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    1. UNG
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    Dual-enrolled student named semifinalist for national language program

    February 26, 2020
    Dessie Durham is a semifinalist for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). The program funds high school students to spend up to a year abroad studying a critical language.

    Article By: Staff

    In high school, Dessie Durham wanted an academic challenge. So, she dual-enrolled in classes at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

    Since then, Durham has thrived. In May, the senior at Dawson County High School will earn her associate degree before her high school diploma.

    Now, Durham wants another challenge. The 18-year-old from Dawsonville, Georgia, wants to spend a year studying Arabic in Jordan. She is one step closer to attaining that goal.

    Durham is a semifinalist for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). The program funds high school students to spend up to a year abroad studying a critical language.

    "It's very exciting to have gotten this far," Durham said.

    She enrolled in UNG's six-week Summer Language Institutes (SLI) in 2019 to earn eight academic credit hours in Arabic.

    "I fell in love with the language," she said.

    Durham credits Awad Awad, program director of Arabic study abroad and coordinator of Arabic SLI, with encouraging her to apply for NSLI-Y and providing insight about the culture.

    "He was really big into sharing the culture aspect of Arabic," she said. "It's nice to hear about the language and the culture and religion and the humanity behind it."

    Durham will learn in April if she wins the scholarship.

    Contact the Author

    Bayeux Tapestry replica on campus in September

    Bayeux Tapestry replica on campus in September

    A replica of the Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at UNG's Convocation Center Sept. 26-28. The painted textile visually captures the story of the Battle of Hastings, a military conflict that turned the tide of British and European history in 1066.
    Cronan named Udall honorable mention

    Cronan named Udall honorable mention

    UNG senior Anna Cronan was named an honorable mention for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship at the end of her junior year.
    Faculty lead summer learning experiences

    Faculty lead summer learning experiences

    UNG students gained valuable learning through both study abroad and study away experiences this summer, including 10 faculty-led programs.
    Smith article explores 'intellectual humility'

    Smith article explores 'intellectual humility'

    UNG professor Dr. Glen Smith published a journal article exploring "intellectual humility" as a strategy for decreasing "political hostility."

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