UNC Charlotte sophomore economics major Betsabe Rojas was recently accepted to participate in the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program. She is the first UNC Charlotte student selected for the Washington, D.C.-based program for those interested in careers in international affairs.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by Howard University, the highly competitive Rangel Program is designed to provide a unique, immersive experience. The program generally seeks members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the U.S. Foreign Service, with only 15 applicants nationwide accepted this year.
“The 2020 Rangel Scholars were selected among a highly competitive pool of applicants from all over the country. They reflect the best and brightest of America and we are excited to welcome them to the Rangel community,” said Bunmi Akinnusotu, deputy director of the Rangel Program. “Their summer will be filled with a rich experience that will shape their career trajectory and enhance their community of international affairs leaders.”
During the six-week intensive program, the students will participate in a variety of programs with leading foreign affairs professionals and attend events at diverse locations around Washington, D.C.
“I’m really interested in the program because it focuses on foreign policy and economics,” said Rojas, who is considering a second major in political science. “My dream is to be a change agent, advocating for populations that are unable to do so themselves.”
BLENDING CULTURES
Rojas was born in a small village in Mexico, emigrating to the United States with her family when she was young.
“Growing up, I always had to balance two cultures—my Hispanic culture and my American culture,” Rojas remembered. “I served as the bridge for my family to introduce them to American culture.”
That experience instilled within Rojas a healthy sense of respect for cultural differences, yet also provided a sense of responsibility and passion to bridge those differences.
“In today’s world, it’s important to realize that while everyone is different, everyone has a story that matters, and we all have ideas to address similar problems,” said Rojas. “I want to use the Rangel Program to learn and explore all the opportunities available to me in the field of international affairs with the goal of one day making the world a better place.”
CAREER ASPIRATIONS
Growing up, Rojas wasn’t always sure college was an option. But the opportunity for a brighter future through education was part of the reason her family left their small Mexican village. She came to UNC Charlotte unsure of what to do and the college experience in general.
“As a first-generation American and first-generation college student, I never had the luxury of family members telling me what college was like or even what career possibilities were available to me,” explained Rojas. “It was just as foreign to them as well.”
Rojas found the structure she needed through the Martin Scholars Program, one of the University’s leading merit-based scholarship programs, that provides financial support for students from underrepresented populations. She was paired with an academic advisor, Karen James, who Rojas credits as being instrumental in helping to make her academic dreams a reality.
“Karen James is awesome! She has pushed me to explore all kinds of opportunities,” said Rojas. “She truly believed in me and expressed how perfect I was for the program. She gave me the confidence to apply for the Rangel Program and is a huge factor in my being accepted into this program.”
“Betsabe is an outstanding student, and her proficiency in three languages, excellent communication skills and compassion make her an ideal candidate for the U.S. Foreign Service,” said James. “The knowledge she will gain and contacts she will make certainly put her in a position for future success in international affairs.”
For now, Rojas envisions pursuing a law degree and maybe getting into politics. Most important, she knows she wants to connect different cultures.
“Someday, I’d really like to be the bridge between the United States and another country,” said Rojas.