Global LAB Alumni Spotlight

Periodically, Global LAB will feature alumni from prior programs whose cross-cultural experiences helped to shape their future paths, commitments, and interests. Check back for these personal insights, updates, and inspirational stories from these exceptional individuals. If you are a Global LAB alum and would like to share your story for a future spotlight, please answer the two questions below, submit a recent photo and email us at info@global-lab.org. Short videos/digital stories are welcome too!

Alumni Spotlight #2

Ella Mitchell, Global LAB Alumna from our fall 2008 Morocco Semester Program

1) What was the most valuable thing you learned from living/traveling in Morocco?

There are too many things! Beside the feeling that I know Moroccan culture pretty much inside and out, I think the most valuable thing I learned was how to make the most of a trip and push my limits. I've traveled a good amount before, but this trip gave me the responsibility of engaging myself with our activities and the culture. There were definitely difficult parts, but I know now that I can not only survive, but also thrive, in a foreign environment.

2) In what, if any, ways is your international experience influencing what you are doing now?

I think the main way my trip is influencing me now is that it has helped me mature and adjust to college that much more quickly. My experiences in Morocco have made me more flexible and adaptable to my college environment, but I also have a more global perspective than before. Though it's still a year away, I am also strongly considering studying abroad in North Africa or the Middle East and will be starting Arabic classes this fall. I now recognize the value in immersing myself in different cultures, and I can't wait to do so again!

Alumni Spotlight #1

Katie Finnigan, Global LAB Alumna from our Spring 2006 India Semester Program

1) What was the most valuable thing you learned from living/traveling in India?

I learned that many things that I had thought were natural, innate traits were in fact cultural. For example, in the United States the idea of increasing efficiency is almost always good. Even in the non-profit world, organizations are always trying to streamline their processes and boost production. In India, many things are not efficient at all (try finding a working ATM or a train that's running on time). I found this to be among the most frustrating and most rewarding things about my trip. In India, it may have taken me 4 hours to mail a package, but while I was trying to get it done, chances are I'd have a crazy adventure or meet an extraordinary, interesting person who would invite me back to their house for tea. It is convenient to have things like shopping or shipping so streamlined in the United States, but I had no idea how much spontaneity and human connection we lose along the way until I went to India.

2) In what, if any, ways is your international experience influencing what you are doing now?

I had wanted to work in non-profits before I went to India, but my trip solidified that goal. When I came back, I started canvassing door-to-door for an environmental campaign and started a club on my college's campus to raise awareness about poverty in my college's town. Going to India also gave me a desire to work internationally. I've
graduated college now and I'm currently preparing to go back to grad school in global communication and development.