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2017 Rose Silverman Fellows

Morgan Fitzgerald, BA International Studies; minor, Food and the Environment ‘18
OzHarvest

Sydney, Australia

After summarizing my history of agricultural research on a farm in India, my own personal health issues with Celiac Disease, and my exploration of the world of healing through food and diet, my interviewer took a moment to comment, “Wow! It seems like you're really passionate about this.” By working with OzHarvest on its business model for their new OzMarket--a grocery store where all of the food is rescued from being thrown away by other grocery stores, airlines, etc. and redistributed back into the system in a donation-based market--the passion only seemed to grow more. The motto in the market is: Take what you need, pay what you can. Meaning if people can afford to pay for the food they take, that’s awesome (each dollar donated pays for two meals!), but if one is unable, that’s awesome, too! At the intersection between food equity, food conservation, and lovely hospitality, the OzHarvest Market was a home for all.

Without the generous donation from Amy Rose Silverman, I simply would not have been able to go halfway across the world to a wonderful country called Australia in order to help this wonderful organization called OzHarvest. As many know, Australia is not known for being cheap. After all, it is a massive island--so much is shipped in from far and wide that the increase in cost is undesired but understandable. Unfortunately, despite not being shipped in, rent is not cheap either, and with it being an unpaid internship, I would not have been able to experience the ultimate kindness and brilliance that is OzHarvest. I intend to go back to Sydney, Australia, after graduation (be it immediately or in a few years), and accept their offer to work for them (this time for pay!). Australia, OzHarvest, and all of the people associated with those two completely captured my heart, and I cannot wait to return.

Nathaniel Maekawa, BA International Studies; minor, Medical Anthropology ‘18
ReefDoctor

Madagascar

ReefDoctor is a UK-based nonprofit organization that directs its resources towards marine conservation and socioeconomic development in southwest Madagascar. Established in 2002, ReefDoctor has worked in partnership with local communities, organizations, and governance, to coordinate projects that range from alternative sustainable livelihoods to artificial reef construction. It is with great thanks that I acknowledge Amy Rose Silverman and the Graham Sustainability Institute for the funding that I received to pursue this extraordinary opportunity. It is an experience that has strengthened the confidence that I have in my abilities, provided insight on perspectives in sustainability, and helped me to meet incredibly passionate individuals that have become dear friends and sources of inspiration. Although public health has and continues to be a convergence point for applying my interdisciplinary studies, my exposure and experience with ReefDoctor’s multi-disciplinary initiative has inspired me to further my interdisciplinary education. The complex nature of global issues requires multi-faceted solutions.

Presently, I am interested in a graduate degree in global affairs. I believe that this degree will nourish my mind with knowledge that can assist me in approaching these issues and their solutions. Although I am still learning of ways and career paths for me to apply this expertise, one area that I am starting to consider is journalism. Writing the blog for ReefDoctor’s website and social media platforms provided an opportunity for me to express my ideas and style of writing to an international community. My writing was well received and with proper guidance could be a way for me to continue learning of initiatives and people from a variety of fields, while also working to inspire positive change within general and governmental spheres.

Sandra Plamondon, BBA Business Administration; minor, International Studies ‘19
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)

Tokyo, Japan

For my internship, I was part of the Marketing and Communications Team with the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in their Tokyo office. During the six weeks, I did work for a variety of group members, but I primarily worked on three different projects. The first was assisting with the release of a global and local research report on the workplace reform and the future of work. The second was research on the integration of technology with Real Estate. Lastly, helping the planning and execution of a client event.

With the funding from PICS, I was able to purchase my plane ticket and use the funding for my rent at a share house in Tokyo. The share house is another favorite experience of mine. It was a great learning and intercultural experience since I lived with 14 other people from countries such as Korea, Japan, Sweden, and Britain. I was participated in a lot of language exchange and had the opportunity to learn about others cultures and experiences in Japan. I am very thankful for the living arrangement I had, as it truly enhanced the intercultural part of the experience. Overall, this was an incredible learning experience that has truly enhanced my education and understanding my own career path. Thank you Ms. Amy Rose Silverman for making this experience possible. I am extremely grateful for the time in Japan and thankful for Ms. Silverman for her contributions to help students explore the world.