Inside Out
World View
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Veronica Dunlap is a true explorer of humanity who is passionate about understanding. “I want to know the ‘why’ in people,” the MDC sophomore explains.
Her recent study abroad trip to Moscow strengthened her passion. She says the program was “very intense” and “a perspective-altering experience.”
Dunlap traveled with four students from Truman State University, the sponsoring institution for the Moscow program. They all studied at Moscow University of Humanities and Social Sciences. But Dunlap was the only one in the group to live in the dorms at the Moscow school.
“I felt closer to the Russian student experience than the students who did homestays,” she says. And while she occasionally had to defend her country against stereotypes, Dunlap says it was worth it to better comprehend – from fellow students’ perspectives – how the current political climate is influencing Russia’s citizens.
The Russian study abroad program is part of MDC’s partnership with the College Consortium for International Studies. MDC works with educational institutions in the U.S and abroad to provide semester or summer programs for students from all over the U.S. In addition, several professors in the foreign language department host popular study abroad programs.
“Last year we had MDC students placed in programs across the world, from Australia to Costa Rica,” says Magnolia Hernández, study abroad coordinator in the Office of International Education.
Dunlap, a member of the Model United Nations club at Wolfson Campus, says the program helped her realize that she wants to pursue a career in the political arena. To realize that goal, she’s switched her major from psychology to history.
“History teaches us the past so we can learn for the future,” she says. “When we forget, the same mistakes get repeated over and over. I want to help end that cycle.”
After earning her associate degree at MDC, Dunlap plans to complete a double-major in world history and international relations at an upper division school, attend law school and pursue a career with the United States Department of State. “I want a job that allows me to help people understand one another,” she says.
“I am continually impressed by the richness of the MDC community and the strength of the programs it offers.”
Summing up her study abroad experience, Dunlap says: “It makes you more open and accepting. It can change your life.”
— Katherine Joss