Courtney Kennedy-Graff chose to attend college at UNG based on affordability and "they have a fantastic Mandarin (Chinese) program with talented staff." Graff initially majored in that language, but realized she wanted a direction and purpose to better use her language skills.
"I changed my major to international affairs because it suited my own academic and personal interests," Graff said. "It also placed me in a position to use my talents to impact and help the greatest number of people that I can."
At UNG, Graff was Political Science Student Association president, vice president and social media chair; Philosophy Club founder and co-president; Chinese Club event chair; and member of the Swing Dance Association and the International Student Association. Graff also studied abroad at Sichuan University in China and served an internship with a financial consulting agency.
She also had to overcome a couple of personal challenges. During her sophomore year, Graff's father found out he was losing his eyesight, and her mother battled cancer through her junior year.
"I tried to balance being a good daughter and a good student," she said.
What Graff remembers most is the bonds she made with her fellow students and her good fortune to encounter two professors she respected and admired. The first, Dr. Victoria Hightower, associate professor of history, served as an inspiration with her helpful insight.
"Dr. Hightower left quite an impression on me," Graff said. "When I took one of her online classes while studying in China, she really went out of her way to assist me. She also helped me tremendously when applying to graduate schools and scholarships."
The other, Dr. Cristian Harris, associate professor of political science, served as a role model with his gentle encouragement and kind demeanor.
"Dr. Harris helped me tremendously," Graff continued. "As my adviser, he guided me throughout my time at UNG and gave me practical advice while being a calm voice of reason who always helped those who came to him."
As a child, Graff always knew a bachelor's degree would not satisfy her. She wanted a master's degree but only if she could afford it.
Graff is currently pursuing a graduate degree in diplomacy and global governance at Vesalius College in Brussels, Belgium, after receiving a merit-based scholarship to help pay tuition costs.
"Before starting my undergraduate degree, I already knew that I wanted to go on and get at least one master’s, so I didn’t want to have accrued too much debt," Graff said. "Vesalius College's institutional philosophy mirrors my own. I also wanted to attend university in another region of the world besides Asia so that I could have a more cohesive global understanding of international relations."
Earlier this year Graff received news that she was a semifinalist for a Fulbright U.S. Student Program, applying as a researcher for the United Kingdom partnership award.
Once she completes her graduate studies, Graff plans on a career in the foreign service.
