I said it's time to leave the states!

By: Dawn Scales
Jan. 28, 2006

For many years I have been interested in traveling and in the course of those years my passion for writing has definitely grown. I have obtained writing experience through reporting for two on-campus publications and a daily city newspaper. Taking that experience further is a constant need for me. Nurturing my skill, expanding the knowledge I know and encountering different cultures are all key as well. Traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico will enable me to learn about the history of travel writing and its contemporary genres taught by Dr. Meta Carstarphen and Professor Kathryn Jenson White.
I always find myself researching, reporting and writing about issues that concern those of minority status, being those that have different ethnic backgrounds to those who are of completely different races. Even though English is required in all federal matters in Puerto Rico, Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language and I can’t wait to try out my two semesters of Spanish among native speakers. I think my longing to travel comes from wanting to connect the imagery I have seen with the actual encounter of a specific place and people. Being able to document happenings and creating bonds with individuals that I would otherwise not interact with is what keeps me going on a daily basis.
The Gaylord College, as I have noticed, works hard to provide further educational opportunities for us as students. I would like to have the pleasure of reaping the benefits of such scholastic programs.