Olivo Sandoval named Newman Civic Fellow
Article By: Agnes Hina
Tackling the issue of discrimination has led to Susana Olivo Sandoval, a University of North Georgia (UNG) junior from Moroleon, Mexico, being announced as a 2023-24 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.
"I nominated Susana because she exemplifies the fellowship's focus," Dr. Kathryn Quinto, coordinator for Nationally Competitive Scholarships, said. "She is a student leader who is making a lasting, positive impact in the UNG community and beyond."
The Newman Civic Fellowship gives students support in tackling their public problem-solving by giving them opportunities to network, gain access to training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for creating lasting social change.
Having experienced discrimination herself, Olivo Sandoval chose the topic for her fellowship application. The junior pursuing degrees in modern languages with a Spanish language and literature concentration and East Asian studies feels that by learning foreign languages society can insert itself into other cultures. As a Japanese tutor, her job gives her the opportunity to show the importance of learning a new language to combat cultural discrimination.
It is an honor for me to have this opportunity. It made me realize many people believe in me and see me as a good role model. I could never have imagined this nine years ago when I moved to the United States without speaking English. Now, I want to work even harder to improve and accomplish my dreams.
Susana Olivo Sandoval
Newman Civic Fellow
Olivo Sandoval said her biggest sources of inspiration are her professors and her mother, all of whom have taught her the importance of hard work and motivate her to continue learning.
She is one of five fellows from Georgia selected. The other Georgia students are from Georgia College & State University, Mercer University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. The fellowship selected 154 students total in the 2023-24 academic cohort.
"It is an honor for me to have this opportunity. It made me realize many people believe in me and see me as a good role model," she said. "I could never have imagined this nine years ago when I moved to the United States
without speaking English. Now, I want to work even harder to improve and accomplish my dreams."
Through the fellowship, Olivo Sandoval will have a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional and civic growth. Each year, fellows participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities to help provide them with the skills and connections they need to create large-scale positive change.
Olivo Sandoval is currently studying abroad in Nagoya, Japan, and plans to apply for different teaching programs after graduation to continue her pursuit of educating against discrimination. As an immigrant, she hopes to advise her peers to never be afraid to be who they are.
"Do not be ashamed of your accent, even if other students bother you because of it. Be proud because you can speak two languages," Olivo Sandoval said. " Loving and accepting yourself is the best advice I can give you. Continue moving forward."
UNG has had students be named Newman Civic Fellows annually since 2013. For more information, visit the Newman Civic Fellowship website.
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