SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM ALUMNI

"I'm glad that I went. I gained a new prospective on African culture and how Africans viewed me as an African-American. I also gained a deep sense of gratitude after visiting the slave castles when I thought about how God has blessed the black race to survive and thrive. Since the trip I have been selected to study abroad this May at the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Also, my job is a legal assistant at a bankruptcy firm."

Name: Rachel Hewig
 Major: History and Nursing

"As always, the experience of the Africa Program Study Abroad had a major impact on my life and my career. It prepared me for my academic and professional future in ways nothing else ever could. Every student should at least consider what this type of experience could do for them and for our world as it serves to increase understanding between cultures. After returning from Ghana the summer of 2002, I went to Washington, D.C. with the Congressman Bill Archer Fellowship Program to work as an intern at the Embassy of The Gambia. That experience was made possible only because of my prior research with the Africa Program. Now, I am the Research and Develpment Specilaist for the Embassy of The Gambia; I am also finishing my masters and then doctorate."

Name: Don Mitchell
 Major: Doctoral candidate in the UTA History Department’s Transatlantic Program

"My specific interests are in early cartographic representations and developments. My primary academic purpose in going to Ghana was to conduct research on these subjects in the library of the University of Ghana and in the National Archives. Holdings were more sparse than I might have hoped but were sufficient to make the trip worthwhile. The Rare Book collection in the Library had some early primary documents of special interest and library and university personnel were of consistent help in steering me onto other material. From a touristic and cultural standpoint the trip was particularly enjoyable and worthwhile. Ghana is a beautiful country and its people some of the friendliest and nicest I have encountered anywhere. They are intelligent and ambitious and always interesting and informative to talk with. Ghana is a country with a future. As to accomplishments after returning, these have been limited. I completed a lengthy study of early cartographic representations of the West African coast for Dr. Jalloh. I continue with the Ph.D. program and will be able to use much of what I learned in Ghana in my further work."

Name: Lisa Orwig
 Major: Graduate School of Social Work

"The trip was personally and academically rewarding.  I highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in international issues. I have graduated with my master's of science in social work. I have presented my research findings to a feminist studies class at SMU."

Name: Troy Poole
 Major: Business Management

"In May 2002 I graduated from UTA with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Since then I have become an Independent Contractor in the field of Carpentry, specifically with residential repair. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity in June to have gone to Ghana, Africa. It was an experience I will never forget. I learned much about myself and much about what it means to come from a different culture. Many times I find myself reflecting on the people of Ghana and wondering how they might react to certain things I see or do everyday. I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there. Just last week I received a letter from my friend Emmanuel Darko of Kumasi. I am sure I will make it back again one day. I look forward to eating their incredibly fresh and juicy fruit. I look forward to fighting my way through the market and haggling with the locals to get bargain prices on the artistry they sell. I look forward to fellowshipping with and worshipping with the Christians there. I look forward to sharing with them about the many things I have learned since I was there. When I was there I caught a glimpse of many things on which I would later receive greater insight. I am thankful for the opportunity to have learned so much from the Ghanaians."
 

Clara Saldivar
 Major: Accounting

"This was a life changing experience. It gave me a whole new perspective on life and changed my future direction and goals.  I have since then applied for the Foreign Service and have taken the exam.  I will know my results next month and would love to have the opportunity to work in countries such as Ghana. I expanded my research for the use of the McNair Program and have presented it 2 times.  I recently went along with a group of McNair students to present our research at the National McNair Conference and Graduate School Fair in Wisconsin.  There were over 100 Universities represented there.  My research will soon be published in the annual McNair Research Journal.  And best of all, I graduate next month, but I will be back at U.T.A. next semester, so I'm seriously considering applying for next summer's trip."

Sharon K. Smith
 Major: Business Marketing

"Currently I am at The George Bush School of Government and Public Service pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Service and Administration. During the Spring 2003 semester I will be interning at the 78th Texas Legislative Session. Over the summer I will be interning at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of African Affairs. While at the Bush School, I have been elected to Student Government and have met with individuals including President and Barbara Bush, President Zemin of China, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Chief of Staff Andy Card, and others."
Sharon K. Smith gigemaggies04@excite.com

Talaun S. Thompson
 Major: Experimental Psychology

"The trip to Ghana was the most wonderful experience that I have ever had! I am a graduating Louis Stokes scholar and will be working on my Masters degree at the University of Texas at Arlington and because of the overseas experience in Ghana, I plan to pursue a Ph.D focusing on International research. The Study Abroad in Ghana has given me many opportunities to present my research findings in Arlington, Arkansas and El Paso LSAMP Conferences. This study abroad Africa field research opportunity through the Africa Program at UTA is a wonderful way to study a different culture, and learn the beautiful truths about Africa."

Alisha Woodall
  Major: Psychology

"Throughout my entire career as a student, my study in Africa is by far the most educational and inspirational lesson I have experienced.  I am proud to have taken part in such a venture, and encourage anyone who has ever desired more from their college experience to explore the study abroad program in Ghana. Since returning from Ghana I have continued my research in the psychotherapy usage of not only Africans, but African Americans as well.  My research in Ghana inspired me to go beyond a term paper, and establish the field of research I wish to embark on throughout my graduate career.  With a degree in Psychology and an emphasis on minority studies, my trip to Africa has propelled me into a greater understanding of the work I plan to do for the rest of my life."