Fall Grad Spotlight: Angelah Bor

Angelah Bor comes from Kenya and has served as a graduate assistant while earning her master’s degree in international studies from OHIO’s Center for International Studies where she specialized in African Studies. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?  
I would like I work with organizations dealing with improving food security and nutrition and possibly do a Ph.D. program in the same field.

What memory stands out from your time at OHIO? 
Winning several awards as a graduate student at OHIO, among grants by our department really stands out for me. They will always be a reminder that OHIO is and will always be hOUme to me: Drs. Sadek and Anne Samaan Scholarship for International Understanding, Ohio University Outstanding Student Award in the African Studies Program, the Center for International Studies Academic Achievement Award for achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.8 and above, and Outstanding Service award as a Center for International Studies Graduate Assistant.

Why did you choose OHIO? 
I want to say the hiking trails and the cherry blossoms in the spring, but I have not really hiked much. My friend went here a couple of years back, and she could not stop talking about the International Studies programs here. I was looking for a graduate program in International Studies, and the more I did research on OHIO and the programs and professors, and discovered how culturally diverse OHIO is, the more I was convinced that this WAS the university. I have not regretted it, and I will leave OHIO with so many memories, so much exposure and knowledge!

Who were your favorite professors, and how did they make an impact on your life? 
Wow, this is like asking a parent who their favorite child is! I have totally enjoyed working with every professor I have interacted with. Each one of them is unique in their own way, and I admire how they show interest in the current and future prospects of each student. They have all helped me have an idea of what I want to pursue in the future, and I am sure I will have a connection with them even after I graduate.  

What was the hardest hill you had to climb (not counting Jeff Hill) at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path? 
The hills are definitely a great workout, I mean who needs to go to Ping?! Coming to OHIO in the middle of a pandemic and in the middle of winter was not how I thought I would start my grad school life. Online classes made it hard to interact with professors and fellow students and cut out a lot of activities I would have otherwise attended. But I am lucky to have made friends and OHIO staff and faculty members who helped me navigate life and culture change as a new international graduate student. And now that life is coming back to 'normal', I am taking time to immerse myself in lots of activities, at least before I graduate. 

What are your favorite OHIO memories? 
For one, I have made so many friends from all over the world. Second, I attended my first-ever American football game at Peden Stadium! I still don't get it as much, but it was an amazing experience. And can we talk about the OHIO band? Amazing. I have been privileged to work with great people at the Center for International Studies. The work environment is amazing, I have been allowed to grow and be creative and my supervisors and colleagues have been so supportive and fun. We have so many great events at the CIS!

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss? 
The semester doesn't get easy as the weeks pass but take the time to enjoy school life. I don't think you will ever get a more culturally diverse University anywhere. Attend those events, interact with as many people as possible, attend Homecoming, African Night, Halloween parties, and oh don't miss the cherry blossom window period, you blink and they're gone!