Takara
Swoopes, 2005 Political Science graduate, received a Fulbright
Fellowship to study and research in Japan for twelve months
during 2005-2006. Born in Decatur, Alabama, a southern small
city on the Tennessee River, Takara and her brother learned
at an early age the importance of hard work, responsibility,
and independence. “My mother,” says Takara, “constantly
emphasized the power of education and encouraged me to continue
to reach beyond limitations, such as economic status, to pursue
my interest with dedication and passion.” Her mother’s
courageous philosophy served as the driving force behind her
years as an undergraduate student and compelled her onward
to explore opportunities beyond Decatur, Alabama, in such places
as Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan. After spending two productive
years of undergraduate study at the University of Alabama,
Takara transferred to Howard University, one of the most critical
decisions of her life. “Howard taught me the importance
of diversity from not only an ethnic and racial perspective,
but also a cultural perspective.” Howard also revived
Takara’s childhood interest in Japanese culture. During
her first semester (in her junior year), she enrolled into
a Japanese language class and quickly declared a “minor” in
Japanese. Shortly thereafter she traveled to Japan, where
she had an opportunity to participate in a field experience
at
an elementary school in Ichikawa, Chiba. With her 2005-2006
Fulbright in hand, Takara says that she looks forward to
engaging in an intensive study of the language, politics,
and culture
of Japan. Her research project will explore the impact of
expanding international influences on Japanese public policy
as it relates
to the educational system. Congratulations to our 2005 College
of Arts and Sciences graduating senior.
Takara
Swoopes, 2005 Political Science graduate, received a Fulbright
Fellowship to study and research in Japan for twelve months
during 2005-2006. Born in Decatur, Alabama, a southern small
city on the Tennessee River, Takara and her brother learned
at an early age the importance of hard work, responsibility,
and independence. “My mother,” says Takara, “constantly
emphasized the power of education and encouraged me to continue
to reach beyond limitations, such as economic status, to pursue
my interest with dedication and passion.” Her mother’s
courageous philosophy served as the driving force behind her
years as an undergraduate student and compelled her onward
to explore opportunities beyond Decatur, Alabama, in such places
as Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan. After spending two productive
years of undergraduate study at the University of Alabama,
Takara transferred to Howard University, one of the most critical
decisions of her life. “Howard taught me the importance
of diversity from not only an ethnic and racial perspective,
but also a cultural perspective.” Howard also revived
Takara’s childhood interest in Japanese culture. During
her first semester (in her junior year), she enrolled into
a Japanese language class and quickly declared a “minor” in
Japanese. Shortly thereafter she traveled to Japan, where
she had an opportunity to participate in a field experience
at
an elementary school in Ichikawa, Chiba. With her 2005-2006
Fulbright in hand, Takara says that she looks forward to
engaging in an intensive study of the language, politics,
and culture
of Japan. Her research project will explore the impact of
expanding international influences on Japanese public policy
as it relates
to the educational system. Congratulations to our 2005 College
of Arts and Sciences graduating senior.