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Posted on November 07, 2019

STUDY ABROAD ALUMNI STORY

How has studying abroad benefited you, personally and academically?

I had the opportunity to study both Chinese and Advertising in Taiwan and China in 2015. Personally the experience helped me to see that the world was bigger than just the U.S. and our view of things. The people in Asia viewed the African Americans that were with us as anomalies. We would be stopped to take pictures and was an awesome experience being celebrated as a culture that wasn’t familiar to them. Personally I learned from their culture to think generationally. Academically, the experience helped me to graduate faster because upon returning to the U.S. I had one semester left to complete my second degree. As far as professionally, I intend to start my on foundation to help parents and students with college readiness. I am currently an alumni ambassador for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and am using that platform to speak to students across my city on how to attain scholarships and the benefits of studying abroad.

What is one thing you wish you would have known about studying abroad before you left?

I wish I would have known how much your life does change when you study abroad. I think most students look at the cost and don’t understand that is by far the best experience you can have in higher education. I was blessed to attend conferences in California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Connecticut, and a free trip to Time Square in New York city. They were all great especially since I received scholarships to go, but to have the opportunity to climb the Great Wall, ride the world’s fastest elevator in the world’s tallest green building and to walk in New Century Global Center was life changing.

I tell all the students I speak with to at least look into studying abroad. Not only does it expose you to different cultures, but also makes you more marketable in the job market. Employers like to see students study abroad because they understand that when you are immersed in other cultures you are more apt to be culturally sensitive and a team player because of it. I also tell students to be present in the moments while overseas. They are memories you will always cherish and will change how you view the world!

How did you pay for your study abroad experience?

I used the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship as my main funding for studying abroad. I borrowed the remaining balance from my mother. I earned more than just the Gilman in scholarships including:

  • James W. Gorman Foundation Scholarship- Fall 2013

  • San Antonio Masters Leadership Program Scholarship- Fall 2013

  • H.O.P.E. Hispanic Organization of Public Employees Scholarship- Fall 2013

  • Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions Educators Seed to Tree Scholarship- Presented at the 6th Annual HSI/Title V Best Practices Conference at the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA, Spring 2014***

  • Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing

  • Independence/St. Philip's College S.T.E.A.M. Scholarship- Spring 2014**

  • Valero Energy Foundation Distinguished Scholars Scholarship- Fall 2014

  • H.O.P.E. Hispanic Organization of Public Employees Scholarship- Fall 2014

  • National Society of Hispanic MBAs Ignite Scholarship to attend the 3rd Annual Ignite Undergraduate Program, Annual Conference & Career Expo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Fall 2014

  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship- Spring 2015

  • Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities 29th Annual Student Track EPA Sponsored Student- Summer 2015

  • Living in God’s Ministry Scholarship- Summer 2015

Did you experience any discrimination abroad because of your race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or a physical disability? If so, what did you learn from the experience?

I self identify with being an African American male and a Christian. I have in the past been profiled walking down the street and it was a painful, psychological experience. What I did learn however is the power of branding. I have learned to use social media as a platform to tell the world exactly what I wanted it to know about me. That branding revelation has allowed me to meet the upper echelon in business, politics, and education in my city.

Any additional comments or thoughts that you have about your study abroad experience

Absolutely loved my experience studying abroad and encourage all students to do it themselves!


Authored by an Overseas Ambassador Alumni

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