Maria Bloise Paura

I find immense joy and adventure in the study of the humanities. I approach the greatest works of art, philosophy, history, and literature of the Western tradition with utmost care, gratitude, and respect. Originally from Brazil, I moved to the United States at the age of 15. Along the way, I have worked as an intern at the United States House of Representatives, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I have also served in classrooms and communities—teaching, mentoring, and advocating for others. From leading youth ministry groups and tutoring children at homeless shelters to developing art programs for underserved students, I hope to always share what I have learned with all around me, deeply believing in the transformative power of an interesting book, a good story, a challenging poem, or math problem. We gain everything by giving all of ourselves. I consider mastering the liberal arts a demanding yet extraordinary pursuit. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Columbia University, where I used the museums, cathedrals, and monuments of New York as my libraries and classrooms. During my time as a student of the liberal arts in the Ivy League, I encountered the challenges facing education today and recognized that only a few institutions are willing to cultivate our innate inclination to question and wonder. This chapter of my academic journey only solidified my belief in truth, justice, and beauty and inspired me to enroll at Ralston College, a new university focused on offering the rigorous education that our tradition requires and deserves.

With training in this tradition—from literature and philosophy to history and languages—I have chosen to devote my life to fostering the pursuit of wisdom and virtue in new generations, believing there is no more honorable endeavor than preserving classical education in America. I am amazed by how many professionals and lovers of the humanities are establishing new classical schools throughout the country. Every human yearns for an adventure of the mind. As Aristotle’s Metaphysics states, there is a universal "desire to know." Such an inclination must be properly nurtured and developed. For me, there is no more essential, extraordinary, and beautiful place than the classroom. It deserves to be cherished and protected. As an aspiring school leader and teacher, I hope to restore meaning, dignity, and wonder to the classroom. Classical education remains a transformative force in our country. As someone whose intellectual journey has been profoundly shaped by the classical tradition, Maria is eager to join a school that values the timeless pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. 

Vision
The revival of classical education is one of the most important cultural and intellectual movements of our time. I intend to be an active participant in this revival—not just as a teacher in the classroom, but as a teacher and school leader, working to establish an institution that upholds the principles of wisdom, virtue, and civic responsibility. My heart remains in the intellectual and moral formation of students. The Hillsdale School Leader Fellowship provides the ideal training ground for this mission. Through its mentorship, curriculum, and practical leadership experience, I will gain the knowledge required to develop a strong classical curriculum, recruit and mentor faculty, build a sustainable school model, and engage with parents and communities to foster a culture of learning that children deserve. But just as importantly, it will allow me to immerse myself in the daily life of a teacher—learning how to inspire students, how to guide them through complex ideas, and how to cultivate a classroom where wonder and wisdom thrive. As a Fellow, I will gain the essential tools to take this vision from concept to reality—learning from experienced leaders how to serve generations of students. I am eager to learn from those who have already dedicated themselves to this work.  Classical education has shaped my life, and its revival is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a cultural imperative. We are called not only to study but to act—to build, to teach, to lead. To be a teacher is to serve—not just for a few years, but for a lifetime. Through this fellowship, I will gain the tools, mentorship, and experience necessary to build a school, lead with integrity, and most importantly, become the kind of teacher who inspires students every single day.