A Fun Time Speaking to Students at My Home By the Sea

The third week of January was a very busy week for me. I had the opportunity to travel to Maryland and Virginia for both work and play. I had a lot of fun spending time with family and friends celebrating President Obama’s second inauguration and celebrating my friend’s birthday while in Maryland. I also had a chance to see more friends in family during my brief time in Virginia. Although I love my family and friends and really enjoyed the celebrations of President Obama and my friend's birthday those were not the only reasons for my trip. I stay in contact with my former Spanish professor/ advisor, Dr. McRae so a couple of weeks before my trip I let her know that I was going to be in the Hampton Roads area and asked her if I could share my study abroad and language learning experiences with some of her classes at my alma mater, Hampton University. She loved the idea so we solidified the logistics and I was all set.

I had an amazing time speaking to Dr. McRae’s Spanish classes. It was such a pleasure to speak to my fellow Hamptonians about the study abroad and language learning experiences that I had as a Hampton University student as well as the study abroad experiences that I had post graduation. The students were genuinely interested in the conversation and asked some insightful questions. I could tell that some of the students have a keen interest in studying abroad so I was glad that I could help foster that interest.

As a Marketing and Spanish double major I made sure to stop by the School of Business to see some of my business professors. I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite marketing professors, Dr. Sonja Mitchell. One of the lessons that many of my Hampton University professors including Dr. Mitchell instilled in us was to always be prepared and ready for any opportunity that presents itself. It is not often that I visit my professors and not be asked to do something, share updates, etc. Visiting Dr. Mitchell was no exception. Dr. Mitchell’s Marketing Research class started 15 minutes after I stopped by her office to say hello. While I was giving her my update on what I had recently accomplished and what I am currently doing, Dr. Mitchell asked if I would speak to the students in her next class. There was no way that I could say no so I gladly obliged and what an awesome experience it was!

I truly enjoyed speaking to the current marketing students, many who will be graduating in May. I tailored my topic a bit to include how I use my marketing degree in my chosen career path. I spoke about my blog, “KoMiSa’s World” and incorporated studying abroad and language learning into the conversation. Many of the students had great questions about studying abroad and the various options they could pursue as a student and once they graduate from Hampton University. 

I have spoken to many students in various schools and organizations but there is always something extra special when I speak to students from my “Home By the Sea” Hampton University. I am instantly reminded of the graduates who came back to speak to my classmates and I when we were students. I know how impactful their stories, experiences and interactions were to us. To know that I may have a similar impact on the current students makes every experience that I shared that much more meaningful. Not only have my experiences enriched my life, but they allow me to give back and make a difference in others’ lives as well.

The icing on the cake are the emails that I have been receiving from the students that I spoke to in both the Spanish and Marketing classes. I am honored that the students see the value in my experiences and my advice. I was truly blessed during my matriculation at Hampton University and thankful that I can now be a blessing to the current students.  

A huge thank you to Dr. McRae and Dr. Mitchell for allowing me to speak to your students. 

KoMiSa’s Thoughts: You never know when you will get the opportunity to share your experiences with others so when you get the chance take it. Whether it is speaking to a class like did or speaking to one person, the experiences that you share can often be the inspiration/motivation that the other person needs to continue on their journey through life.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Ancestral Inspiration: Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune

Photo from biography.com

You never know where your inspiration can come from. I often find inspiration and motivation in unexpected places. My grandfather used to talk about Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune a lot because she was born in South Carolina and lived in Florida. My grandfather was born in South Carolina and grew up in Florida so he saw a connection there. From my history lessons as a child, I knew that Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, a strong woman of faith, was a child of former slaves who surpassed expectations and opposition to found a college for African American’s now Bethune-Cookman College, started the National Council for Negro Women, was a advisor to President Theodore and Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in addition to many other positions and accomplishments. As I pursue my career in Higher Education Administration I felt a strong pull to learn more about Mrs. Bethune’s life and how she accomplished all that she had accomplished amongst all of the challenges and opposition she faced as a woman and African American living in the late 1800s/ early 1900s. As I read “Mary McLeod Bethune” by Catherine Owens Peare there were some lessons that stuck with me that I wanted to share with you.

1. Learn and Experience then Pay it Forward

As I read about Mrs. Bethune’s childhood I learned of her determination to learn how to read. She was not content until she knew how to read and write. When she was afforded the opportunity to attend school she took full advantage of the opportunity to learn how to read and write she taught others in her family and community how to read and write as well. She used all that she learned and paid it forward. This is a lesson that we all should remind ourselves of from time to time. We do not learn and experience all of the things that we do just for our pleasure and satisfaction alone. We must then pay it forward and share that which we have learned and experience with others who may benefit from it as well. That is one of the reasons why I started this blog, to share my knowledge and experiences with studying abroad, learning languages, culture, etc. with others to inspire and encourage them to take similar opportunities as the opportunities present themselves. Thus as we continue learn and experience new things we must continuously pay it forward by sharing and teaching what we have learned.

2. Stay Steadfast in your Faith

Mrs. Bethune approached everything that she did with faith. Although she had an extreme uphill battle to start and maintain a school for African American girls with little to no money, in time where Jim Crow was the norm and educating Black children was far less than a priority, and her being of color herself, Mrs. Bethune had faith in God, in herself and in the vision He gave her to educate her people would indeed become a reality. She exercised her faith by doing what was right in front of her at the time and meeting the needs of her students. Regardless of the opposition that she faced from her own people scared that she would stir up trouble to the opposition of white Americans who did not want to a school  black children she used her faith to start and grow her school that still educates students both male and female of all colors, nationalities, and economic backgrounds today. Mrs. Bethune let nothing stand in the way of her vision of educating her people.  Instead her faith allowed her vision grow larger than what most many could have fathomed.

3. Your Passion will open doors that you often don’t realize will be there.

Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune had a vision as a child to learn how to read. As she learned from and gained an appreciation for her teachers she realized that she too wanted to be an educator. Her passion was to help her people to better themselves and she knew that education was a strong vehicle to do so. I am sure that she had no idea of all of the doors that would open as she set out to learn how to read, pursued her goal to become a teacher, and started her own school that grew into a college. Not only did she accomplish the goals just mentioned, but as she pursued her passion of helping her people through education she became an advisor to President Theodore Roosevelt and Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She also traveled all over the United States and Internationally speaking about education, civil and women’s rights and equality. By following her passion, Mrs. Bethune not only gained the respect from her peers, the admiration and influence from the President and the First Lady of the United States but she also gained the respect from many who at one time were opposed of her just for the color of her skin.

4. Traveling opens the mind and reinvigorates the soul.

Mrs. Bethune traveled across the country with various organizations that she lead and/ or was a part of such as the National Council of Negro Women, the National Urban League, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also traveled internationally to Haiti, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, England and other European Countries. Her travels gave her a broader understanding of the world, allowed her to see new sights and meet some amazing people including the Pope during her visit to Rome. Mrs. Bethune experiences abroad widened her vision and outlook as well as invigorated her drive to continue her life’s work of education and humanitarianism.

Learning more about Mrs. Bethune’s life increased my motivation to continue to live out my motto to be a blessing to others for I have been blessed by the efforts of Mrs. Bethune and all those who have come before me. I have been blessed by all the teachers and professors who have poured their knowledge into me. I have been blessed to have traveled and seen many parts of the world thus I am blessed to share those experiences and encourage others to travel abroad as well. I have also been blessed by you, yes you who take the time to read this blog. You are helping me to accomplish my goal of spreading the message of inspiring and encouraging others to travel, learn languages, and to explore cultures near and far. Thus I thank Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune for her wisdom, faith and inspiration and I thank you for reading this entry, my blog in general, and for being a part of my journey.

Thanks for reading!!!

Hasta el proximo vez,

Kory

Barbados - Fun in the Sun

One of the best perks about having friends who study abroad and who have international careers is having the opportunity to go and visit them. My friend Joia who was the first person I interviewed for the Career Corner section of KoMiSa's World (click here to check out the interview with Joia) works is a Foreign Services Officer stationed in Barbados. I have been planning to visit her in Barbados all year so I was excited to bored the plane and to make my way to the gorgeous island in the Caribbean Sea for a long weekend.


I had an amazing time visiting the U.S. Embassy, meeting Joia's coworkers and later having great conversations over Korean Food and later sitting on the terrace enjoying the tropical night air. I also enjoyed the local cuisine and was very happy that I could get ginger beer everywhere I went.

Joia was an amazing tour guide. We made the best of every adventure. We also had a great time partying with two of the most popular morning show deejays on the island. If plan to go to Barbados soon be sure to check out Barbados native, Alex Jordan's morning radio show!!! It was on to Frisky Fridays the next night to meet up with more of Joia's friends and dance the night away. With all the delicious food that I ate I definitely was glad to work it all off on the dance floor in the evenings. I even enjoyed going to the grocery store, gas station, and other things we often do in our daily lives. Visiting these places gives me yet another glimpse of the culture, an opportunity to interact with native people and seeing how those who live on the island live their daily lives.

Family and friends are oh so important to me so when I went to Joia's coworkers/friends birthday brunch and was embraced like family it was the perfect addition to a fabulous trip. Great people, delicious food, drinks flowing, an amazing Caribbean backdrop and the celebration of a birthday made me feel right at home.

No Caribbean vacation is complete without a trip to the beach so we definitely took advantage and had some fun in the sun.

A huge thank you to Joia and her amazing friends in Barbados for welcoming me and for taking part in my fabulous vacation!!!!

Thanks for reading!!!

Hasta el proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

P.S. I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season. May you be abundantly blessed in 2013.

First Lady Obama’s Support for Study Abroad

I recently received an email from the LinkedIn group Study Abroad Faculty and Professionals and an article highlighting Study Abroad and First Lady Michelle Obama was the first article listed and I got excited. After reading the article I was overjoyed to learn more about President and First Lady Obama’s encouragement and support for studying abroad.

Last year First Lady Obama spoke to a thousand young people at Howard University (shout out to a fellow HBCU) in Washington D.C. and discussed the importance of Studying Abroad and the 100,000 Strong Initiative. The 100,000 Strong Initiative, which was revealed during President Obama’s visit to China in 2009. The goal of this initiative is to increase the diversity of American students who choose to study abroad in China. This is definitely a cause after my own heart. After all I am such the supporter of increasing the diversity of Americans who study abroad, whether it be in China or another country of the student's choosing.

I wholeheartedly agree with the following statement by First Lady Michelle Obama.

“The fact is, with every friendship you make, and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world.  That is so important.  So when you study abroad, you’re actually helping to make America stronger.... That’s why it is so important for more of our young people to live and study in each other’s countries. That’s how, student by student, we develop that habit of cooperation, by immersing yourself in someone else’s culture, by sharing your stories and letting them share theirs, by taking the time to get past the stereotypes and misperceptions that too often divide us.”

I can definitely attest to this statement. Studying Abroad has not only opened my mind and helped to shape the person that I have become; it has also shaped my career path and goals. I know that studying abroad has positively affected others who have taken the opportunity to go for the experience as well.

Knowing that President and First Lady Obama supports and promotes study abroad initiatives gives me yet another reason to admire them.

To see the entire White House Blog click on the title “First Lady Michelle Obama: When You Study Abroad, You’re Helping to Make America Stronger" by Kori Schulman

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/19/first-lady-michelle-obama-when-you-study-abroad-you-re-helping-make-america-stronger?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl&goback=.gde_158718_member_183579891

To read more about the 100,000 Strong Educational Exchange Initiative see the link below:

http://www.state.gov/100k/

Amy Wu,  journalism educator at Shue Yan University and Huffington Post Contributor  recently wrote an interesting article about the 100 Strong Initiative entitled, "Pushing for Global Campuses a la US-China. Check it out here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-wu/study-abroad-china_b_2183306.html 

Thanks for reading!

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

My First Major Spanish Music Concert

One of the best ways to learn about a culture is immerse yourself in it and traveling to another country is considered the optimal way to do so and I agree. However for many of us there are but so many trips we can take in a year so what do we do in the mean time? We look for experiences and events that will allow us to experience the cultures that are captivating our interests. These events could include a foreign film festival, a restaurant with a specific nationality's cuisine, going to an art museum showcasing painting and pictures of an international artist, etc. As for me, I went to my first major Spanish music concert, SalsaPalooza, featuring Eddie Santiago, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, and my favorite, La India 20 minutes from my house with Carmen and Neva. We had so much fun!!! Although there was no need for an airplane ticket or hotel room you could not tell me I was not transported to Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. One of the best and unexpected personal highlights was the confirmation that my Spanish language journey was coming full circle.

The entire concert felt more like a party than a concert. The energy was electric/ contagious. Each performer had a live band that rocked the house, while each performer had great vocals and put on a really great show. The entire audience was up and out of their seats dancing in the isles and wherever there was a space, yes including me. It seemed like everyone had an amazing time. I know I did! Although I cannot bring the concert to you, I can share one of my favorite salsa singers and one of the songs that I love to hear her sing.... La India,"Si Tu Eres Mi Hombre."
Can anyone guess what song it is in English? I will give you hint... Celine Dionne performs this song.
(Scroll down for the answer)

Answer: Power of Love

KoMiSa's Takeaway Thoughts: Experiencing and learning about other cultures can continue whether you are in that cultures country of origin or not. So use your resources like the internet to look for experiences like a concerts, movies, books, etc that will allow you to venture into the cultures you are interested in.

Thank you for reading!!!

Hasta pronto,

KoMiSa

Sharing My Love for HBCUs

This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak at the Malcolm Bernard  Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair. It was such a great site to see so over 40 HBCUs in attendance as well as the many high schools who brought their students.

Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a proud HBCU alumnus and take every opportunity  to share my experience being an HBCU student at Hampton University. When I chose Hampton University I knew that I made the right decision but I had no idea of the blessings that were to come. At Hampton University I not only excelled academically but I  met some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. It gave me the opportunity to connect to some of my cousins who lived in the city of Hampton and to meet other cousins who graduated from Hampton University and were working there when I was a student.

Hampton University was the place where I learned about the various study abroad opportunities and greatly increased my desire to travel and experience other cultures first hand. The family atmosphere that is fostered, which is common in many HBCUs, and the relationships that I have built with some of my professors, faculty, and fellow alumni are still strong to this day.

I have earned additional degrees at other universities both here and abroad, but there is nothing like the feeling that I get when reminiscing, visiting and/ or sharing my amazing experience attending an HBCU.

Choosing a college experience is an important decision. You want to choose a school in which you feel that you can excel academically, build a strong network, and enjoy all that college life has to offer. I received that and more attending an HBCU. Although I did not attend the Malcolm Bernard HBCU Fair when I was in college I am glad to know that it is a resource for so many students today. It was a pleasure to have been a speaker for the past two years. Interacting with the students and having a dialogue with them gives the degree I earned yet another dimension to inspire and help others. I look forward to participating again next year.

For more information on the Malcolm Bernard Historically Black College and University see the link below.
www.hbcu-cfnj.com/

For information on Hampton University see the link below.
www.hamptonu.edu/


Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa