South-of-the-Border Second Home</h1> <article> <h1>South-of-the-Border Second Home</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:37:28 +0000</p> <span>South-of-the-Border Second Home</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-06-16T11:37:28-04:00" title="Friday, June 16, 2023 - 11:37">Fri, 06/16/2023 - 11:37</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Anna Sheik makes no secret of her love of languages, teaching, and culture.</p> <p>Born in Philadelphia, she spent a transformative year in Cuernavaca, Mexico, prior to beginning studies at �鶹��Ƶ. The gap year presented immense challenges: After all, she had studied German—not Spanish—throughout middle school and high school. Yet Sheik immersed herself in the culture: enrolling in a local school, living with a host family, and forging enduring bonds. </p> <p>“When I first arrived in Mexico, I didn’t speak any Spanish,” she says. “But by the end of the year, I had gained a new language and formed lifelong friendships. I also developed a deep appreciation for Mexican culture and realized that I love traveling and exploring new places and communities. I’ve wanted to return to Mexico ever since.”</p> <p>In May, Sheik graduated from �鶹��Ƶ with majors in <a href="/node/70776">history</a> and <a href="/node/3406">Latin American studies</a> and a minor in <a href="/node/3206">Hispanic studies</a>. A former resident advisor in �鶹��Ƶ’s <a href="/node/4086">Spanish House</a> residence hall, she’s now set to return to the country that originally sparked her fascination for Latin American culture and teaching: This summer, she embarks on a year-long adventure as an English Teaching Assistant in Mexico, an opportunity made possible through the <a href="https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/fulbright-us-student-program">U.S. Fulbright Program</a>.</p> <p>Throughout her four years at �鶹��Ƶ, Sheik worked with <a href="/node/55496">America Reads</a>, serving as a literacy tutor at the local elementary school. The experience allowed her to witness the transformational power of education: From guiding young minds as a tutor to her tenure as a student-leader, she found that teaching became a rewarding facet of her college experience.</p> <p>It’s a feeling she also sensed during her gap year, when she volunteered to teach the string section of an elementary school orchestra. With her own limited Spanish proficiency at the time and her students knowing little English, she used a combination of languages, hand gestures, sounds—and above all, music—to fashion an effective means of teaching. The experience cemented her belief in the value of music as a language-teaching tool, a skill she looks forward to utilizing once again in the year ahead.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Anna Sheik returns to Mexico to follow her love of language, history, and teaching.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-06-16T12:00:00Z">Fri, 06/16/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3501">Teaching & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25381">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25276">Latin American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4796">�鶹��Ƶ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=245971">International Affairs</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/yorki-encalada" hreflang="und">Yorki J. Encalada Egúsquiza</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/pablo-mitchell" hreflang="und">Pablo Mitchell</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/history" hreflang="und">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/latin-american-studies" hreflang="und">Latin American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/hispanic-studies" hreflang="und">�鶹��Ƶ</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pull-images field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yes</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32092" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-large data-text-size-giant> <p>I’ve had so many incredible professors at �鶹��Ƶ, but I’m especially grateful to these two for believing in me from the beginning.”</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>—Anna Sheik, on professors Encalada and Mitchell</em></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27736" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Sheik returned to Mexico in 2022 for research made possible through an Artz Grant earned through �鶹��Ƶ’s History Department. “My honors project, on representations of La Malinche—the infamous Mexican translator for Cortés—in Mexico and the Borderlands from 1960-1980, led me deep into histories of Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations that I hope to observe further in my year abroad,” she says. She credits a longtime �鶹��Ƶ mentor, Professor of History and Comparative American Studies <a href="/node/5906">Pablo Mitchell</a>, for guiding her development in research throughout her time at �鶹��Ƶ. “This past year, he advised my honors project, which I could not have completed without his wisdom and encouragement,” she says.</p> <p>Sheik also credits Hispanic studies professor <a href="/node/122501">Yorki Encalada Egúsquiza</a> for nurturing her interests in Spanish language and teaching. By her senior year, she served as his teaching assistant for two intermediate Spanish courses—an experience she calls “instrumental in my role as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant."</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Professor Pablo Mitchell (left) was instrumental in guiding Sheik's research on Mexican history and U.S.-Mexico relations. (photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones ’97) </figcaption> </figure> <p>“I’ve had so many incredible professors at �鶹��Ƶ,” she says, “but I’m especially grateful to these two for believing in me from the beginning.”</p> <p>As she steps into the next chapter of her life as a Fulbrighter, Sheik is filled with anticipation to return to a part of the world she loves so deeply.</p> <p>“I’m hoping my upcoming year will shed some light onto what I want to pursue next, whether that is teaching and education, foreign relations or immigration work, or going back to school for history or Latin American studies.</p> <p>“I’m really excited to explore more of Mexico,” she says: “See old friends, make new ones, and to soak up more Mexican history wherever I go.”</p> <hr> <p><em>The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries by sponsoring students and scholars to study, teach English, and conduct research overseas. The U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, Fulbright supports exchanges between the U.S. and more than 150 countries around the world. In February, �鶹��Ƶ was named a <a href="/news/oberlin-top-producer-fulbright-students-2022-23">top producer of Fulbright students</a> for the 14th consecutive year. It ranks third among U.S. colleges and universities on the all-time list, with more than 260 Fulbright recipients.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Full Immersion</h1> <p>eburnett — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:50:14 +0000</p> <span>Full Immersion</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-06-15T09:50:14-04:00" title="Thursday, June 15, 2023 - 09:50">Thu, 06/15/2023 - 09:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Dewi Beer developed twin passions for teaching and studying Mandarin. Now the spring graduate, who completed majors in <a href="/node/3386">economics</a> and <a href="/node/3341">East Asian studies </a>and an integrative concentration in <a href="/node/25226">education studies</a>, will examine effective education systems and dive deeper into her language studies as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant—or ETA—in Yulin, Taiwan.</p> <p>“I have always had an interest in education, and the opportunity to teach in a different education system and bring back what I learn to a possible career was very attractive to me,” says Beer, who is from San Francisco. “I took the most advanced Mandarin classes offered at �鶹��Ƶ, and I’m excited to put what I learned into practice and further develop my language skills through full immersion while working as an ETA.”</p> <p>Beer is grateful to her professors and other mentors for encouraging her to take challenging courses—among them Chinese calligraphy.</p> <p>“�鶹��Ƶ exposed me to a higher level of language learning and gave me a level of confidence that will make a difference in my experience in Taiwan,” she says.</p> <p>Beer also credits �鶹��Ƶ for fostering a solid foundation in teaching that spanned multiple settings. She taught a music class in �鶹��Ƶ’s Langston Middle School under the guidance of Professor of Music Education <a href="/node/6816">Jody Kerchner</a>, part of a conservatory course in <a href="/node/42011">Pedagogy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement</a> (PACE). She also designed lesson plans for multiple student-taught <a href="https://www.oberlinexco.org/">Experimental College</a> (ExCo) courses and after-school programming for the middle school. From 2019 to 2022, she served as a mentor in the Girls in Motion ExCo, which is dedicated to empowering young people through dance.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dewi Beer’s love of teaching and language converge in a Taiwanese fellowship.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-06-15T12:00:00Z">Thu, 06/15/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tessa Sternal ’25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2580">Experimental College (ExCo)</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25336">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jody-kerchner" hreflang="und">Jody Kerchner</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Dewi Beer graduated from �鶹��Ƶ with majors in economics and East Asian studies—and a fully formed passion for teaching.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Dewi Beer</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-32091" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class data-text-color-red data-text-size-large data-indent> <p>Beer looks forward to studying language at local universities, working with fellow Fulbright ETAs and teachers and students—and trying “as much Taiwanese food as possible.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-27735" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>�鶹��Ƶ also opened the doors to international travel. Beer has experience learning and researching abroad through a pair of very different <a href="/winter-term">Winter Term</a> projects in China: one of them a <a href="/node/3361">geosciences</a> excursion that traveled to Sichuan Province and the other a volunteer position as a teacher’s assistant at an orphanage for children with developmental disabilities in Tianjin.</p> <p>In Taiwan, Beer looks forward to studying language at local universities, working with fellow Fulbright ETAs and teachers and students at her placement school—and trying “as much Taiwanese food as possible, especially the seafood.” She also plans to learn to ride a scooter.</p> <p>Though she’s unsure of her next steps after her year in Yulin, she’s considering options that revolve around education policy and law.</p> <hr> <p><em>The <a href="https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/fulbright-us-student-program">Fulbright Program</a> was established in 1946 to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries by sponsoring students and scholars to study, teach English, and conduct research overseas. The U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, Fulbright supports exchanges between the U.S. and more than 150 countries around the world. In February, �鶹��Ƶ was named a <a href="/news/oberlin-top-producer-fulbright-students-2022-23">top producer of Fulbright students</a> for the 14th consecutive year. It ranks third among U.S. colleges and universities on the all-time list, with more than 260 Fulbright recipients.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Finding a Calling in �鶹��Ƶ's Writing Associates Program</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 16:58:41 +0000</p> <span>Finding a Calling in �鶹��Ƶ's Writing Associates Program</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-02-23T11:58:41-05:00" title="Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 11:58">Thu, 02/23/2023 - 11:58</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ryo Adachi cultivated interests in education and writing through a variety of peer mentorship positions at �鶹��Ƶ. A 2022 graduate, Adachi came to �鶹��Ƶ as as an international student. She studied <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics">math</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics">economics</a> with minors in <a href="/linguistics">linguistics</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies">East Asian Studies</a> and a concentration in <a href="/education-studies">education studies</a>. In addition to her coursework, she gained experience as a writing and speaking associate, a Japanese conversation tutor, a teaching assistant for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/pal">peer advising leader</a> (PAL), part of �鶹��Ƶ’s support network for new students.</p> <p>After graduation, Adachi started working full-time with the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/wap">Writing Associates Program</a> at �鶹��Ƶ. On February 25, Adachi will facilitate an interactive workshop, “Overcoming the Comfort Zone,” in collaboration with the Office of Entrepreneurship and the Office for Disability & Access.</p> <p>Read more about Adachi’s career entry in the following Q&A.</p> <p><strong>How did you develop an interest in writing and communication while at �鶹��Ƶ?</strong></p> <p>Initially, it started from an interest in language education. During my first year, I was a Japanese tutor and took a class in Japanese language pedagogy. I then also took Kim Faber’s language pedagogy class, which furthered my interest in language education. As part of the class, I worked as an ESOL TA, teaching English lessons to international students. Tutoring and working with students led to being a writing associate. As I grew up bilingual, I resonated with the program’s core values that emphasized embracing language diversity.</p> <p><strong>What did you learn from your mentorship and teaching positions on campus?</strong></p> <p>I learned about the importance of reflection, especially as an ESOL teaching assistant. I originally had rigid lesson plans, but learned the importance of being flexible in my teaching. I was also informed by reflections of past experiences. Even though I’ve done a lot of workshops and presentations, I always reflect on what went wrong and how things can be improved next time. I also learned the value of building good boundaries with students. It’s possible to be sympathetic to students’ struggles while cultivating responsibility.</p> <p><strong>Which people at �鶹��Ƶ had the greatest impact on your experience?</strong></p> <p>Along with cultivating an interest in language education, Kim Faber encouraged me to spend more time writing. There was a specific assignment where she complimented my writing abilities and told me I had potential as a writer. Her comment was the first time I thought about pursuing writing more seriously. She really made an impact on me, and I still see her a lot. Additionally, Tania Boster, former director of the <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center</a>, who played an important role in my college life. First as an academic advisor and then as a mentor. Tania Boster always listened to me and connected me with people on campus. She was very supportive throughout my college career.</p> <p><strong>How did you end up in your current role as the Writing Associates Program Fellow?</strong></p> <p>I first became involved in the Writing Associates Program at �鶹��Ƶ in the fall semester of my third year. During my last two years at �鶹��Ƶ, I was working on a lot of different projects for the program. I worked as a Writing Center writing associate, course writing associate for three different classes, and a speaking associate. With the involvement I had in the program, it made sense that I could fit into this role after graduation. Given my passion for language and writing education, I felt like this position would enhance my experience in the field.</p> <p><strong>Can you describe your responsibilities in the role?</strong></p> <p>I do a lot of logistical work in the writing and speaking centers to ensure that everyone gets the information they need. This includes training student writing associates and ensuring they are paid for their work. I also am in charge of workshop programs and outreach. I lead workshops that give writing and speaking advice that tailors to different audiences and contexts. For example, I work with the office of <a href="/fellowships">Fellowships and Awards</a> to help students with personal statements for programs like the Fulbright fellowship, Truman scholarship, and Goldwater scholarship. I also work with the <a href="/undergraduate-research">Office of Undergraduate Research</a> to support students who are applying for various summer programs.</p> <p><strong>What’s next for you after this role?</strong></p> <p>Down the road, I’m very interested in working with multilingual students and international students. Finding a way for everyone to incorporate their own unique voice and tap into linguistic resources is very important to me. I’m hoping to pursue literacy education.</p> <p><strong>Do you have any advice for students interested in your position?</strong></p> <p>My advice is to keep a teaching journal and record what you are thinking before and after lessons. It’s really helpful to look back and see what changes you can make.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ryo Adachi helps students hone their writing and speaking skills—a role she started as a student.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-02-23T12:00:00Z">Thu, 02/23/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ava Miller '25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After �鶹��Ƶ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2396">International Students</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25236">Linguistics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25336">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25401">Mathematics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/mathematics" hreflang="und">Mathematics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Ryo Adachi graduated from �鶹��Ƶ in 2022.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Vera Grace Menafee Receives Ping Student Service Award</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:47:58 +0000</p> <span>Vera Grace Menafee Receives Ping Student Service Award</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-07-12T14:47:58-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 14:47">Tue, 07/12/2022 - 14:47</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Rising third-year Vera Grace Menafee discovered a passion for community organizing, gardening, and environmental and racial justice through their ongoing work with Vel’s Purple Oasis, a community-based urban farm in Cleveland. Since January 2021, Menafee has worked on a variety of projects for <a href="https://www.velscott.com/purpleoasis">Vel’s Purple Oasis</a>, from creating curriculum and educational materials, writing grants, and conducting oral history interviews, to learning the inner workings of urban gardening under the mentorship of community activist Vel Scott. </p> <p>Menafee has been recognized for their leadership and contributions to service learning as a recipient of the 2022 <a href="https://ohiocampuscompact.org/awards/student-awards/">Charles J. Ping Award</a> from Ohio Campus Compact. </p> <p>“I have learned so much from Ms. Vel about being a leader in your community, what it takes to organize a garden, and what it means to eat healthy, nutritious food,” Menafee says. “I truly look up to her as a role model for how I want to carry myself in the world, and I am so thankful for her mentorship.”</p> <p>The Charles J. Ping Student Service Award, sponsored by Ohio Campus Compact, is designed to recognize and honor undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning on their campus and within their community. This recognition is granted annually to undergraduates at Ohio Campus Compact member institutions.</p> <p>Menafee is a <a href="/bcsl/programs/bonner-scholars">Bonner Scholar</a>, a four-year community service scholarship program offered by �鶹��Ƶ College in collaboration with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation. An Africana studies major with minors in environmental studies and dance, as well as a concentration in education studies, Menafee was connected to Vel Scott through the <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center</a>.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Menafee meets with Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Jay Fiskio, left.</figcaption> </figure> <p>“Coming into college, I never imagined I’d be able to pursue something so important and valuable to me after my first year, but now I can truly see myself pursuing a career in gardening, community organizing, and research, especially projects that are community-based like the one I’ve created,” says Menafee, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and now resides in Columbus, Ohio. “My work with Vel's Purple Oasis has truly helped me realize just how committed I am to connecting both environmental and racial justice around the world, and how central these two frameworks will be in my future career path.”</p> <p>Menafee has been selected by the <a href="https://www.mmuf.org/">Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship</a> to expand on their community-based research with Vel’s Purple Oasis, and they plan to continue that work through graduation.</p> <p>In addition to doing community-based research with Vel Scott, Menafee has been working as an America Reads reading tutor for grades K-5 in �鶹��Ƶ Elementary School, helping to empower young students in their literacy abilities. Menafee has also become a regular volunteer with the food pantry at �鶹��Ƶ Community Services. </p> <p>“I am also incredibly passionate about creative writing, and I volunteer as a workshop facilitator for Writers In Residence, an organization that leads creative writing workshops for incarcerated youth at juvenile detention centers throughout Ohio.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The award honors undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-07-12T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/12/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2358">Undergraduate Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4821">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25331">Dance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/africana-studies" hreflang="und">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/dance" hreflang="und">Dance</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Vera Grace Menafee has been recognized for her leadership and service-learning work with an urban farm in Cleveland, Ohio.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Chloe Lai Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:49:24 +0000</p> <span>Chloe Lai Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-06-07T10:49:24-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - 10:49">Tue, 06/07/2022 - 10:49</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Spring graduate Chloe Lai will reconnect with her family’s heritage and hone her skills in language pedagogy in Taiwan as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA).</p> <p>During her Fulbright year, Lai will live and learn in Hualien county, a rural mountainous region on the eastern coast of the island. She applied for a Fulbright ETA because she is passionate about learning and teaching. </p> <p>“I enjoy all parts of the teaching process, from planning to reflection, and am constantly striving to become a better educator,” says Lai, an <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/art-history">art history</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies">East Asian studies</a> major with an education concentration. </p> <p>Lai has taken Chinese at �鶹��Ƶ for three years, and she has worked as an America Reads tutor in the same fourth-grade classroom in the �鶹��Ƶ elementary school for all four years. She has also taken a course in language pedagogy, and she has been a teacher with the <a href="https://www.oberlinsites.org/">Spanish in the Elementary Schools</a> (SITES) program. </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Lai speaks with one of her faculty mentors, Associate Professor of Art History and East Asian Studies Bonnie Cheng. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</figcaption> </figure> <p>“I love language teaching and learning because for me, these classes make the world seem so big,” she says. “Through (SITES), I learned a lot about language acquisition and leading student-centered classes.”</p> <p>Outside of the classroom, Lai has been a member of the Third World Co-op, a writer in the Arts Students Committee, and a gallery guide at the <a href="https://amam.oberlin.edu/">Allen Memorial Art Museum</a>. A resident of Redwood City, California, she plans to continue teaching in the future, and possibly pursuing graduate studies. </p> <p>“I think I am prepared to adjust to challenges, and I'll be able to find questions and pathways to pursue my interests. During my year in Taiwan, I am most excited to learn about the nuances of cultural identity, explore the natural landscape, and try new foods!” </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Through courses and experiences at �鶹��Ƶ, Lai developed a particular interest in education and language acquisition.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-06-08T12:00:00Z">Wed, 06/08/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2377">Arts & Humanities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2378">Allen Memorial Art Museum</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25301">Art History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25336">East Asian Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/bonnie-cheng" hreflang="und">Bonnie Cheng</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/art-history" hreflang="und">Art History</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Chloe Lai '22 has been selected as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Sarah Wong ’22 Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:14:36 +0000</p> <span>Sarah Wong ’22 Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-06-07T11:14:36-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - 11:14">Tue, 06/07/2022 - 11:14</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As a Taiwanese and Cantonese American, spring graduate Sarah Wong never had any question about where she would want to live and learn abroad. And now, following two years of the pandemic, she is thrilled to spend a year immersing herself in the culture and education system of Chiayi city, in the southwestern region of Taiwan, with a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.</p> <p>“Through family trips and learning about my family's long history on the island, I developed a strong connection to Taiwan,” says Wong, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies">musical studies</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/law-and-society">law and society</a> major with an <a href="/education-studies">education studies</a> concentration. </p> <p>Wong says Chiayi is home to a diverse population in Taiwan, including Taiwanese aborigines, Han Taiwanese, and other ethnic groups. She is looking forward to bringing her experiences to the Taiwanese classroom and society while immersing herself in a language-learning environment. </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Professor of Music Education Jody Kerchner, left, is director of the education studies program.</figcaption> </figure> <p>“I am eager to learn about how schools operate outside of the United States, and how Taiwanese educators teach their students. I highly value my heritage languages, and I’m excited to improve my fluency in Mandarin and Taiwanese,” Wong says. “Fulbrighters around the world represent the United States in all of its complexity and diversity. As a Taiwanese and Cantonese American, I look forward to sharing my own personal version of America with my new community in Taiwan.”</p> <p>Wong says �鶹��Ƶ has provided her with many opportunities to grow as a student, teacher, and person. She came to �鶹��Ƶ having spoken some Mandarin in her home. She took some intermediate Mandarin classes in her first year “mostly for fun.” For the last four years, she has been an America Reads tutor. She worked in �鶹��Ƶ's elementary school classrooms and in the afterschool program as a literacy, language arts, and homework tutor. She also taught the Introduction to Taiko <a href="https://oberlinexco.org/">ExCo</a> course for four semesters. </p> <p>Wong acquired additional teaching and coalition-building experience as a teaching fellow for the Bridging the Gap (BTG) program at �鶹��Ƶ for two years. Through this program, she worked with other BTG facilitators to share coalition-building and dialogue curriculum with college students in New York and Tennessee.</p> <p>Outside of the classroom, Wong has been a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s Asian Diaspora Coalition and served as secretary of the Asian American Alliance. She also worked as a program associate in the <a href="/mrc">Multicultural Resource Center</a>.</p> <p>A resident of Monterey Park, California, Wong’s post-graduate goals include law or graduate school to focus on education advocacy and reform. </p> <p>“If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught me, it is that I can never be completely certain about my future plans,” she says. “No matter what I do, I will bring my experiences from both �鶹��Ƶ and Taiwan with me. Whatever path I choose, I will remain committed to Mandarin language study and hope that I will use my language skills in my professional life, not only as an education advocate but also to promote understanding between the U.S. and Taiwan.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Wong is looking forward to bringing her experiences to the Taiwanese classroom while immersing herself in a language-learning environment.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-06-07T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/07/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2416">Education</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jody-kerchner" hreflang="und">Jody Kerchner</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/law-and-society" hreflang="und">Law and Society</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" hreflang="und">Musical Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Sarah Wong '22 has been selected as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Chiayi city, Taiwan.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Jonathan Clark '25</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Watson Fellowship Winner to Explore Grief and Loss Across Cultures</h1> <p>ygay — Mon, 02 May 2022 19:22:07 +0000</p> <span>Watson Fellowship Winner to Explore Grief and Loss Across Cultures</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-05-02T15:22:07-04:00" title="Monday, May 2, 2022 - 15:22">Mon, 05/02/2022 - 15:22</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant for purposeful, independent exploration outside the United States, awarded to graduating seniors nominated by one of 40 partner colleges. Fellows conceive original projects, deciding where to go, who to meet, and when to change course. The fellowship provides a one-year stipend of $40,000.</p> <p>Gleydura, a spring 2022 �鶹��Ƶ College graduate, will work with palliative care teams, researchers, community organizations, counselors, and hospitals to understand mourning across cultures and uncover resources to assist families dealing with the loss of a child. Gleydura, a double major in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" target="_blank">psychology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" target="_blank">French</a> with a concentration in <a href="/education-studies" target="_blank">education studies</a>, plans to pursue a career as a child life specialist, where she can educate patients on their diagnosis, the procedures they will have, and the medical equipment and personnel they will encounter. </p> <p>“I want to make sure children feel as calm, comfortable, and normal as possible while facing medical hardships,” she explains. “Death is uncomfortable to many, so conversations about it are avoided. I want to offer care and compassion in those moments. I know the power of a strong support system in helping you persevere. In a world where 15,000 children die each day, there is an urgent need to understand the most effective and compassionate practices to support the bereaved.”</p> <p>Gleydura’s understanding of the deficits of care for children in the U.S. was heightened shortly after earning a Stamps Scholarship at �鶹��Ƶ—an award that provides recipients with a $5,000 enrichment fund to benefit academic, professional, and personal development. In the fall of 2020, as many people worked and studied from home during the early phase of the pandemic, she used her scholarship to take online classes, which included an eye-opening course on death, dying, and grief in pediatric care.</p> <p>The need to promote change continued to propel her throughout her time at �鶹��Ƶ. She tutored Eastwood Elementary School students in math and reading and worked as a classroom assistant at the �鶹��Ƶ Early Childhood Center, helping to care for children between the ages of 3-18 months. </p> <p>“One of my favorite parts of working in the infant room was watching the rapid development of the children and getting to assist them in meeting the appropriate milestones such as sitting unsupported, rolling over, and talking,” she says.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Gleydura’s academic research at �鶹��Ƶ helped forge relationships with professors who quickly became mentors. </p> <div class="obj-center"> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>This past year, Gleydura worked with <a href="/nancy-darling" target="_blank">Professor of Psychology Nancy Darling</a> on her Continuity of Close Relationships project, and spent the semester doing background research and evaluating data on adolescents’ behavioral and attachment continuity to determine if these are more influenced by parents, peers, or romantic partners. Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</figcaption> </figure> </div> <p>In a research project with psychology and environmental studies professor <a href="/cindy-frantz" target="_blank">Cindy Frantz</a> and environmental studies and biology professor <a href="/john-petersen" target="_blank">John Petersen ’88</a>, Gleydura took the lead on an effort to increase a person’s sense of “systems thinking” in an attempt to increase their likelihood of engaging in sustainable actions and behaviors. In two other projects with Frantz, Gleydura assisted with measuring the effectiveness of various high school educational programs and messaging from a social psychology perspective. She also performed data collection for a study that examined the effect of including pronouns in email signatures on feelings of inclusivity both for gender nonconforming people and gender-conforming people. </p> <p>Her French research project, completed in spring 2020, involved a team of her peers and Associate Professor of Sociology <a href="http://www.oberlin.edu/greggor-mattson" target="_blank">Greggor Mattson</a>, who investigated the social and legal implications of prostitution in France during the 19th century. For her part, Gleydura transcribed and translated passages from literary texts, police archive documents, and other materials. The project was later compiled into a presentation titled “Economic Desperation, Moral Apocalypse, and Everyday Paranoia: the Filles Insoumises of Paris.”</p> <p>“The most significant things that helped shape me as a person and a scholar were the connections I made with amazing professors, peers, and community members,” she says. “I could not have gotten to where I am today without the support, guidance, and mentorship that I received along the way.”</p> <p>Gleydura is currently completing an End-of-Life Doula Certificate. She hopes to find ways to improve pediatric care and interventions from an intellectual, cultural, and professional standpoint during her Watson year.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-02T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/02/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Molly Gleydura’s desire to understand the grieving process and gain strategies that will assist families with the loss of a child will take her to New Zealand, Senegal, El Salvador, and Ireland this summer on a Watson Fellowship.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25351">Environmental Studies and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25356">French</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25431">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25251">Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/nancy-darling" hreflang="und">Nancy Darling</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/john-petersen" hreflang="und">John Petersen ’88</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/cindy-frantz" hreflang="und">Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/greggor-mattson" hreflang="und">Greggor Mattson</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/environmental-studies" hreflang="und">Environmental Studies and Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" hreflang="und">French and Italian</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/sociology" hreflang="und">Sociology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Molly Gleydura '22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>TAPIF Recipient Ella Franklin ’21 Looks Forward to a French Teaching Career</h1> <p>ygay — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:20:02 +0000</p> <span>TAPIF Recipient Ella Franklin ’21 Looks Forward to a French Teaching Career</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-07-12T12:20:02-04:00" title="Monday, July 12, 2021 - 12:20">Mon, 07/12/2021 - 12:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ella Franklin ’21 plans to pursue a career as a teacher of English abroad or as a teacher of French in an English-speaking country, which makes receiving a fellowship in the Teaching Assistant Program in France a perfect fit.</p> <p>“I think [French] is a beautiful language and culture. Everytime I visit I’m reminded of the beauty of the French way of life,” says Franklin, who began studying the language in the 9th grade.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Ella Franklin '21. Photo credit: Courtesy of Franklin</figcaption> </figure> <p>Franklin, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" target="_blank">French</a> major and <a href="/education-studies" target="_blank">education studies</a> minor, graduated from �鶹��Ƶ College in three years so she could spend her would-be fourth year living in France and teaching. “This [fellowship] is the perfect experience to round out my degree,” she says. “My two main goals are to improve my French, and gain valuable language teaching experience. I think it will be very interesting to work in a French elementary school, and I’m excited for the learning that’s ahead of me.”</p> <p>The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) offers recipients the opportunity to teach English to French students of all ages for seven months. Each year, over 1,500 American citizens and permanent residents teach in public schools across all regions of metropolitan France and in the overseas regions of France such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. The American cohort is part of the larger Assistants de langue en France program, which recruits 4,500 young educators from 60 countries to teach 15 languages annually in France. Franklin plans to begin her TAPIF experience in late September.</p> <p>According to Franklin, the TAPIF will complement the French exchange programs she undertook two years earlier in her hometown.</p> <p>As part of the 2018 Lexington Sister Cities program in Kentucky, Franklin lived with a French family for three weeks and assisted a French peer upon their stay in the U.S. The following year, she returned to Deauville, France, for two months and undertook an internship at Micro-Folie Deauville, a digital art museum, library, and community gathering space. Franklin also shadowed and resided with three Sister Cities teaching assistants, occasionally shadowing them in school. The experience sparked her interest in teaching English in France.</p> <p>“English is a challenging language to explain and teach, so I know there are challenges that lie ahead in TAPIF,” says Franklin. “I’m excited to see how teaching English will be different when it’s in an elementary school [setting].</p> <p>“Like any educator, I hope that I can positively impact my student’s lives. If I finish TAPIF knowing I’ve had a positive impact on just one student, I will be happy. My high school French teacher had a huge impact on my life.” </p> <p>Franklin is also the recipient of the Lahaurine-Johnston French Memorial Prize, and served as an <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/rhetoric-and-composition/writing-resources/esol" target="_blank">English for Speakers of Other Languages</a> teaching assistant.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-07-12T12:00:00Z">Mon, 07/12/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/french-and-italian" hreflang="und">French and Italian</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The Cooper International Learning Center in Peters Hall.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Richard Howard</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Julia Rohde '21 Receives Teaching Residency Fellowship from UPenn</h1> <p>anagy — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 20:21:26 +0000</p> <span>Julia Rohde '21 Receives Teaching Residency Fellowship from UPenn</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-07-07T16:21:26-04:00" title="Wednesday, July 7, 2021 - 16:21">Wed, 07/07/2021 - 16:21</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Throughout their time at �鶹��Ƶ, Julia Rohde '21 always knew that they wanted to be a teacher. Now, Rohde is applying their love of interdisciplinary learning with a fellowship in the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.</p> <p>For the next two years, Rohde—a history major with minors in comparative American studies, gender, sexuality, and feminist studies, and the education concentration—will teach middle and upper school English at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, New York, while simultaneously earning a master’s in education through UPenn’s Independent School Teaching Residency. Throughout the residency, Rohde will work closely with a mentor at Riverdale—where the head of both the middle and upper schools are �鶹��Ƶ alumni. </p> <p>“I'm incredibly grateful that I attended a liberal arts school where I could explore many different academic interests without focusing solely on a future career,” says Rohde, who is from Valparaiso, Indiana. “As an English teaching fellow at Riverdale, I will get to share my love for interdisciplinary learning with students. I didn't major or minor in English at �鶹��Ƶ, but virtually all of my courses engaged with the discipline and made me a better writer and reader. I am excited to show students that your courses should overlap, and you can make connections across disciplines.”</p> <p>At �鶹��Ƶ, Rohde tutored with America Reads and the <a href="/bcsl/programs/ninde-scholars">Ninde Scholars Program</a>; was a writing associate for <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/rhetoric-and-composition/writing-resources/esol">English for Speakers of Other Languages</a>; and served as a <a href="/dean-of-students/pal">Peer Advising Leader</a>. Rohde also was involved in teaching middle school sex education in �鶹��Ƶ and worked in the children's department of the �鶹��Ƶ Public Library through the President's Public Service Fellowship, in addition to being a member of the <a href="http://osca.wilder.oberlin.edu/">�鶹��Ƶ Student Cooperative Association</a> for four years. </p> <p>Following the fellowship, Rohde hopes to continue teaching.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-07-07T12:00:00Z">Wed, 07/07/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2377">Arts & Humanities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3846">Engaged Liberal Arts</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25381">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25311">Comparative American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25361">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/history" hreflang="und">History</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-american-studies" hreflang="und">Comparative American Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/gsfs" hreflang="und">Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Julia Rohde '21.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Playing a Critical Role in Child Development</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:34:12 +0000</p> <span>Playing a Critical Role in Child Development</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-03-31T11:34:12-04:00" title="Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 11:34">Wed, 03/31/2021 - 11:34</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Taylor majored in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology">psychology</a> at �鶹��Ƶ College and interned at the New England Center for Children, a Southborough, Massachusetts-based facility that provides comprehensive services for children with autism. While at the center, Taylor was instructed on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a form of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, and reading, as well as fine motor dexterity and domestic capabilities. ABA was applied in Taylor’s one-on-one work with autistic children under the age of nine. She taught everyday life skills such as tying shoes, participating in group activities, and object identification.</p> <p>Today, Taylor works as a teacher at Bright Horizons, an early childhood education center in Westborough, Massachusetts, that emphasizes early childhood education. She attends to the needs of children ages four years and younger, creates a weekly curriculum to enhance their development, and documents and evaluates their progress. “I knew I wanted to work with children in some way, but I didn’t think I would love teaching as much as I do until I started working here [seven years ago],” she says. </p> <p>Taylor says children in the age group she teaches have a desire to investigate and learn, which makes the path to keeping them inspired and engaged less difficult. However, learning how to handle challenging behaviors has been one of her biggest hurdles. “We see a lot of things such as biting. Although this is a typical behavior for young children, we have to teach them that this isn’t OK and that there are other ways to channel their anger or frustration,” she explains. </p> <p>Another challenge was brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many educators, Taylor says the early stages of the pandemic required she and her colleagues to relearn how to interact with their students. </p> <p>After Bright Horizons was forced to shut down, once a week teachers conducted Zoom check-ins with their classes and read to the children. The center reopened five months later to provide childcare to working families and so teachers could offer better development skills. </p> <p>Taylor encourages �鶹��Ƶ students who are considering a career in early childhood education to “not be afraid to try it. [Working with this] young age can seem daunting but it is such a fun, exciting age. I also hear a lot of people are afraid of becoming an early educator because they don’t want to be considered ‘just a babysitter.’ We are just as much educators as the teachers who teach school-age children. These ages are so critical to development and we need more people who love to see children grow and become the best they can be.”</p> <p>As she progresses in her career, Taylor hopes to one day serve as an educational coordinator, where she can assist other teachers with learning and advancing in their own careers.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-03-31T12:00:00Z">Wed, 03/31/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Being an early childhood educator means playing a critical role in a child’s development. The industry needs more people who love to see children grow, says Sela Taylor ’15.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2413">Social Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3519">Early Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25286">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25226">Education Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Sela Taylor ’15</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Sela Taylor</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>