Miriam Alrahil, a Florida State University IDEA Grant recipient through the Tyler Center for Global Studies and Middle Eastern Studies Center student, came to FSU to serve her community through the Service Scholars Program.

Alrahil serves as an English tutor for middle and high school students who speak foreign languages. She also serves as a youth mentor for refugees in Tallahassee to assist them in acclimating to their new environment.

During her time at FSU, Alrahil has completed multiple research projects that highlight underrepresented communities and gaps in academic archives. As an Honors in the Major student, she has used her research opportunities to conduct ethnographic and archival research that provides representation for different communities from around the world.

Why did you choose to attend FSU?

FSU stood out as the best-equipped university to help build the future I envisioned for myself. FSU felt like an institution genuinely committed to serving its students, prioritizing their growth and success. The university’s range of programs and extracurriculars within the art, language and communication fields created an avenue to explore my academic and personal passions.  

My acceptance into the Service Scholars program was the deciding factor in my decision to attend FSU. The Service Scholars program’s unique curriculum, tight-knit community and admirable mission set FSU apart. I realized that my time in college would be transformed because of this program, offering a level of growth and mentorship I couldn’t find at any other time or place.  

What academic projects are you most proud of?

The project that most immediately stands out to me is the oral history project I conducted in the Colombian Amazon with the support from the Social Science Scholars Program, the IDEA Grant and Spanish Program in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. Through the mentorship provided by these three programs, I was able to fully formulate my own research project, live independently in the Colombian Amazon for two months and gain invaluable experience in audiovisual storytelling and oral history collection.  

During this project, I worked with Indigenous and non-Indigenous conservationists and local leaders, documenting how they employed Indigenous ancestral practices and knowledge in their climate action and preservation work.  

What was your Honors in the Major thesis about?

I focused on the post-exilic literature of the Lebanese diaspora in Colombia. For this project I read two extensive novels and one poetry anthology from Lebanese-Colombian authors, none of which had an available English translation.  

I dedicated a lot of time, passion and energy into this academic project, and I amassed so many skills in conducting niche research, translating and writing. I also presented my research in Montreal, Canada, at the Committee on Undergraduate Middle East Studies Undergraduate Workshop as part of the Middle Eastern Studies Association’s yearly conference in November 2023.  

How have you served in the FSU and Tallahassee community?

Since my first semester, the Service Scholars program allowed me to be thoroughly involved in leadership and community service at FSU. I initially began working as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutor with Darasa, a registered student organization at FSU. I went to local middle and high schools and worked as a teacher aide in ESOL classes.  

I also worked as a youth mentor with the International Rescue Committee. Here, I mentored refugee youth in Tallahassee, helping with their acclimation to the U.S. and English language learning.  

I also served the community through my academic work, particularly through my Indigenous studies internship with the FSU Spanish Program. I am working with the FSU Special Collections & Archives to establish an Indigenous oral archive to localize information in an accessible way for students. I hope to use this experience to mentor students and empower them to do the same. 

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Zeron has received funding from the Social Science Scholars Program, the American Institute of Physics and an IDEA Grant to pursue her research on space diplomacy. She is a leader with TEDxFSU and a former member of FSU’s Community Ambassador Program and encourages other students to get involved in their community.

As an international student, what made FSU stand out to you?

I chose to attend FSU because I wanted to attend a university that upheld academic excellence and fostered a multicultural environment through an array of experiences, ideas and beliefs. As an international student, I was instantly embraced by the FSU community in a way that has always made me feel welcome and constantly encourages me to get involved. Through FSU’s vibrant campus, I have found a range of programs, classes, activities and events that have embraced the culturally rich learning environment I wanted. I was drawn to the International Affairs Program and its interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for global careers. The First Year Abroad program was also a big motivation for my enrollment. The opportunity to study abroad in London and Florence has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

For the past two semesters, I have worked on my Honors in the Major research project on space diplomacy. Under the direction of Associate Professor of History Ronald Doel, I’ve analyzed the role of diplomacy in the development of multinational space missions through a case study on the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout the development of this project, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple cities across the world and visit various facilities, archival collections and meet with scientists and space policy experts.

With funding support from an IDEA Grant, the Social Science Scholars Program and a grant-in-aid from the American Institute of Physics, I’ve had overwhelming support to research the fascinating intersection between diplomacy, international collaboration and the development of multi-billion space science missions.

What has been an impactful community service opportunity at FSU?

I have been involved with TEDxFSU for as long as I’ve been on campus. From being a speaker coach and a member of the steering committee to currently serving on the executive board, I’ve embraced the belief of “ideas worth spreading.” I encourage others to share their stories, ideas and research projects with the FSU and Tallahassee communities. Through my leadership roles in speaker recruitment and design coordination, I help create a platform where new ideas will provide an impactful learning experience for people attending our events.

Community service has also been something I strive to participate in. As a member of the Community Ambassador Program, I help spread awareness on blood cancer disorders by encouraging involvement and supporting partnerships between Gift of Life Marrow Registry and the FSU community. I took on a student ambassador leadership role by coordinating multiple swabbing drives, events, presentations and Market Wednesday appearances to highlight the cause.

How have you contributed to the FSU and Tallahassee community?

My multifaceted involvement at FSU reflects my wish to contribute to the academic, global and service spheres. My contributions to the Global Scholars Program and Social Science Scholars Programs have included research projects that embrace the intersection between local and global communities, particularly highlighting the ways that those two communities interact and collaborate with each other.

As a Global Media Division intern with the Office of University Communications, I have helped to streamline and promote international activities at our university to both the FSU and Tallahassee communities. From writing news stories and conducting interviews to creating digital content and covering multicultural events, my experiences have highlighted the different international achievements of fellow FSU students, faculty and staff.

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Alexis Dorman, a senior at Florida State University pursuing dual degrees in international affairs and political science, aims to inspire her peers to generate positive change and make a lasting impact on campus through community service initiatives.

Dorman chose FSU for its location and experiential opportunities, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics program, the Office of Governmental Affairs and the Office of National Fellowships. She was nominated for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, where she developed a policy proposal to expand resources for English language learners in Florida. As a member of the FSU Social Science Scholars program, within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, she has further explored academic pursuits related to her career goals.

As the hunger campaign coordinator for the FSU Student Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG, Dorman led a statewide effort to lobby for the Hunger-Free Campus grant bill, which provides grants to colleges and universities to expand anti-hunger programs. She is passionate about community organization and political action, believing that FSU has provided her with ample resources to ensure her post-graduate success.

What factors influenced your decision to attend Florida State University?

There were several factors that influenced my decision to attend FSU. The campus location, extracurricular opportunities, Honors Program and community were the most appealing aspects. Being accepted into the Honors Program at FSU was a major factor in my decision to attend. The Honors Program offered a more intimate academic experience, allowing me to explore my interests and develop intellectual relationships with faculty.  

I’ve been interested in social sciences since elementary school and knew I wanted to pursue political science. FSU’s location in Florida’s capital city offers unparalleled experiential opportunities compared to other in-state universities. In addition, FSU offered unique extracurricular opportunities related to my major, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics program, which provided professional experience and increased my involvement with the Student Government Association. 

What are some of your most significant academic achievements at FSU?

Two of my most significant academic accomplishments at FSU were receiving a campus nomination for the Truman Scholarship and participating in the Social Science Scholars program. The Truman Scholarship nomination process helped me clarify my post-graduate and career plans and develop a policy proposal to expand resources for English language learners in Florida.  

My goals include pursuing a career in community organizing and governmental advocacy. FSU has provided me with ample resources to ensure my post-graduate success, such as the Noles Engaged in Politics Program, the Office of Governmental Affairs, and the Office of National Fellowships. These resources have allowed me to gain professional experience, engage with political leaders and participate in policy discussions.

How has your research experience affected your future goals? What resources at FSU did you find most useful?

In my first year at FSU, I participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) where I conducted research under Beth Ann Williams in the Department of Religion. My research focused on the role of women in a predominantly Lutheran community in Meru, Tanzania. I was responsible for data entry and analysis of interviews conducted in Meru where I presented my findings “The Changing Definition of ‘Womanhood’ in Meru, Tanzania” at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.  

The research I conducted at FSU allowed me to examine the intersection of culture, education and gender, providing me with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by women and girls across the globe. Presenting my research allowed me to connect my understanding of Western feminism and social movements with the experiences of Tanzanian women in Meru. Reviewing firsthand the perspectives of Tanzanian women reinforced my belief in the importance of grassroots efforts as a foundation for meaningful change and underscored the fact that lasting impact requires a deep understanding of the needs of those we aim to support. This made it apparent to me that I needed to deepen my understanding of the political process. 

Opportunities at FSU like the Noles Engaged in Politics program, the Office of Governmental Affairs and the Office of National Fellowships have been instrumental in allowing me to explore my passions and gain the experience needed to pursue a career in community organizing and governmental affairs post-graduation. These resources have provided me with a platform to participate in fellowship programs, engage with political leaders and participate in policy discussions.

What motivated you to pursue the Honors Program at FSU? How has this program enhanced your academic journey?

I was looking for a program that would allow me to explore my academic interests and receive a personalized educational experience. I decided to pursue the Honors Program at Florida State for several reasons, including the class sizes, course offerings and the community created by being a part of the Honors Student Association. 

Since becoming an honors student at Florida State, I can definitively say that my academic experience has been enriched. As an honors student, I have discovered new interests and passions, had the opportunity to actively engage with my professors and peers, and connected with a like-minded community of driven students who challenge me to continue excelling. 

What impact do you believe your community service initiatives have had on FSU’s campus culture and the broader Tallahassee community?

I believe that it is our responsibility, as individuals, to both inspire and be inspired. It is my hope that my community service initiatives have served as a source of inspiration for other students and community members. In turn, I continue to be inspired by all the passionate individuals who eagerly volunteer their time and get involved with the initiatives I organize. 

This exchange of inspiration is what drives my involvement. My goal is to not only pave the way for the next class of leaders, empower others and inspire change, but also to learn from those around me, collaborate with campus and community leaders and be inspired. 

Ultimately, my belief in collaboration, lifelong learning and the power of collective action continues to guide my actions and fuels my belief that by embracing the different perspectives of others, we can create positive change and inspire others to do the same. 

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Arantza Caudillo Alvarez’s time at Florida State University has been shaped by her experience as an immigrant and her desire to bring more awareness to the experiences of people in the Global South.

She is an intern at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights (CAHR), an FSU organization that aims to help advance the human rights movement by fostering scholarship at the university and supporting non-governmental organizations that engage in such work. There, Caudillo Alvarez translates legal documents and completes immigration applications.

Caudillo Alvarez is president of After They Arrive (ATA) a student-led organization dedicated to easing the resettlement process for refugees and immigrants in the Tallahassee area. Through ATA, Caudillo Alvarez organizes community events with local organizations to create a supportive community that promotes successful integration into life in Tallahassee.

She is also involved in the Honors in the Major Program and has received grants, including the IDEA Grant and the Social Science Scholars Program grant. Her research focuses on gender-based violence against Indigenous women in rural Mexico and their resilience strategies. She aims to highlight human rights violations in the Global South.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose to attend FSU because of its brick campus, green spaces and its vibrant student life. However, its central location and FSU’s relationship with Florida’s government and Legislature weighed the most in my decision. I am passionate about social justice and community change, and I believe that proximity to these institutions allows me to participate in activities related to my interests and work for effective change.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

My Honors in the Major thesis on the reconfiguring social roles of Indigenous Otomi, Tepehua and Nahua women and their violent experiences is one of my most significant achievements at FSU because I contributed to the literature of a region overlooked for centuries. I lived in the Otomi-Tepehua region in the state of Hidalgo for three months, in the municipality of Tenango de Doria, which has limited resources and infrastructure. I interviewed 25 women who spoke or identified as Otomi, Tepehua or Nahua, the three ethnic groups in the region. I also worked with an organization called PSYDEH, which focuses on the psychology and human rights of Indigenous women in Mexico. I traveled with PSYDEH to nine communities every week to meet with Indigenous women, facilitate workshops and help the artisan cooperatives. I met dozens of people who taught me about indigeneity and rural life. I hope my research project places Indigenous voices at the forefront and in equal standing in an international arena to develop sustainable change in the region.

How has being at FSU helped you with your research?

My research project is a culmination of my academic achievements. I have received support from faculty members and scholarship programs. As a dedicated student with a 3.9 GPA, I prioritize building relationships with my professors. So, when I decided to pursue a thesis, I had the support of Joseph Hellweg, associate professor in the Department of Religion; Christina Owens, associate professor in the University Honors Program; Juan David Irigoyen, scholarship director for the International Affairs program; and Anasa Hicks, associate professor in the Department of History. Their guidance allowed me to develop strong research proposals and methodology and obtain funding from the university. I received grants from the Social Science Scholars Program, the IDEA Grant program and the International Study Program. Florida State University’s faculty and programs supported my research endeavors and my passion for social change for women in the Global South.

How is your community service affected by your experiences as an immigrant?

I center my community service and leadership efforts around immigration and refugee work. As a Mexican immigrant, I want to contribute to my community and help ease the adaptation process for others. I pursue this work as an intern at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights and as the president of the registered student organization After They Arrive. At the CAHR, I fill out immigration applications and perform legal translations. As president of ATA, I organize community service events, collaborating with local non-profits to aid in the sustainable adaptation of immigrants in the Tallahassee area. My thesis, internship and role as president of a student organization encompass community service and improving local communities. I hope my research will prompt more academic research in the region, pressure government officials to fulfill their citizens’ needs and bring Indigenous voices and struggles to the forefront of the international arena. As an intern at CAHR, my work contributes to the successful resettlement of hundreds of families so they can call Tallahassee home. My role as president of ATA allows me to make Florida State University a more welcoming space for migration issues and serve as a liaison between students and community service work.

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As a child, Elena Villamagna knew she wanted to pursue a career in maternal care and all it encompassed. Now, as a junior at Florida State University, she has taken advantage of FSU’s programs to fine-tune exactly what that means to her.

“I want to make an impact on every level in the maternal health sphere,” she said.

FSU’s Gap Year Fellows Program, which offers students funding to support their gap year, was the deciding factor for Villamagna’s enrollment at Florida State. This allowed her to obtain a doula certification, attend births and shadow professionals before attending full-time classes at FSU.

“I knew I wanted to be learning outside of the classroom just as much as I was learning inside the classroom,” Villamagna said. “Starting with a gap year was exactly what I was looking for.”

While at FSU, Villamagna hopes to conduct an Honors in the Major project with the help of the FSU Social Science Scholar Program to develop her leadership skills and further research ways to assist mothers in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys. She plans on building her research skills through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) with Jessica Bahorski, assistant professor in the College of Nursing.

Through her participation in FSU’s Women’s Leadership Institute and senior position in the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Honor Society, Villamagna developed the skills required to be an effective leader.

“To become a leader in the causes I care about — including positive birthing experiences for all women, animal rights and environmental justice — I know that I first must develop good leadership skills,” she said.

Villamagna has used her time at FSU to explore her interests outside of the classroom as well. Her participation in the Global Citizenship Certificate Program (GCC) developed her passion for learning about and connecting with global cultures through intercultural events on campus, such as International Coffee Hour. Her experience in the GCC ultimately inspired her to take part in FSU’s Global Exchange Program, through which she traveled to New Zealand to learn about traditional birthing practices from the Māori, indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand.

“The exchange has been the highlight of my time in college thus far,” Villamagna said. “Between having the opportunity to learn about one of my passions and making friends from around the world, I feel like it was the experience of a lifetime.”

What are some personal experiences that helped you discover your love for midwifery and researching ways to assist new mothers?

Maternal health and babies have been a passion of mine since I was four years old. I remember attending my mother’s midwife appointments when she was pregnant with my little brother and, as a kid, I loved being included in that process. I was a sponge absorbing every word I could from those appointments. A few years later, my father completed his medical residency, which continued my curiosity and fueled my passion for this field. Soon, revolutionary midwife Ina May Gaskin and innovative OB-GYN Dr. Aviva Romm became two of my biggest role models. 

How did the Gap Year Fellows Program assist you in your transition to life as a college student?

The Gap Year Fellows Program was the deciding factor for my enrollment at Florida State. Florida State is one of the only universities in the U.S. that not only openly encourages students to take a gap year but also offers funding for students to take one. Throughout my gap year, I gained a great amount of independence, which made moving to Tallahassee and starting new seem much less daunting. During my gap year, I began working on my doula certification and was able to shadow my very first birth — it was the most magical experience I have ever had. The United States has the worst maternal and infant outcomes of any developed country. I knew I wanted to change this. To do so would require researching the best birth practices and how to implement them effectively into the U.S. medical system. I plan to continue my passion for researching ways to assist mothers in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys by conducting an Honors in the Major project with the help of the Social Science Scholar Program.

How has your time at FSU allowed you to grow as a leader in the causes you represent?

FSU has many tools to help students grow as leaders. During my first semester on campus, I participated in the Women’s Leadership Institute, which helped me develop my core identity as a woman and integrate it into the leadership space. I also took a course on gender and leadership to further expand my understanding of the ways gender influences the leadership process. Outside the classroom, FSU has provided opportunities for me to be in leadership positions, such as the vice president of programming in the ODK leadership honors society. Positions like that have given me the space to practice and refine my leadership skills on a smaller scale. Currently, I am taking the Social Science Scholars leadership course, which will help me develop my leadership style and will help me implement it in a way that is meaningful and impactful to my goals.

What valuable lessons did you learn from participating in Global Exchange Program and your experience with the Māori tribe?

Florida State has many different opportunities to help students become more involved on campus as well as funding opportunities to help students explore their passions off campus. The Global Exchange Program gave me the opportunity to spend a semester in New Zealand to learn about traditional birthing practices from the Māori and spend more time in nature. I learned that the Māori were stripped of many of their traditions, including birth traditions, when the English settled in New Zealand; however, they are now trying to revitalize their culture. One birthing custom I found particularly interesting is the muka tie, a rope made from natural plant fibers that is used to tie the umbilical cord and differs from the plastic clip typically used in hospitals. It has been found that babies who had the muka tie experienced a shorter healing time than babies exposed to the plastic clip due to the medicinal properties in the plant fibers. 

What impact do you hope to have on maternal care in the U.S.?

My dream is to spend years working as a midwife to gain firsthand insight on the local and personal issues women experience during their pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods. Simultaneously, I plan on researching natural birthing practices around the world, focusing on what works in places with the best perinatal experience. My goal is to then pursue a career in public health at the national level, where I can implement my findings at the local and international level on a large scale and positively impact maternal care in the U.S. 

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