See stories from GVSU Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients before, during & after their adventures abroad.
Argentina, 2001-02 Funny how one study abroad trip can change your life. I had the Padnos scholarship the first year when you could still go for a semester. I went to Argentina! Little did I know, but this trip planted the seeds for my PhD. I fell in love with the history, the people, and the mystery of its black history. Two years ago I presented a part of my on going research at GVSU. I am currently working on my book, “Lighter Shades of Blackness: Becoming Pardo in Cordoba, Argentina 1776-1853.” I cannot thank him enough for giving me that opportunity. Today I give talks on behalf of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNCC to encourage donors to give to fellowships that support first generation and minority students to study abroad. The Dean has asked me twice to give my talk because it is so inspiring. I am proud to say that I constantly give thanks to Mr. Padnos, who made that gift to the school in the name of his late wife in 2000. At the award ceremony he mentioned his granddaughter had fallen in love with a Chilean and had the time of her life and that he saw a lot of growth in her. My life completely changed after 6 months in Argentina. That was made possible because of Mr. Padnos’ gift. Assistant Professor at UNC-Charlotte. Expert in Colonial Latin America with an emphasis on the black history in Argentina.
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