Sasha Lopez

“I am a proud recipient funding from the Benjamin A. Gliman International Scholarship Program for spring 2016, which I will be using towards my study abroad program in Amman, Jordan. The focus of the program is humanitarian action, health and refugees. While there, my main goals are to begin my Arabic language studies, gain first-hand experience with vulnerable populations, enhance my research skills, and gain a better understanding of the roles and the impact of relief agencies. At Ramapo College, I was given the amazing opportunity to participate in the Arkansas Alternative Spring Break Program in 2013 and the Costa Rica Alternative Winter Break Program in 2015. As an EOF student, I am grateful that Ramapo staff and faculty have supported my international experiences to gain first-hand exposure in human rights related issues. My numerous internship opportunities, including Amnesty International USA and the Refugee Youth Summer Academy program with the International Rescue Committee, have strengthened my understanding of the needs of the international and domestic communities.” – Sasha Lopez ’16 graduated with a degree in International Studies and a Human Rights and Genocide minor. Her accomplishments included receiving the George Eastman Young Leaders Award; the William and Sandra Frech Scholarship Award; Regional Winner of the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest; and an Alternative Spring Break Arkansas Volunteer Interviewer. Sasha was involved in the Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (Secretary and Historian), the Organization of Latino Unity (Treasurer), and a member of the Ramapo College of N.J. Leaders in Service.