2019 Gilman Alumni Ambassadors
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Adaure Nosiri Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Ghana, 2018 “The Ghana service-learning program opened my eyes to critical needs concerning nutritional literacy and resources, both nationally and internationally.” Adaure credits her Gilman Scholarship experience Studied dietetics at the in Ghana with strengthening her desire to pursue a University of Georgia career in dietetics to help children lead healthy lives. She had the unique experience to visit Princess Shadowed dietitians in Marie Louise Children’s Hospital in Accra, the very notable medical facilities place that kwashiorkor, a severe protein deficiency, and assisted in malnutrition was discovered by Cicely Williams in 1931. She wards learned how to make milk for children using resources from the World Health Organization and Aided in construction of assessed the progress of previously discharged seven mobile clinic sites in children. Adaure noted that although the hospital Accra, Ghana, conducting did not have advanced technology and needed intake, measurements, and renovations, the dietitians were some of the most nutrition counseling for hardworking people she had ever met. Their dedication inspired her. 1,500 citizens Adaure now works as a nutritionist for the Georgia Department of Public Health. Austin Thorn Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Peru, 2018 “This experience gave me the confidence to believe I was on a path towards something greater.” Austin participated in a service-learning program in Studies music therapy at Peru which ignited his interest in international music UMKC therapy service. In the city of Cusco, he served as a music instructor, teaching piano, guitar, and music President, UMKC theory. In addition, he assisted teachers in a school Association of Music for children with intellectual disabilities. This Therapy Students experience allowed him to create meaningful connections with students through music, First Generation Student overcoming barriers of culture and communication. Mentor for UMKC College of Arts and A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Austin will complete a bachelor’s degree in music therapy at the Sciences University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory Participated in service- of Music and Dance in 2019. He plans to combine his love for music with his passion for healthcare and learning program in Peru, pursue a career serving populations in need. 2018 Chelsey Brown Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Morocco, 2016 “I developed a world view of appreciation, empathy, and respect.” In Morocco, Chelsey studied Middle Eastern culture Political science major at and the Arabic language. She was also able to visit Florida A&M University the U.S. Embassy and meet U.S. foreign service officers. During her time abroad, Chelsey lived with Studied two dialects of a local family, sampled traditional cuisine, engaged Arabic in open dialogue with local students, and participated in Ramadan traditions. Outside of the Met with U.S. foreign classroom, Chelsey volunteered with a nonprofit service officers at U.S. organization, allowing her to learn about Embassy in Morocco immigration and Moroccan nationality law, topics that coincided with her academic endeavors. Earned master’s degree in global security and Chelsey’s experience abroad inspired her to earn a international affairs after master’s degree in global security and international affairs. studying abroad Volunteered at international scholarship workshops and as keynote speaker at high schools, community colleges, and universities in Florida Cody Ritz Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Rwanda, 2018 “It’s important for us to remember that not everyone shares our beliefs, customs, or traditions – and that’s okay. We have to step outside of our own bubble and try to understand the world from different perspectives.” Cody interned abroad, working with medical Biology and interdisciplinary professionals and public health organizations to humanities major at Brigham focus on infection prevention and control. He spent Young University time working on health and hygiene awareness to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and Advanced French skills to he collaborated with community health workers to better establish meaningful provide nutrition programs for mothers and children connections and work in as well as general health education and disease prevention. settings that would not otherwise be possible Cody’s internship emphasized institutional and community health, inspiring him to look at Developed an understanding healthcare on a grander scale. The experience of the public health taught him that a complex system can only function perspective and systems if all its pieces are working in harmony. His time in approach to healthcare Rwanda encouraged him to pursue a master’s degree in public health alongside a medical degree Inspired to obtain dual in preparation for a career in international medicine. MD/MPH degree with global health concentration Darnell Sharperson Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador France, 2018 “My self-identity has been recharged, and I possess a whole new perspective on it. It is now more necessary than ever to have a global presence and be represented.” Darnell’s study abroad program in France provided Studies public relations, French, him the opportunity to participate in lectures and and global perspectives at the discussions about the architecture, history, and University of Alabama culture of Paris. Darnell focused on improving his linguistic skills, reinforcing his passion for the art of President of the Black Student the French language. Outside of his coursework, Union at the University of Darnell explored the historic cities of Normandy, Alabama Chantilly, and Marseille to observe and compare the communication styles between locals and nonlocals. Conducted self-motivated field The experience Darnell valued the most was his reports detailing African cultural introduction to the African diaspora and its effect on the progression of Africa becoming the center of and artistic influence on Paris issues related to art and culture in Europe. Collaborates with the Office of Since returning to the University of Alabama, Education Abroad to promote Darnell has used his experience and perceptions to the Gilman Scholarship inspire other students of color to impact the Increased individuality, narrative of global education positively. With a passion for branding, strategic communications, and adaptability, and problem- internationalization, Darnell has focused his energy solving skills on a career in global public relations supporting arts and entertainment, cultural promotion, and diversity. Errienna Mckenzie Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Tanzania, 2017 “Studying abroad allowed me to observe firsthand the unique challenges faced by those on the front line of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, strengthening my passion for a career in public health.” While abroad, Errienna completed both Biology and microbiology and history coursework with a focus on pharmaceutical sciences HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. She had the opportunity to double major at The Ohio take a course in Swahili and collaborate with local students on an independent research project. She State University used her research on the use of traditional medicine Conducted an in the treatment of malaria, often found independent research concomitant with HIV, to better understand the epidemic in the region. project on traditional medicine Errienna’s time in Tanzania piqued her interest in a career in public health, all while developing Partnered with the Office invaluable communication, problem-solving, and of International Affairs to leadership skills. She has been able to use these skills host study abroad to transition from student to professional. information sessions Observed the impact of USAID-PEPFAR in rural Sub-Saharan Africa Hanusia Higgins Gilman International Scholarship Alumni Ambassador Madagascar, 2017 “I learned how conservation works on a global level and how the desire to conserve natural places impacts the people who live in those places.” In Madagascar, Hanusia studied the impacts of Studied biology, ecology, natural resource and biodiversity conservation. She and evolution at learned how conservation works on a global level Washington University in and how the desire to conserve natural areas in nations like Madagascar impacts the people who live St. Louis there. Living in a homestay for six weeks allowed her Gained language skills in to learn more about Malagasy culture and form a French and Malagasy strong connection with her host family. Conducted monthlong Hanusia had the opportunity to spend a month independent study project designing and carrying out a research project. She surveyed the populations of three invasive plant surveying invasive species species in a nature reserve and used her findings to in a natural reserve create a recommended management plan. This invaluable experience reaffirmed her career goal to Promoted study abroad continue conducting ecological research that applies and the Gilman to real-world conservation work. Hanusia will begin Scholarship to students in graduate-level studies in natural resources at the her hometown University of Vermont in the fall of 2019. She looks forward to sharing the opportunities provided by the Gilman Scholarship with students at her new institution. Jaylen Wingfield Gilman International Scholarship Alumni