Navigating Nepal
Ohio Wesleyan Student Explores 'Gender, Development, and Social Change in Himalaya'
Name: Grace Frye '25
Hometown: Newark, Ohio
Major: Social Justice
Minor: Sociology/Anthropology and Dance
OWU Connection Experience: Spending spring semester studying in South Asia through the School for International Training (SIT) Study Abroad program and its "Nepal: Gender, Development, and Social Change in the Himalaya" track
SIT Study Abroad offers more than 80 accredited field-based semester and summer study abroad programs in more than 40 countries around the world, including Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The program "encourages students to step beyond the boundaries of a traditional classroom to analyze the critical issues shaping local communities around the globe."
Why I Chose This Experience?
"To gain the most out of my undergraduate experience at OWU, I chose to study abroad in Nepal, South Asia. I knew I didn't want to simply enroll at another school overseas taking classes I could take at OWU. Instead, I wanted a hands-on, once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity.
"I plan to work in public service spheres, and I think learning about gender, development, and social change in a non-westernized learning environment will be one of the most impactful pieces of my undergraduate career."
My Favorite Moment
"My homestay family in Kathmandu has easily become my second family. My Aamma (my homestay mom) is now one of my best friends. I promised her that if I get married one day that she can help me plan the wedding."
My OWU Mentors
"Lisa Ho and Franchesca Nestor gave me a lot of support and advice while I was going through the application process of studying abroad. Lisa answered all of my technical questions about my program, and Dr. Nestor assisted and supported me in applying (successfully) for the Baran Fellowship." Ho works in OWU's Office of International and Off-Campus Programs, and Nestor is an associate professor of Politics and Government.
My Campus Involvements
"My favorite community that I'm a part of on campus is the dance community! I choreograph and dance in Orchesis Dance Company, Terpsicorps Dance Company, and OWU Rhythms, along with holding leadership positions in all of them.
"Within the OWU Greek Life community, I am a sister of Delta Gamma Fraternity and serve as a DEI co-chair on the Panhellenic board. "I also work in the OWU Admission Office as a student supervisor and tour guide."
Out of all the liberal arts institutions in Ohio that I toured, OWU was the only school that was able to say that their students were actively making impacts within their communities and prove it.
Why I Choose to attend Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because I wanted to attend an institution that pushes their students to go out into their communities and make impacts. Out of all the liberal arts institutions in Ohio that I toured, OWU was the only school that was able to say that their students were actively making impacts within their communities and prove it."
My Plans After Graduation
"After I graduate from OWU, I plan to pursue a master's degree in social work with concentrations in community and organizational practices. I want to dedicate my life's work to public service, specifically working in emergency housing shelters of all kinds. I'd love to be the director of an emergency housing shelter one day."