“Thanks to the Odyssey Scholarship, I no longer need to worry about difficult circumstances. Instead, I can focus on my education and my impact on the world.”
How did your summer experiences clarify your career or academic interests?
Over the summer, I made use of the Foreign Language Acquisition Grant to spend 10 weeks learning Creole in Haiti. Being immersed in the culture and language strengthened my interest in doing research related to Haiti. Before going, I wasn't sure if I really and truly wanted to orient my academic pursuits towards Haiti. However, after I realized that the Haitian people and the stories they have to tell are fascinating and awe-inspiring, I was set.
What professor or course has had the greatest impact on you, and why? How are you identifying your academic passions?
One course that had a significant impact on me was a comparative race and ethnic studies course called Religion and the American Civil Rights Movement. This class explored the role religion had in the Civil Rights Movement following the abolition of slavery. The readings offered a great deal of background on the Civil Rights Movement and helped me understand the importance of various organizations. That, in turn, led me to apply for a human rights and public policy trek in Alabama. There, I was able to see how the history I studied in class still manifests today.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is my dorm, International House. Although I often complain about the long walk to the dining hall and make jokes about essentially being a commuter student, I really enjoy the time I spend at International House. For starters, I-House is stunning. The infrastructure is absolutely gorgeous and the quaint library inside is to die for. Then, the events within the spaces are always engaging. From political talks to dance performances, I-House has it all.
If you could speak directly to the person whose gift supported your scholarship, what would you say?
Without the Odyssey Scholarship, I don't know where I'd be. Almost all of the enriching opportunities that I've had after high school have been directly attributable to the University of Chicago and the Odyssey Scholarship. The Odyssey Scholarship lifts undue burdens off my shoulders and opens a variety of doors. Thanks to the Odyssey Scholarship, I no longer need to worry about difficult circumstances. Instead, I can focus on my education and my impact on the world.
