Overcoming Obstacles to Study Abroad

Anthony Daye is living his dream while studying abroad in Spain this semester thanks to scholarship support.

Anthony Daye is living his dream this semester. His passion for studying other cultures has led him to Spain—to become immersed in the language and the daily lives of the people.

"I'm intrigued by the Spanish language, the culture of the country and the history," says Anthony.

Since he was a student in junior high school, Anthony has worked toward his goal of teaching Spanish. Now a junior at the University of Northern Iowa, Anthony seized the opportunity to study abroad. He has a dual major in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) and Spanish.

Anthony credits scholarships for helping him get closer to his goal, especially the Roy J. Carver Trust Scholarship. Anthony says, "This award helped me pay for tuition at UNI and my study abroad experience. And it has given me confidence in myself."

To qualify as a Carver Scholar, applicants must write an essay describing obstacles they have overcome to attend college. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age five, Anthony used to think it was an obstacle. Now he views it as a teaching opportunity. He welcomes questions about why his eye tics or why he sniffs or rolls his eyes.

"I don't want to distract or annoy anyone, but everyone has been very understanding," says Anthony. "I'm easily distracted, so my professors often make accommodations for me to test in a room by myself. Also, because it is hard for me to take notes, I often get professors' notes or slides."

Scholarship support also allows Anthony to participate in student organizations on campus such as Black Student Union, Black Male Leaders and Multicultural Teaching Alliance.

"Participating in these organizations has opened up networks for me," Anthony says. "I didn't know anyone on campus at first, so it helped me get to know more people. It also develops teamwork and shows I can manage my time."

As Anthony looks to the future, he plans to teach, and eventually, earn a Master's degree.

Anthony is also the recipient of the Jane Sherwin Schwartz Modern Language Endowed Scholarship, which is funded by a bequest gift.

Make Dreams Come True

Simply contact Jane Halverson at (319) 273-4665 or jane.halverson@uni.edu today to learn how you can make dreams come true for students like Anthony Daye.