Howard University students receive First Trip Scholarships
Three Howard University students were recently awarded First Trip scholarships. Each student will participate in the university’s short-term humanitarian and language-immersion program in Oaxaca, Mexico this summer.
Aaniyah Hicks, a Senior Political Science & Criminology major was also awarded a $250 President’s Award. The award is sponsored by First Trip President, Dex Burns, and is allocated to “exceptional scholars of political/cultural inquiry pursuing educational activity in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Meet our recent scholars!
Aaniyah Hicks
Major: Political Science & Criminology
What global citizenship means to me:
"Global citizenship is imperative to a just world. As an American citizen, I am often not aware of the struggles or lives of groups outside my own. One should learn, understand, and respect the lives of others through interconnective lenses and this program will allow me to fully immerse myself in the Afro-Oaxacan culture."
Ori Wilson
Major: English Literature
What global citizenship means to me:
"Being a global citizen, treating all parts of the world with respect and learning with humility deepens are compassion, empathy, and strengthens are resolve to combat human rights crisis worldwide."
Janai Williams
Major: Psychology
What global citizenship means to me:
"As a global citizen, you begin to think contextually on the issues taking place in other parts of the world such as human rights, gender equality and equity, environmental changes, poverty, and more. This helps to build a greater sense of understanding and respect for others, regardless of where they live."
First Trip is a champion for equal access to global programs and is proud that most scholarship recipients are from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. All scholarship recipients are first-time travelers and are pursuing meaningful study abroad trips to countries in Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. More than a third of First Trip Scholars identify as first-generation college students.
In the last year, the organization has provided students with more than 50 passport vouchers and 10 travel awards. By making international travel and programs more accessible and inclusive, First Trip aims to inspire life-long global citizenship and the pursuit of international careers. Thereby, ensuring that future generations of U.S. global professionals mirror the nation’s diverse populace and intellectual perspectives.
We wish our recent Scholars a fantastic study abroad experience!