Bennett College for Women News November 8, 2013 Bennett Belle Spreads International Message Justine Ryan '15 is making the most of the Semester at Sea Voyage, an undergraduate program that introduces students to global and comparative studies by focusing on structural and social changes taking place in the world. She's on the experience of a lifetime, traveling throughout the Atlantic to 15 countries in 115 days. Recently, the Belle visited Ghana-the country that she was most excited to see. "Ghana is the beginning for most African Americans as it relates to the Middle Passage, and I can specifically trace my grandfather's side (on my father's side) back to the Ashanti Tribe in Ghana. Therefore, I guess you can say I am coming home. [It's about] reconnecting with my roots, experiencing the hardship through the African American story and learning so much more about the world we live in today." This opportunity was made possible by the HBCU Scholarship, a full $30,000 award which was received by two students from the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Ryan realized that her chances of receiving the scholarship were small but it was definitely an opportunity that she couldn't overlook. "Applying for scholarships is like playing darts. You've got to keep throwing until you hit your target," she added. That's a lesson she continues to stress to her Bennett sisters-don't count yourself out, especially when the odds are stacked against you. She also emphasis the fulfillment that comes with global experiences. "I am most excited about the opportunity to take my Bennett sisters with me. I plan to keep my Bennett sisters and other HBCU students up to date through blogging. I hope to encourage others to get out there and experience the world beyond Bennett's gates," she said. Ryan developed the social media hashtag #HBCUsGoGlobal and uses it to promote the importance of minority participation in international travel. She also spreads the College's hashtag, #BennettBuilds, throughout various countries. When looking at Ryan's blog, it's common to see pictures of t-shirts and signs that emphasize the brand. Check out this Bennett Belles blog and stay up-to-date with her voyage: www.hbcusgoglobal.com. Ryan is a theatre and interdisciplinary studies major from Richmond, Virginia. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.