OXFORD, Miss. – Sederia Gray of Starkville, a senior at the University
of Mississippi, is immersing herself in Ecuadorian culture this
semester.
In a perfect learning opportunity considering her two majors, Spanish
and international studies, Gray is studying at the Universidad San
Franciso de Quito in Cumbaya, Ecuador. While there, she is working on
her senior thesis project for the international studies major and as a
member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. It is titled
“Political Mobilization of Afro-Ecuadorians Seeking a National
Identity,” a comparison of political mobilization factors in Ecuador
and Brazil.
A member of the Croft Institute for
International Studies, she is also fulfilling her Spanish language
requirement for her major in international studies. When she returns,
she will take the Oral Proficiency Interview to test her fluency in the
Spanish language.
Gray’s study abroad is made possible through a UM exchange
partnership with USFQ, coordinated by the UM Study Abroad Office. This
exchange allows her to take courses abroad and apply them to her UM
degree as resident credit, and it enables her to use financial aid that
she receives on campus to help defray travel expenses. She left Aug. 22
for Ecuador, and she says that her experience is proving to be very
rewarding.
“I have been able to travel to two different towns, where I have
observed the diverse cultures,” she said. “I have also learned a lot
through my host family and university. Each part of Ecuador has its own
history and cultural background, and that’s what makes it so
interesting and diverse.”
Gray said she hopes that by living and studying abroad, she will
begin to understand both the similarities and differences between life
in the United States and in other parts of the world. Her plans include
a trip to the nearby Galapagos Islands, which are known for their rich
variety of wildlife and vegetation.
After receiving her undergraduate degree at Ole Miss in May
2010, Gray plans to attend law school and concentrate in corporate law.
Eventually, she would like to become an entrepreneur and start her own
business.
A 2006 graduate of Starkville High School, she is the daughter
of Eucluck and Gwendolyn Gray. For more information, visit http://www.croft.olemiss.edu, http://www.outreach.olemiss.