Triple major undergraduate takes on the world

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—A taste of traveling the wide, expansive globe as a high school student was the inspiration of a lifetime for Emily Kostbade. Now, as a triple major at Western Michigan University, Kostbade’s passion and dedication has been rewarded with a highly acclaimed Boren Awards scholarship for the African Flagship Language Initiative program.

“I wasn’t certain I should even apply for the award,” says Kostbade. “But eventually, getting it made me feel like everything I was working for was worth it. It felt like I’d made all the right choices.”

Emily Kostbade stands against a railing outside in front of trees. — Kostbade is spending the summer in Gainesville, Florida, before heading to Dakar, Senegal, in the fall.

As a distinguished Boren Scholar, Kostbade is immersing herself in an intensive program this summer at the University of Florida Gainesville, an experience that serves as a gateway to her upcoming sojourn to Dakar, Senegal, in the fall. There, she will delve into the immersive academic environment of the esteemed West African Research Center, further enriching her already profound understanding of the world.

This prestigious award not only recognizes Kostbade's personal interest in exploration but also acknowledges her dedication to academic excellence while pursuing a diverse array of disciplines at Western.

BitTEN by the travel bug

Kostbade's passion for travel first began in her high school years on a trip to France. During her three-week stay with a family friend, she eagerly immersed herself in the vibrant tapestry of French culture. Not knowing the language, Kostbade says, was her core inspiration for wanting to know more about the world around her.

“We were shopping one day, I was trying on clothes, and the attendant was speaking to me in French—and I couldn’t understand a word she was saying,” says Kostbade. “Not knowing what was going on around me made me realize the importance of languages. There was this whole culture around me I couldn’t fully understand because I didn’t speak their language.”

Driven by her newfound appreciation for language, Kostbade went on to complete two impactful study abroad programs during her time at Western. The first took her to Spain, where she delved into the nuances of the Spanish language and further expanded her cultural horizons. Building upon this foundation, she later embarked on another study abroad adventure, returning to France to immerse herself in the language and culture that had initially ignited her wanderlust.

“Those experiences were so important to me, especially as a language major,” says Kostbade. “It was so invaluable. I can’t thank my professors enough for pushing me to participate in those programs.”

From undecided to three majors

Starting her academic journey as an undecided student at Western, Kostbade's diverse interests led her down different paths. Drawing on her enthusiasm for the Spanish language, she chose to pursue a major in Spanish, a passion that originated in high school. Before long, her fascination with the French language and culture blossomed. It wasn't much later when Kostbade realized she could also major in global and international studies, a direct line to her passion for traveling.

Unable to choose between the three courses of study, Kostbade decided she didn’t need to: Why abandon one facet of your passions, when you could embrace all three?

Now a triple major in Spanish, French and Global & International studies, Kostbade is excitedly dedicated to her heart’s true calling: The world around her, and all it has to offer.

“Going into college, I never even imagined having a triple major,” says Kostbade. “It just kind of happened over time.”

This insatiable desire to learn about the world around her, coupled with transformative study abroad trips, have sculpted Kostbade into a versatile and culturally attuned individual, fully prepared for her next adventure as a Boren scholar where she will stay with a host family, study more French and learn about the Senegalese culture.

“I think I’m most excited about the food,” says Kostbade. “And probably surfing—I’ve heard it’s known for that. I’m also really excited about meeting my host family. Everyone in this program has been really accommodating and kind thus far, so I’m really looking forward to meeting them.”

Being given the Boren Award comes to a head with Kostbade’s career goals. She wishes to work for the U.S. government in a capacity that allows her to travel, with divisions such as the Foreign Service or the State Department, using the skills she develops in Senegal. This is why the Boren Award is so critical for Kostbade—it opens doors she didn’t even know existed.

“If my classes brought the world to me, then I wanted to bring Kalamazoo to the rest of the world,” says Kostbade.

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