Shannon G
Class: Senior
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Biography
As a student majoring in anthropology, I had the opportunity to study for one year in New Zealand at the University of Waikato. I participated in the International Cultural Immersion Program offered at the School of Maori and Pacific Development. The program allows students to earn credits toward their degrees while gaining valuable experience in the field.
While in New Zealand, I immersed myself in the lifestyle of the Maori people and took courses to learn the language and customs. I organized a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina and raised $800 in three hours with baked goods, bar-b-q, and live jazz music.
I served as an International Student Officer for the Waikato Student Union and represented nearly 3,000 students from all over the world. I met and worked with students who not only spoke different languages but had many different perspectives on life. Now that I am back in Flagstaff, I have become much more aware of the cultural diversity in my life and around me.
I plan to continue studies in anthropology, combining my experiences with those of international students attending here. I work in the International Office and have become a member of the International Club as well as the International Friends Program. I really encourage students to become involved with the International Friends Program because it’s a great way to meet new people from different parts of the world and build international awareness.
I know that these experiences will help me appreciate the importance of diversity in the work place and enjoy working with people from all sorts of backgrounds.
While in New Zealand, I immersed myself in the lifestyle of the Maori people and took courses to learn the language and customs. I organized a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina and raised $800 in three hours with baked goods, bar-b-q, and live jazz music.
I served as an International Student Officer for the Waikato Student Union and represented nearly 3,000 students from all over the world. I met and worked with students who not only spoke different languages but had many different perspectives on life. Now that I am back in Flagstaff, I have become much more aware of the cultural diversity in my life and around me.
I plan to continue studies in anthropology, combining my experiences with those of international students attending here. I work in the International Office and have become a member of the International Club as well as the International Friends Program. I really encourage students to become involved with the International Friends Program because it’s a great way to meet new people from different parts of the world and build international awareness.
I know that these experiences will help me appreciate the importance of diversity in the work place and enjoy working with people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Why did you choose to attend Northern Arizona University?
Coming from Alaska I knew I would enjoy a small town with varying degrees of weather. I had talked to graduates from Northern Arizona University that told me it was a great school and how much they enjoyed it. I like the town of Flagstaff because it compliments the university well.
What do you like best about Northern Arizona University?
I like that I am meeting students from all over and am able to apply what I'm learning in my major right here on campus and in the community.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Keep an open mind and get involved on campus as well as in the community. Through meeting people, you can make your own opportunities. Also, if you are interested in a field of study, do research work with faculty in that area so that when you graduate, you'll have experience, and a great reference to help the job search much easier.
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
I love to be outside with my friends. Going for walks or riding bikes around town has been a great way to learn more about the community I live in. Of course, I am able to do this when I can break away from my studies. However, in anthropology you are always studying and observing!
Describe the best professor you've had here and explain why.
The first anthropology teacher I have ever had was Dr. Michael Vasquez. He inspired me to become an anthropologist. After taking one of his classes, I knew that I had chosen the right degree. In his class, Peoples of the World, I learned about different people from all over the world and consequently have now been to a different country and wish to continue my journeys in various regions of the world.
What unique experiences have you had while attending Northern Arizona University?
Learning about myself and other people has been a great experience for me. I felt very sheltered coming from Alaska and did not realize that there was a lot more going on outside of my home state. Getting involved and becoming politically aware of events taking place around me has helped in shaping who I am and who I would like to become.
Describe what it is like living on campus.
I can confidently say that it is especially important for first-year students. I am still friends with those I met my first year on campus in McConnell Hall and it was one of the best years of my life! In addition, the campus is located right in the middle of town. I love the mountains, the people, the weather and the town is very bike friendly. There is some great history here and I am close to many great places of interest.
