By: Tiana Baker
What does it mean to be a Global Scholar without traveling across the world? For me, it means recognizing that global learning is not defined by distance, but by depth of engagement. Being a Global Scholar is about seeking understanding across cultures, asking meaningful questions, and exploring how belief systems and lived experiences shape the way people navigate life. This summer, I will embody that mindset here in Tallahassee by studying the intersection of faith, caregiving, and health within my own community.
My Capstone-Based Inquiry (CBI) focuses on religiosity as a coping mechanism for Alzheimer’s caregivers in faith communities. I chose this topic because I am interested in biocultural approaches to health and how culture and belief influence well-being. Alzheimer’s disease not only affects individuals but also places significant emotional and physical strain on caregivers. I am particularly interested in how faith practices such as prayer, community support, and shared belief helping caregivers find resilience and meaning in their roles.
This summer, I will be volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Project Dementia Respite Care program, where I will have the opportunity to support both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This experience will be central to my research. My approach will be qualitative and reflective, including observing caregiving environments, engaging in conversations when appropriate, and reflecting on how faith and community intersect in these spaces. I plan to organize my inquiry around themes such as emotional resilience, social support, and spiritual coping.
I am most looking forward to building meaningful connections and learning from lived experiences. There is something powerful about being present in a space where care is actively being given and received. At the same time, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. Working with caregivers and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s requires empathy, patience, and respect. I want to approach every interaction thoughtfully, recognizing the vulnerability and strength within these communities.
Even though I am staying local, I see this as a global experience. Tallahassee is home to diverse faith traditions, and I plan to engage with that diversity intentionally. I hope to integrate myself not just as a researcher, but as a participant through volunteering, listening, and learning within community spaces. In return, I will share my own perspective as a student passionate about health and well-being, fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding.
Ultimately, I hope my research will highlight the importance of culturally grounded support systems in healthcare. By understanding how faith contributes to resilience among caregivers, we can begin to develop more holistic and compassionate approaches to support.
To me, being a Global Scholar means not just going far but going deep and connecting with your community both near and far.
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