Morgan State University News August 5, 2011 MSU Doctoral Student Travels to Turkey with International Exchange Program Charmaine Troy Worked Towards Diplomatic, Business Partnerships in Middle East Morgan doctoral student Charmaine Troy recently joined a select group of emerging non-profit professionals in a Middle Eastern international exchange program, the Young Armenia/Young Turkey/Young America: Social and Economic Challenges for Future Leaders. Troy worked with non-profit leaders from Turkey and Armenia in diplomatic and professional capacities through the International Affairs Council of North Carolina, a community based organization that advocates knowledge and understanding of world affairs and culture in the Research Triangle region. "I became engaged with the exchange program and the International Affairs Council through the Public Allies program at NCCU," says Troy, a native of North Carolina who received her master's degree from North Carolina Central University. "I had applied for the program the year before and it was very competitive to get into. I was offered a position in the program the following year." "Morgan has assisted me in my efforts to attend my foreign exchange program by sharpening my skills in data collection, analysis and project management." Troy says that program participants are young, nonprofit leaders who are challenged to begin grassroots movements in their communities and to establish community based projects with the other participants in other countries. While abroad, Troy and her cohorts created U-CAN Youth, a youth education based initiative serving students ages 14-20 in setting goals, preparing for college and choosing their career paths. "We have uploaded video modules <http://www.youtube.com/user/ucanyouth> on explaining what a goal is and how to set goals," says Troy. "Our videos are in English, Armenian and Turkish. We have also created a website<http://www.ucanyouth.wordpress.com/>, and will be announcing an essay contest shortly, where students can enter their own videos and essays on setting their own goals." Troy says that the winner will receive scholarship funds toward attending the college of their choice, and hopes to introduce the youth initiative to the students of Morgan State in partnership with the University's Academic Enrichment Program. Currently commuting from Virginia to attend Morgan, Troy is also a single mother, working to inspire her seven-year-old daughter, Dominique. She is happy to make the most of an opportunity she originally did not project for herself after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. "After I received my undergraduate degree, I thought that would be the end of the road for me. Even five years ago, I never thought I would be pursuing my PhD and being a part of such a great international exchange program. But, here I am, thanks to God's grace and mercy. And I won't stop here. I have been truly blessed. I want to show my daughter that she can achieve anything through hard work and determination." She cites Morgan's flexibility in schedule and faculty as helpful on her career path to becoming a college or university provost with a focus on international education. "My HBCU experience has enhanced my professional development because my professors are more hands on in working with the students. Also, I am easily able to meet higher education administration professionals and discuss with them their career tracks to the positions they hold here at MSU that I want to someday hold." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street 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.