Kennadi Holmes shares her experiences with Lone Star College, LSC Global Scholars and her study abroad trip to Greece funded with the Gilman International Scholarship.
Why is education important to you?
Education is valuable and opens doors. It implies information, abilities, imagination, achievement and impact.
Education should energize communities and their commitment to affect change that will benefit society and make the world a less intense spot for us and future generations.
Tell me about your experience with LSC Global Scholars.
Why did you get involved?
I am entering my second year at Lone Star College and am proud to be a distinguished scholar of the LSC Global Scholars program. I joined because I want a career in international relations and immigration law.
What type of projects do you work on?
Since I’ve been in Global Scholars, I have experienced many cultural events and projects based on participating in different communities within the Houston area.
I’ve had the opportunity to communicate virtually with individuals living overseas about cultural differences and customs. For example, I participated in the Denmark Virtual Exchange, where we interacted with many European and South American (mainly Brazil) countries. We discussed the differences in each country, centering around businesses. During our last meeting, we covered popular meals made in the United States, which intrigued our foreign audiences.
This experience taught me to maintain a learning attitude and remember that others have different values and beliefs, setting the tone of our cultural differences.
How has this program impacted your time at LSC and how will it affect your future goals?
LSC Global Scholars has taught me how to relate to others in a deeper way. I’ve learned the more connections we make with people, the easier it is to make comparable connections in the future. Being open-minded in diversity, principle and opportunity is necessary to be a culturally sensitive student leader and community member.
How and why did you get involved in the Gilman Program?
Dana Van De Walker, Ed.D., LSC-Houston North and LSC-North Harris Global Scholars Program Director, encouraged and motivated me to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.
As an immigrant who wants to pursue a career in immigration law, I know my future clients may choose to immigrate for many reasons like employment possibilities, economic change, cultural diversity, education opportunities or family reunification. The Gilman Scholarship has developed and nurtured my understanding of various cultural histories that will guide me in helping future immigrants.
Why did you select Greece, what did you learn and what cultural activities did you experience?
I selected Greece for various reasons. Not only was it a dream trip, but a journey to Greece would acknowledge my curious understanding of the scale of European colonization, which I needed to earn a degree in international relations and pre-law, mainly immigration law. My ambitious goal has been to research Southeast European colonialism and emigration history since I was a freshman in high school.
I traveled to Greece and toured the city of Athens and three popular islands: Samos, Syros and Ikaria. During my visit, I learned the most prominent cultural difference in Greece is the emphasis on family and community. Greeks have strong ties to their extended families and prioritize spending time together. Family gatherings are common and meal times are for bonding and sharing stories. This sense of community extends beyond the family as neighborhoods and local communities also play a significant role in Greek culture.
Other cultural aspects include cuisine, architecture and art and language. Sharing meals is a social event filled with lively conversations and laughter. Ancient ruins and historical sites, such as the Parthenon in Athens, highlight Greece’s contributions to classical architecture and art, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Also, key phrases go a long way in connecting with locals who really appreciate visitors trying to speak their native language, Greek.
I gained these valuable learning experiences through interviewing and socializing with local citizens, attending lively festivals and events, overcoming my fears of long ferry rides and underground tunnels (lol) and taking things with a grain of salt. Although this trip consisted of overcoming a lot of fears, I was happy to gain cultural awareness of regions I’m not familiar with.
How will your experience in the Gilman Program prepare you for your future educational and career paths?
This study abroad experience is a fantastic addition to my resume and has helped me to advance my abilities and attract the interest of potential employers. For instance, having solid core values like diversity, client focus and communication is important to being an immigration lawyer. It has always been a dream of mine to travel and take on the many altitudes and societal changes of the world.
Additionally, the Gilman Program and my trip to Greece have enlightened me on different cultural values and exposed me to various perspectives outside of my own. I’m more mindful that my collective viewpoints aren’t the same as others around me, and I’m working to be more open-minded in learning from others’ cultural experiences.
What is your program of study at LSC and when will you graduate?
I’m currently studying international relations and pre-law at LSC-Houston North. I plan to graduate in spring 2024.
What is your future career field, why did you choose it, and what do you hope to accomplish?
A career in immigration law gives me a chance to contribute positively to society by helping maintain the rule of law, uphold human rights and foster cross-cultural understanding.
My ultimate goal is to help individuals and families achieve their dreams of living in a new country. Additionally, this profession offers financial rewards, job stability and professional growth.
What are your academic or career plans after Lone Star College?
After LSC, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and work as a law intern student at a local immigration firm.