Article By: J.K. Devine
University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Kiera Chan is focused on her future. She wants to earn a master's degree in public health and apply to work in the nonprofit sector.
"I've always loved helping people … and a master's degree in public health involves everything I love," said Chan, a sociology major.
She, therefore, wanted to join a study abroad trip to Israel, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia that involves working with local nonprofits on social and health issues. But there was one hurdle— the cost.
Then, the 19-year-old from Dahlonega, Georgia, was awarded a grant worth $1,000 from Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. It will help pay for her study abroad program.
Chan is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award. She also received funds from the Whitehead Foundation and the UNG Honors Program study abroad scholarship.
"It will be an amazing learning experience," Chan said. "We will be trained to be community development practitioners."
During her trip, she plans to conduct research on girls' education and distribute menstrual hygiene kits to girls in Sri Lanka.
"The kits allow them to attend school instead of staying home during menstruation," she said.
