Charity Gates (`14Ox, `16C) Fulbright ETA, Senegal

Award

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship

Award supported

One-year English teaching placement in Senegal

Undergraduate major(s)

International Studies

Extracurricular Activities/Involvements at Emory: Writer and editor for Black Star Emory, Study Abroad Social Media Ambassador, Photography Club President, tutor with Washington Street Community Center, OxFam Club Liason.

Currently

Charity is currently a 3rd year law student, pursuing her lifelong dream of working in the creative industries as an Intellectual Property attorney. 

Q: What experiences at Emory prepared you for the Fulbright award? 

A: My study abroad experiences first in Ecuador through Dr. McQuaide's sociology class at Oxford, and secondly in Paris at SciencesPo through Emory's CIPA exchange program.   Additionally, my introduction to comparative politics class with Professor Wickham was extremely insightful in terms of gaining a perspective of foreign political systems. The introduction to African Studies course with Professor Philips was also a great foundational class to take before embarking on a Fulbright to West Africa. I would also like to highlight my Nations et Nationalismes course with Professor Xavier, from whom I learned a lot about national identity. Through Professor Xavier's course, I got a pre-introduction to Senegalese culture and the various nuances about its national identity.

Q: What memorable or interesting things happened during your Fulbright fellowship experience? 

A: Completing a Fulbright in Senegal was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I learned so  much about myself and about the continent of Africa. I didn't realize how deep my connections were to the continent  realizing that a lot of the cultural tendencies that I learned growing up in the South, including food and cultural communication, were common also in West Africa. I was surprised by the amazing community that I became apart of while spending nine short months in the country.

You can learn more about my journey through my VSCO blog here: Charity Gates VSCO

Q: What advice would you give current applicants, or to students considering applying for a nationally competitive award?

A: I would encourage students to maximize their experiences abroad while at Emory and to take full advantage of the diversity of coursework and professors available on campus. I would also make sure to get involved with student groups to make an impact on campus in addition to the community at large.