2015 DJM Scholarship Recipients--

Ms. Mia M. Elliott

Fundraising Chair of National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

NAACP Representative for Black Students United

Liberal Studies Major at California State University, Monterey Bay

First I would like to say thank you again for donating to a trip of a life time for me. I returned last week (July 2015) from my South Africa Trip. And I already miss it so much. I did not want to go in with many expectations--instead see what God had in store for me while in South Africa. 

I studied Human Rights, Conflict Management, and Community Service while there. At the end of my courses, we had to document our experience and capture what we learned. My group and I chose to do a video. This video captures what Resilience and Reconciliation of the new democracy of South Africa looked liked to us. (Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-zxlKyLGVA )  

Something amazing worth sharing is the principle of Ubuntu: "I am me because of you!"

It is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. Such a beautiful philosophy! I wanted to grow as a person. I wanted to experience things that would push me out of my comfort zone and challenge me. I wanted to be able to see the world from a different perspective and open my eyes to the world around me. I am happy to say I was able to do that and so much more.  

I was able to grow in who I am and I was able to obtain a more specific perspective of what I want to do in the future. I was also able to grow in my faith while abroad. I was a little nervous not to have my constant faith support while away. But I learned that I always have the Lord and He is my biggest support system. My trip abroad has ignited a passion of traveling and I can't wait to continue learning on a global level. With much love and gratitude, I would like to thank you for making this trip possible."