Student Lauren Wright receives national scholarship

USF College of Nursing student, Lauren Wright, received the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Dehradun, India for the summer 2014 semester.

During her four-week study abroad, Wright will study traditional medicine while completing clinical rotations with a non-profit organization, Child Family Health International. She will spend her first two weeks in Dehradun to complete her clinical rotations at a nearby hospital and clinics. Then, she will travel to a rural village, Patti, to help provide care at local health camps. In addition, she will spend time in Rishikesh at a local Ashram to practice yoga and meditation, identify medicinal plants on the mountains and help provide health screenings for local students.

“I am beyond grateful and excited to go on this life-changing study abroad,” Wright said. “The combined knowledge on integrative medicine and cultural competency will best prepare me for a professional career as Nurse Practitioner and Scientist. With the support of the Gilman Scholarship, this program will provide the necessary experience to advance my goals.”

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, offers grants to U.S. citizen undergraduate students to pursue academic studies and internships abroad. This opportunity helps them gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies, and prepares them for leadership roles within government and the private sector. Wright received a $5,000 grant  to apply towards her study abroad costs.

Wright is now a senior majoring in Nursing, and she expects to graduate in August 2014. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue her master’s degree as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with a concentration in Family Medicine. Wright is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.

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