The Broader View

By Joyce Bun

Writing my answers to the questions posed for this blog, it remains me of and reinforces why I joined Global Scholars. My family grew up under distressing times; my dad fleeing Cambodia during the Cambodian Massacre and my parents fleeing from the Chinese Communist Party. Arriving in the US, we faced several repetitive issues: administrative and paper fees, translation issues, endless signings and signatures. It plays as the largest role behind why I pursue immigration law.

            Joining Florida State University, I sought opportunities that would leverage my high school skills and experiences to further impact different communities I interact with. From direct impact organizations like After They Arrive and Circle K International to ones focused on improving FSU campus like Prep and Conquer and Notion at FSU. I spent my freshman summer helping out my family move out of our apartment, hence why I wanted to spend my rising junior summer to learning about the law. I also wanted to explore other options such as an internship in the publishing world, maybe going down the Summer for Undergraduate’s Program hosted by FSU College of Law. I wanted to do something to further supplement my studies. That’s when I found Lex Fellowship, end of July/beginning of August. I knew I wanted to study abroad but it would be costly. So I put this aside for a bit until it left my mind. Then a friend mentioned about research programs I could do, mentioning Global Scholars as a program to look into. I was interested in research anyways as I wanted to expand my research experiences compared to others I’ve completed.

            I saw Global Scholars provided a theoretical and after-summer courses that consolidated what I wanted out of my summer for the future. That and the program helped with financing for the study abroad which was a massive plus to be honest haha. So I went ahead and went to an information session on September 30^th, 2024. From there, I learned more about the program and what it entailed outside what was mentioned on the website. I knew it would be what I needed for the study abroad, especially with funding, I knew it would significantly aid to pursue the opportunity so I went ahead and applied. Upon being accepted as well as keeping in mind the dates and locations of the multi-county program I wanted the most, I scoured for scholarships and grants that would secure the opportunity. Now in June, almost 3 week before the program, again writing to the questions, I envision myself as the “advocate.” From the smallest tasks to outright conducting projects and initiatives, I’ve played the “helper” and “organizer” and served as the “rebel” for different roles.

            I always believed I’ve fit into the role of “advocate.” It’s how I commit to action; something to expand on in my research of naturalization in London and Washington DC as I prepare to understand the nuances of the law impacting immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.