Jessica Yaser

2014 Gilman Scholar

Hometown

Evansville, IN

Major

Public Health

College

College of Health and Human Sciences

 

My initial motivation for studying abroad was to improve my Spanish language skills. I have studied Spanish since seventh grade but have always lacked a proper environment to truly test my speaking skills, so I crave that immersion experience. Since beginning my research into study abroad programs I have acquired other goals as well, such as to learn more about community health and developing nations and, most importantly, to be placed entirely out of my comfort zone.

 

I knew I wanted exposure to other cultures, so when the time came for me to choose a college, I decided on Purdue University, a school with a high international student population. International students hold a special place in my heart, which is why I chose to become an orientation leader for international students my sophomore year and probably why I yearn to become an international student myself. Their courage astounds me. In some cases, they leave home for years at a time, learn a new language, and take that incredibly scary, brave step onto a plane to a new, exotic place. During my time as a UR Global Leader, I made friends from China, Malaysia, India, Korea, and Indonesia. In addition to teaching me how to count from 1-10 in Chinese and the basic tenets of Hinduism, my international students from last August taught me what it means to take a risk. They were such an inspiration to me as I was just beginning my study abroad research.

 

Even if the three courses I take in the Dominican Republic do not transfer neatly and count toward my graduation requirements, the material covered in this program will still be enormously beneficial. Clearly, I will be able to learn skills that relate to my future career goals. My main goal for this study abroad experience is Spanish fluency, or at least near fluency. Learning Spanish in a medical setting when my future career will involve health promotion and/or management would be an invaluable asset. I expect this program to show me more about which direction I want to pursue within my area of study: health promotion in non-profit organizations, crunching numbers doing epidemiology research, community development, or some kind of hands-on, issue-specific advocacy. I expect my values to change as part of this experience, and I hope to see the words “Salud” and “Comunidad” differently and, as a result, make changes to my career goals. I am ready for the most valuable, exciting summer of my life.