Shawn Dawson
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Political Science Major/ Women and Gender Studies and Asian Studies Minor
Program: LONDON: CRIMINAL JUSTICE A Burch Field Seminar MAKING AND UNMAKING A CRIMINAL: THE INTERSECTION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Location: London, United Kingdom
Email: sdawson@unc.edu
Term: Summer 2023
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity available to me as a first -generation college student. Studying abroad is much more than an experience for myself because it allows my family to live vicariously through me. I selected my program because it related to my future aspirations of becoming a lawyer who is focused on justice.
What did you learn about yourself?
One major thing that I learned about myself is that I could be comfortable doing things by myself. Doing things solo can feel daunting, but as I came to realize, doing things on your own is actually a really good form of self-care, which is important for all students.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my study abroad experience was visiting both the criminal and civil courts. Being able to see how the court operators and sit in on cases that were currently taking place was an amazing experience that shed light into the intersections between law systems in the United States and the United Kingdom
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Embrace every opportunity to immerse yourself into the place you are visiting. Try to keep an open mind and don't view differences between each country as a negative, rather as something to be appreciated.
How do you identify?
Student of color, LGBTQ+, First Generation College Student, Covenant Scholars, Heritage Seeker, Scholarship Recipient
Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
My identity as mixed student who is apart of the LGBTQ+ community is always unique. However, when studying abroad, you may realize that your differences are something to be appreciated and accepted, rather than something that isolates you from communities.
Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Don't let your differences discourage you from trying to study abroad. What makes you different is what makes you special, and you are your greatest asset.
Memories
