Education

Study Abroad: Peru

In 2018, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Peru. This study abroad opportunity was a “cross-cultural adventure program,” meaning the purpose of the program was to immerse ourselves in Peruvian culture to expand our worldview. We travelled to multiple different cities learning about Peru’s vivid and diverse history. One of my favorite memories was learning how to cook ceviche in a local woman’s home and eating it with her family. 

Before departing, we spent weeks preparing and researching Peru, but I could not find the answer to my biggest question. Why did I feel called to go on this specific study abroad trip? At the time, I was majoring in English and thought I wanted to work for a publishing company. There were plenty of other study abroad opportunities that fit better with my professional goals, but none captured my interest like the Peru cultural immersion trip. Nonetheless, I decided to buy plane tickets and hope for the best. A few days into the adventure I received my answer when we visited Cooperar Peru, a school in the shanty towns of Cusco. Cooperar Peru’s mission is to raise socially excluded children to be active community leaders. After learning about their mission, I knew why I was called to Peru. I have always been passionate about raising the next generation of leaders. Until visiting Cooperar Peru I never imagined I could create a career out of my passion for adolescents. After returning from Peru I changed my major to Human Development and Family Sciences. I choose to concentrate on adolescent development so one day I can impact the lives of adolescents in my community in the same way Cooperar Peru is doing in Cusco.

Policy Brief

The semester project for Social Policy assigned to each student asked them to select one social policy, write a policy brief on the selected policy, and send the policy brief to their state representative. I attached a copy of my final policy brief here.

I selected to highlight this project because I gained valuable practical skills and a new perspective on my position as an advocate for others. While writing my policy brief I began to realize this project was more than another research paper. I had the opportunity to send this policy brief to an elected official, allowing me to advocate for silenced voices. This project combined writing skills and research methods with my passion for advocating for adolescents. As I prepare to work in ministry or a related field, I will be interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and advocating for their wellbeing. The Policy Brief Project provided me with an opportunity to speak up on behalf of adolescents. It allowed me to step in the gap, a position I will take as a mentor in a ministry.

Community Education Project

I love learning. I especially love learning by doing. Applying lecture notes and theories to real-world experiences help me expand my knowledge. Child Development provided me with multiple hands-on opportunities to learn. The course focused on the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social developmental changes in children until adolescence. We discussed major theories and debates as well as risk and protective factors in children. The class concluded with the Community Education Project. The purpose of the project was to apply what we learned in class, create a presentation, and present it to our target audience.

This assignment challenged me to consider my target audience and develop a lesson that would be most beneficial to them. I was able to refine my research skills by choosing the most recent and relevant information. After choosing the best sources, I was able to create a format designed specifically for my audience. The Community Education Project helped me refine my research skills, select recent and relevant information, and become more aware of my audience. The skills and knowledge gained from the Community Education Project are all necessary for a career in ministry. In ministry, I will need to research relevant information for my target audience and be able to present it in front of them. In addition, the information learned in Child Development is vital to working in ministry. To view my final Community Education Project, click here.