| GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's second annual Alumna of the Year receives once-in-a-lifetime chance to launch into a career in the field of International Education! 
Name: Shelly L. Jackson Semester Abroad: July - November 2005 Host Uni: Victoria University of Wellington -Wellington, New Zealand Home Uni: Furman University Academic Major: History
Shelly epitomizes what the Future International Educator Award strives to promote. The Future International Educator/Alumni of the Year Award is given to an outstanding GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Alumni annually. This student must have completed the AustraLearn enCompass Program and have a desire to work in the field of International Education. Shelly is only the second ever recipient of this award, last year's winner was Kelsey McNichols.
In Shelly's essay, she describes her approach to her semester abroad in New Zealand: "I truly believe my experience exceeded my expectations, by far, because of my deep rooted desire to “live in New Zealand” rather than just “be there”."
When asked to answer the question of why she wants to be part of the International Education community Shelly writes, "I was astounded to read that only one percent of American students study abroad. This statistic is according to a recent NAFSA survey. By providing students of all ages and from every demographic, with the opportunity to learn and interact with people from other nations via the internet or cultural field trips we can spark their desire to go abroad and explore. Fueling that desire with financial aid and scholarships, available through exchange programs and internships between the USA and other nations we can increase this percentage significantly... My goal is to ignite a fire underneath these students, get them excited to learn another language, travel and study the various cultures of the world."
"A successful International Educator often engages in global dialogue and should be concerned with the state the world. I have invaluable first hand experience working as a mentor and guide for exchange students with Furman University International Student Association and organizing campus fundraising events for causes such as Tsunami Relief, Hurricane Katrina Aid, and Compassion Child International. I also gained experience in public speaking and speech writing by addressing large crowds of people; A valuable skill for the Alumni of the Year.
I am the ideal candidate for Alumni of the Year because I am intensely curious about international issues and passionate about the learning process, which aligns perfectly with pursuing a career in International Education. Whether I am encouraging others to study abroad or taking time to practice the conjugation of the verb “to do” with a native Spanish speaker, or planning my next trip abroad, one thing is always constant; Since my GlobaLinks Learning Abroad study abroad experience I have continued to forge a path and intend to pursue graduate education in the field of international studies. I hope to become an influential and successful international educator. I will be thrilled and honored to represent GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, Victoria University of Wellington, and the young generation of International Educators at the 2008 NAFSA. I am a living example of how all it takes is a simple geography lesson to plant the seed of inspiration."
We are so pleased to introduce Shelly to the International Education community and look forward to hosting her at this years NAFSA conference in Washington DC. She will give an acceptance speech at the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Advisor Luncheon and will shadow various GlobaLinks Learning Abroad staff throughout the week. |