During the 2024-2025 academic year, I am serving as a Cultural Ambassador and English Teacher Assistant in the Canary Islands working with students in English, Physical Education, Science, and Art! I am thrilled to participate in this prestigious program and apply my education in International and Global Studies with a focus in Global Migration and Diaspora Studies from Middlebury College. Thanks to WorldChicago’s nomination, I attended Middlebury College through the Posse Scholarship which allowed me to study abroad in Spain in Fall of 2022, and Cameroon in Spring of 2023. These were my first opportunities for complete linguistic and cultural immersion for an extended period of time where I attended local universities, stayed with host families, and learned about my local communities gaining critical experience and insight into our global dynamics.

Studying abroad in Spain inspired me to apply for the Fulbright Program to continue immersive educational experiences through integrating myself as an English Teaching Assistant. This role is special because of how I am an active participant in children’s education and serve as a cultural ambassador which allows for direct intercultural education. My placement on Tenerife in the Canary Islands is also uniquely special because of how the increasing migrant and tourist populations impact local communities. These themes will also be explored through my supplementary project where I hope to volunteer with one of the migrant organizations on the island.

The Fulbright Program is a culminating experience in my professional journey in the world of international relations and intercultural education which was ultimately made possible by the WorldChicago high school program, Youth Diplomats. From 2018 to 2020, my understanding of working in international relations opened drastically as I met teachers, entrepreneurs, and government officials from all over the world. I was truly inspired seeing the local and global impact of the international visitors that WorldChicago hosted and opened my eyes to what’s possible. Most importantly, I was able to connect with peers that had similar interests as me which was rare at the time.

From Youth Diplomats to the Fulbright Program, I have continuously sought out and participated in opportunities that applied my passions in intercultural education, travel, and language learning!