aitlin Taylor, a senior at FDU’s College at Florham, is majoring in Spanish language and literature, with a minor in political science. Born and raised in North Carolina, she was particularly attracted to the University’s focus on global learning. She participated in the Florham Scholars freshman program for students interested in global issues and continues to be a part of the University Honors Program. The lead student assistant in the Office of Global Learning, she is heavily involved with the U.N. Pathways Program and also has been active with the U.N. Club and Amnesty International. Caitlin attended a summer academic program in Granada, Spain, this summer and will study at FDU’s Wroxton College in the fall. She plans on participating in the Washington Center internship program next spring and hopes to enjoy a career in the federal sector.

---

How did you select your major?
I knew I loved the Spanish language, and that it was becoming an increasing beneficial asset to know Spanish in this country. My future goals are to gain fluency in Spanish and see more of the world. I also hope to become a successful young professional in positions in which I can use my language skills and take advantage of my international interests.

Describe your experience in the Florham Scholars program.
The Florham Scholars program was a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests, as well as to participate in various out-of-class opportunities. With the program, I visited Washington, D.C., for the first time, and had the fantastic opportunity to spend several days in Montreal with my class [Nationalism and Ethnic Violence]. Montreal was my first trip out of the United States, and I was introduced to my first bilingual country. We were able to meet with top Quebecois political officials, and to be exposed to a rich culture.

How did you become involved with the Office of Global Learning?
Describe your role and your responsibilities. I was introduced to the Office of Global Learning by attending the U.N. Pathways lectures and dinners through the Florham Scholars program. These events were the highlights of my semester, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The U.N. programs bring a fresh, new perspective to FDU students and great opportunities to expand their global views. Students are exposed to people and ideas that they would usually not have the chance to experience. At the beginning of my junior year, I was informed that there was an opening for a student assistant in the Office of Global Learning, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. As the lead student assistant, I assist Dr. [JoAnne] Murphy in coordinating and planning various U.N.-related events.

What was your favorite highlight from the U.N. lecture series?
In November 2008, Ambassador Julio Escalona, acting permanent representative of the Venezuelan delegation to the United Nations, visited the campus along with his interpreter, Second Secretary Victor Ovalles. Because of my studies in Spanish language and culture, I volunteered to present the gifts to both the ambassador and second secretary bilingually. I was nervous, but my short speech went well, and both members of the delegation truly appreciated my effort to incorporate their mother tongue at an English-speaking university. Second Secretary Ovalles smiled when I switched to the Spanish portion of my speech and took a step back since he no longer needed to translate what I was saying to the ambassador. When Ambassador Escalona took the gift from my hand, he shook my other hand with tears in his eyes. It was a very exciting experience to be able to use my Spanish skills, as well as have them be so warmly accepted by two distinguished members of the U.N. community.

Why is global education important?
Global education is important because it is pivotal to be aware of and informed about the global community. America is not a globally independent country. It has strong ties to numerous countries, so it is important to be educated about these countries. Global education helps to expand students’ academic and social horizons, and become not only a citizen of their country, but, more importantly, a citizen of the world.

top of page | next …

---

Global and Florham Scholars | Global Scholars Meagan Wilder and Jessica Klein

FDU-Vancouver | Wroxton College | Academics | Online Learning
FDU and the United Nations | Study Abroad

---

FDU Magazine Home | FDU Home | MyFDU.net | Blog About It

FDU Magazine Online is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications and Marketing, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.

For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring these and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor, 201-692-7024 or maxon@fdu.edu.

To update your address e-mail fine@fdu.edu or update your profile online at www.MyFDU.net.

©Copyright 2009 Fairleigh Dickinson University. All rights reserved.

---