My last post was about a wonderful Sweet Briar woman who graduated in the 40s. Here’s a story about a wonderful Sweet Briar woman who will graduate in a couple of years — and who will be doing important work from the get-go.
Amanda Cristina Gonzalez, from Indianapolis, has been awarded a very prestigious fellowship by the National Security Education Program. This highly competitive program supports an undergraduate to study abroad in an area of strategic importance to U. S. interests. As our press release puts it:
“Gonzalez chose Vietnam because her research on study abroad destinations led her to believe it’s an up-and-coming economic and cultural power, poised to become the next Japan or China. As its importance to U.S. interests grows, people who know its languages and culture will be in demand.
By the time Vietnam is a major player I will be ahead of the game,” she said.”
To prepare for the future she envisions, Chris will study the Vietnamese and Khmer languages, as well as international relations, at Vietnam National University.
In my last post, about Peggy Wyllie, I celebrated the spirit that leads women from women’s colleges to pursue what seems most important and meaningful to them, whether or not that matches up with what others might expect them to do. Chris gives us just one more example: she sees a future in which Vietnam is a “major player” and is preparing herself to shape that future.
Holla holla, Chris, and all other students who are stepping off the beaten path in pursuit of their goals.
