WMU Beyond Borders: Anniya McWhorter’s decision to travel to Singapore
By WMU Student Anniya McWhorter
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— When I first toured Western Michigan University, I pictured my life as a college student easily because of its dorm, ts welcoming psychology department and its overall home-away-from-home vibe.
During my first year, I attended a few events and met a ton of people. It was great, and honestly, I thought that was all there was to college. Then, over the summer, I had a conversation with a friend who wanted to study abroad. Naturally, I started researching programs too. The idea of studying abroad felt overwhelming at first, so I reached out to WMU Study Abroad for assistance.
Eden Latham, study abroad specialist at WMU, shared her love for the study abroad programs she had been involved in and passed her excitement on to me.
Latham was incredibly helpful and took some of the weight and confusion off my shoulders. She told me about the faculty-led study abroad program in Singapore, which explores social change and innovation.
As a psychology major, hearing about social change excited me, and I knew the program was something I wanted to experience. Latham answered my questions, showed me the application process, explaining how scholarships and other financial assistance could help me pursue this new dream.
As time went on, I was invited by the Global Engagement Program to join Global Socials every Wednesday at the Student Center. Attending these events expanded my understanding and allowed me to meet some incredible people.
For a long time, I had felt stuck at a mediocre level of goal setting. I was comfortable and hesitant to go the extra mile for myself. Now, I was surrounded by like-minded people, those who set ambitious goals and pushed themselves. It was refreshing
Being a Black woman at a predominantly white institution like Western makes opportunities like studying in Singapore especially meaningful. It is a significant token that I will take with me through life while leaving breadcrumbs for others who look like me or have had similar mindsets.
Throughout the entire process, I have been treated with kindness and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that I belong in these spaces and conversations, and that I deserve equal opportunities.
Experiencing this kind of support has made it easier for me to encourage others to get involved in volunteering or studying abroad.
I have realized that learning doesn’t have to happen only in the classroom, there are so many spaces where you can gain new knowledge and expand your way of living. Even if traveling isn’t your thing, learning about people who are different from you prevents a narrow, centric mindset.
WMU Study Abroad and the Global Engagement Program have supported me in so many ways, from answering questions to opening doors to new friendships and financial opportunities. It truly makes me proud to be a Bronco. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to see parts of the world that almost seem unreachable.
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western community. Its offices assist more than 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff, and hosts a variety of global learning initiatives to encourage a more globally engaged Kalamazoo. This includes providing scholarship and academic opportunities; K-12 outreach; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. Learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.