will take an experiential course on social media communications, interacting with locals and business owners while learning to use digital platforms for meaningful storytelling. “This program will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and build independence,” she said. “Professionally, observing European marketing practices firsthand will strengthen my global marketing skills and intercultural communication.” 

Carlin brings strong marketing experience through roles with USF and local nonprofits, including the American Dog Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. On campus, she serves as president of Circle K International, leading student service initiatives and helping classmates create meaningful impact. 
  
She hopes to visit the Florence Cathedral and the coastal region of Cinque Terre. Growing up in Florida, she says being near the water brings her calm. She has also been studying Italian and cultural differences. One detail stood out: meals in Italy tend to be slower and more social. And she knows exactly what she plans to try first: an affogato. “I love both coffee and ice cream, so I'm excited to try this classic Italian dessert in Florence.” 

Looking beyond her own journey, Carlin hopes to pay it forward. “I plan to share what I learn with my peers and community, encouraging other first-generation students to pursue global learning opportunities.” 

Reflecting on the leap that brought her here, she offered this advice: “Taking that risk showed me that some of the biggest opportunities are on the other side of simply applying.”