THE CAMPAIGN FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL: CHINA BOUND!
Promoting a Community of Growth and Global Citizenship
Given the widespread efforts to improve global relations, a critical examination of power is needed in navigating the complex multinational issues emerging. Seeking to be a player in the ever-changing field of domestic and international relations, I require an astute awareness of policy interpretation, reform, and implementation.
Bio
Trent S. Lawrence, Jr. is an international educator and intercultural relations facilitator who hails from Chicago, Illinois. After enrolling at DePaul University, his appreciation for education was amplified. Toward the end of his junior year in 2012, he was accepted into an intensive Italian Culture and Film Studies summer course in Rome, Italy. This program would serve as his inaugural experience abroad, thus igniting his fascination with world travel and intercultural immersion.
After graduating in 2013, Trent joined the Center for Teaching and Learning in China (CTLC) as an English Instructor in Shenzhen, China for two years. Upon his return to the United States, he served as a New Sector Alliance Summer Fellow with The Chicago Public Education Fund where he conducted prospect research on potential donors and investors. He was later inducted into the Resident in Social Enterprise (RISE) Fellowship program where he worked with two nonprofits – A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) and Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) – leading the efforts to help grow their operational capacity.
Trent was most recently selected as a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Fellow. In November 2016, he traveled to Spain, Morocco, Qatar, and Egypt alongside 11 other Fellows while working to combat extremism and radicalism by using education as a platform for peace.
Currently, Trent serves as a Summer VISTA “Bringing Community Home” Program Coordinator position with Housing Action Illinois. He is now in the process of selecting from two distinguished graduate program in China – Tsinghua University where he would obtain a Master of Public Administration in International Development or Fudan University where he would acquire a Master of International Public Policy.
A GLIMPSE INTO MY GLOBAL JOURNEY
"By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character" ~ Grenville Kleiser
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
During my time as an undergraduate majoring in Communication Media Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, I grew increasingly fascinated with the notion of cross-cultural communication. While immersed in my studies, I developed a keen interest in critically analyzing the media’s influence on how society interprets domestic and international conflicts. Through lessons focused on a variety of theoretical approaches, I gained invaluable insight into how the representation of one’s individuality, coincides – and oftentimes clashes – with socially constructed ideologies perpetuated by the media. Consequently, I sought to gain a deeper understanding of intercultural leadership as well as my ability to effect change on a global scale.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN SHENZHEN, CHINA
Upon graduating, I joined the Center for Teaching and Learning in China (CTLC) as an English Instructor in Shenzhen, Guangdong. This experience allowed me to become more conscious of the term “global citizenship” and its significance in helping to build my awareness around international relations. Educating my students on the similarities and differences between American and Chinese cultures enabled me to reflect on the intersectionality of our respective values. Additionally, I developed curriculums that fostered a cohesive learning environment which empowered students to harness their critical thinking skills while improving their English language proficiency. Furthermore, as an African-American, I exposed my students to a unique viewpoint that allowed them to overcome cross-cultural misperceptions. It was in this role that my passion for global affairs was further ignited.
CULTIVATING YOUTH LEADERS IN KENYA
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~ African proverb
NOVA PIONEER: SCHOOLS FOR INNOVATORS AND LEADERS
While visiting Nairobi, Kenya in October 2016, I had the inspiring opportunity to engage with 130 bright 9th graders at NOVA Academy, a prestigious all-boys’ institution. As I spoke to them, I shared my insights on the value of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) and why I believe that everyone has the ability to achieve their dreams and make positive contributions to the international community. In response, the students articulately shared their concerns over a distinct link between radicalism and xenophobia while highlighting the lack of intercultural and interfaith exposure among youth. This experience reaffirmed my dedication to ensuring that youth understand that there are more commonalities than differences that connect us all. My zeal for promoting global citizenship as a tool to enrich the journeys of young people motivates me to work more diligently to maximize my potential as a progressive leader.
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE IN MY HOMETOWN - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
ADVOCACY & ACTION: UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS (UNAOC) FELLOWSHIP
Dream. Challenge. Succeed.
As a 2016 United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Fellow, I was introduced to a variety of methods used to promote inter-religious and intercultural coexistence between the United States, North Africa, and the Middle East. During the program, I traveled to Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and Qatar to study the cultural, political and religious dimensions of each country. Immediately following my travels, I co-wrote a report outlining ways to use education and entrepreneurship as primary pillars for addressing the economic and social disenfranchisement of Arab youth. The report also provided recommendations on evaluating the media for biases. As a result of the UNAOC fellowship, I am able to construct a well-informed narrative around the forces that drive civil and governmental practices not only in Arab nations, but also throughout the world.
THE NEXT STEP: GRADUATE SCHOOL IN CHINA!
Dream. Challenge. Succeed.
Recently, I was accepted into two prestigious colleges in China - Tsinghua University in Beijing where I would pursue a Masters in Public Administration focused on International Development AND Fudan University in Shanghai, where I would undertake a Masters in International Public Policy. Both programs are aligned with helping me achieve my career goals as an ambassador of U.S.-China relations.
Tsinghua University
Launched in 2007, the Master of Public Administration in International Development (MID) degree program at Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and Management is a two-year MPA program. It is designed to deliver a strong academics and practical foundation for students to become active global citizens and specialists in Chinese development. With close to 10 years’ experience, SPPM is leading China’s effort in developing English-based Master degree programs in international development and governance.
Fudan University
In response to demand for policy analysts and practitioners with an international vision, the School of International Relations & Public Affairs (SIRPA) at Fudan has built a two-year MA program in International Public Policy (IPP). This program combines multiple strengths. First, China, after decades of rapid development, is now the world's second largest economy. In addition to expanding domestic demand for policy experts, China has also been an active partner in global public affairs. Second, Shanghai is China's economic capital and a vibrant global city. It has China's first Free Trade Zone and accommodates the headquarters of the BRICS New Development Bank.
U.S.-China Relations
Expanding my knowledge of the Chinese government’s influence on
international relations serves as one of my motivations for applying to SPPM and SIRPA. With these focused degrees, I will increase my grasp on the country’s geopolitical
impact on surrounding Asian nations. The strategies gained from both programs of study would
position me to apply heterodox theories to analyze and understand China’s global influence as an
economic, cultural, and educational powerhouse. Ultimately, undertaking a graduate degree in Public Administration at Tsinghua University or International Public Policy at Fudan University would equip me with a wealth of information built on a foundation of theoretical teachings and ideological perspectives.
For the Promotion of Global Citizenship
GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL!
Education in itself can be a pricey endeavor to fulfill, especially when you consider studying abroad for two years years at one of your dream institutions. Please take the time to visit my GoFundMe page and donate to my cause. I am currently working to raise $15,000 to cover my academic expenses for my Masters Degree.