Beyond Borders: What Being a Global Scholar Means to Me

Rio De Janeiro: My Summer Experience

By: Kourtnee Gray

When I think about being a Global Scholar, I don’t think of it as just studying abroad. To me, it means stepping outside of what I’m used to and really being open to learning from people, experiences, and environments that are different from my own. It’s about being intentional, not just going somewhere new but actually paying attention, asking questions, and trying to understand how things work beyond my own perspective. I also think it means using what I learn to make a difference, even in small ways.

Greetings, I am Kourtnee Gabrielle Gray, a Behavioral Neuroscience and Public Health major at Florida State University from Tampa, Florida, and I would definitely say I’m a fun and outgoing person. I love connecting with people, trying new things, and just putting myself in spaces where I can grow. A random fun fact about me is that I like my cereal warm. I know it sounds weird, but it’s something I’ve always liked and I stand by it.

This summer, I’m going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I’ll be volunteering in a childcare program. I’ll be helping out with kids, supporting teachers, and doing activities with them throughout the day. I’m really excited about this because I love working with people, especially in spaces where I can connect and actually see the impact of what I’m doing. At the same time, I know this experience is going to teach me a lot about how communities support each other, especially in places that might not have as many resources.

This experience also connects directly to my Capstone project and my Community Based Inquiry. I’m focusing on how access to structured childcare environments affects early childhood development and also the stress levels of caregivers in underserved communities. I chose this topic because of my background in public health and my interest in health disparities. I’ve learned that health is not just about medicine, it’s also about the environment people grow up in and the support systems around them. Childcare is something that people don’t always think about as a health factor, but it really is.

To study this, I plan on doing observations and talking with caregivers and staff to better understand their experiences. I want to learn what these programs actually mean to the people who rely on them and how they make a difference in everyday life. My main research question is centered around how access to structured childcare environments impacts early childhood development and caregiver stress in underserved communities. I wanted to go deeper than just saying childcare is important. I’m interested in how and why it makes a difference. For example, I want to explore whether having a safe, consistent space for children helps improve their social and emotional development, and how that might affect their long-term health outcomes. At the same time, I’m looking at caregivers and how access to childcare may reduce stress, allow them to work more consistently, and improve overall family stability.

I also want to look at the environment itself. What makes a childcare space feel safe, supportive, and effective? Is it the structure, the relationships with staff, or the sense of routine? These are the kinds of questions I plan to explore through observations and conversations with both staff and caregivers. Instead of just collecting data, I really want to understand people’s lived experiences and what these programs mean to them on a daily basis.

I’m really excited for this experience, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous too. I’m looking forward to being in a new environment, learning Portuguese, and meeting new people. At the same time, I know there will be challenges like language barriers and adjusting to a different way of life. I want to make sure that I’m being respectful and actually learning from the community instead of just feeling like an outsider coming in.

When it comes to engaging with the community, I just want to be real and present. I plan on listening, learning, and building connections in a genuine way. I also want to share parts of who I am. As a Black woman, a public health student, and someone who wants to go into medicine, I bring my own experiences and perspective. I think cultural exchange should go both ways, and I’m excited to both learn from others and share my own values and experiences with them.

At the end of the day, being a Global Scholar means growth to me. It’s about stepping into new spaces, being open to change, and learning things that you can’t get from a classroom alone. This summer is not just about traveling, it’s about becoming more aware, more understanding, and more prepared to make an impact.