Stardiazia Chambliss

International Experience Country:
Kenya
Cohort Year:
2017
Home Institution:

Lincoln University

Heinz Programming Area:
Children, Youth, and Families
Bio:
Study Abroad Country: Cohort Year:  Home Institution:  Programming Area: 
International Experience Summary:

Stardiazia had the privilege of spending roughly three months in Nairobi, Kenya; as a Vira Heinz Scholarship awardee. While she was there Stardiazia studied International Relations from an African perspective and discovered why and how there were so many homeless children on the streets. Living in the dorms of United States International University, she befriended some of the most nicest people in the world; which enhanced her learning concerning the lifestyles of Kenyans and other Africans. Stardiazia even had the opportunity to cook Kenyan food while visiting friends at their home. In her free time she volunteered at a local orphanage. Through volunteering she witnessed what it looks like for a non-profit organization survives on donations alone without any help from the government or an agency; it's heartbreaking. During a regular day in the city of Nairobi, while traveling to town, Stardiazia learned from one her friends, a local Kenyan, that ‘street boys’ are forced to beg on the streets by poor parents or people who simply use them. This inspired her to build a school for these boys in the near future. She hopes to travel back one day to accomplish this new goal. 

Community Engagement Experience Summary:

CEE Title: Aliens At Home

Our CEE discused the awarnesss, being mindful of the country's culture, religion, langurage, and etc. to brace yourself for your expereince. We also discussed toleration, accepting that people will be uncomfortable with your difference that you are not in control of like the color of your skin of the frame of your body. Finally we discussed the Vira I. Heinz global leadership program for women and why they should choose this program.