When Kayla Drake applied for the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Study Abroad Scholarship through the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, she did so on a leap of faith. As a rising junior at the University of North Florida, Kayla had never ventured far from home, let alone out of the country.
Kayla Drake in Greece
“I want to travel for many reasons, one being that I’ve never left the country before,” Kayla wrote in her application. “Going to college just 30 minutes from home has already broadened my horizons immensely. I can’t begin to imagine how much more I could learn if I traveled across the world to Greece.”
After a successful interview with the scholarship committee, Kayla was selected as one of three University of North Florida students to receive the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship. Named in honor of former Council Chairman Ambassador Marilyn McAfee, the scholarship aims to help students defray the costs of an international experience outside of the United States as part of their educational development.
For Kayla, the scholarship funds were used to cover the costs of studying in Greece, where she immersed herself in the culture and used the experience to inform her senior capstone project for the Hicks Honors College. The study abroad opportunity also allowed her to network with fellow students and make valuable professional connections.
Kayla with Ambassador Marilyn McAfee and fellow scholarship recipient, Robert Bright
“While studying abroad, I met a student from Harvard who is leading a team to create an application that aims to increase voters’ knowledge of upcoming elections,” Kayla said. “Additionally, I joined a development team that connected me with a graduate from MIT, and we are now collaborating on this project.”
But Kayla’s time in Greece wasn’t all work and no play. She also had the chance to take a deep dive—literally—into Greek culture.
Kayla Drake scuba diving in Greece
“My host university had a scuba certification partnership with a nearby diving center. I was intimidated at first but staying true to my reasons for coming to Greece, I decided to participate. I’m glad I did because I discovered a new passion for diving, and I met some amazing people who introduced me to the diving culture in Greece—something I would have missed if I had stayed inside my comfort zone.”
It’s because of stories like Kayla’s that the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship exists. The investment in and impact on students’ lives are exactly what this scholarship is designed to foster.
“I am incredibly thankful for the scholarship I received as this trip would not have been possible without it,” Kayla said. “I have learned so much about myself and about other people and perceptions. As promised, I hope to bring my wisdom to those around me here in Jacksonville.”
To learn more about the Ambassador Marilyn McAfee Scholarship and ways to support our education programming, please click here!
