Social Justice Study Abroad

Recently my sister (Tyra) and I (Aaliyah) got accepted to a study aboard program in Cambodia! This is the first year this program is offered at our school, Cal State Fullerton, and excitedly we both accepted. Initially, we applied with the thought that only one of us would be admitted. Since it is the first year of the program, only 12 students out of the hundreds that applied were accepted. This specific program also focuses on a strong social justice component. Instead of just taking a math course in a different country, we will be immersed in Cambodian culture and helping the youth in schools. This really stood out to me about taking this opportunity. The professor that initiated this program cares deeply about Cambodian culture and has visited multiple times to ascertain the work study that we will do is greatly beneficial; not only for us but also for the youth there. Early this year my mother endured three surgeries in the course of one month. She is currently in the process of recovering and unable to work for at least three months. Along with this event, my father will be retiring this June after 21 years in the military. With the added cost of not one but two students attending this study aboard program, the financial constrain gets tighter. This also happens to be the last time Tyra and I will be able to study aboard together due to her becoming a rising senior. These limitations will not stop us!!

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