How did you get interested in Global Studies?
Ross: I am a fourth-year student studying global development history and religious studies. I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but I spent three years of my childhood in Nairobi while my parents worked at the embassy.

Inspired by my time in Nairobi, I came to UVA interested in international relations and learning about International Development Policy. I decided to apply to Global Studies after taking an anthropology course with Professor Handler, who encouraged me to do so and introduced me to David Edmunds. I knew right away that Global Studies was the right choice because it allowed me to create a list of interdisciplinary classes, including sociology and policy at Batten. The ideas that drew me to Global Development eventually led me to the History and Religious Studies departments, which all build on the same interdisciplinary concepts and histories.

What was your experience in Kenya? Have you done any other study abroad programs?
Ross: I was happy to receive the Aigrain Global Scholarship last summer to study religions, history, language, and culture in Kenya while also participating in a Fulbright Swahili immersion program. That study abroad experience has been instrumental in my personal development and inspired my career.

My other study abroad experience at UVA was last winter on Professor Rotich's Swahili Cultures International Study in Kenya. That was the first time I had returned to Kenya in nearly ten years, and the experiences on that program, such as making friends with Kenyan college students and learning about the traditional Mijikenda religion, inspired me to apply for the Fulbright program, Aigrain, and other grants.

What would be your advice to other students at UVA interested in global topics and majors?
Ross: Students who want to learn about indigenous and non-hegemonic development theories that are not typically covered in academic settings should consider applying to global development studies track in Global Studies program.

I would also like to recommend the Swahili department and professor, particularly Professor Rotich, who teaches Swahili from absolute beginner to conversational level over four semesters. For the past two semesters, I have served as a Swahili tutor, leading discussions with students.    

What are your plans after graduation?
Ross: Currently, I am waiting to hear back from the Peace Corps, finishing up my current internship with "the African Soup," a non-profit working with education in Uganda, and looking for jobs with nonprofits that specialize in education.