Public Health Student Awarded 2012 Gilman Scholarship

Digna Pena Mejia, an undergraduate in the Public Health Sciences program, has been awarded a 2012 Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. She joins 14 other UMass Amherst students who will receive the scholarship award in 2012, which places the university third nationally.

Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman scholarship program broadens study abroad participation for those in need of financial assistance. Each Gilman scholar is offered a scholarship between $2,500 and $5,000 to study abroad.

Ms. Pena Mejia’s award will support her studies this spring in Thailand.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming semester!” said Ms. Pena Mejia. “I will have an opportunity to study public health on both a regional and national level, as well as to compare the public health systems of different Southeast Asian countries.”

Ms. Pena Mejia’s plans include cultural experiences as well as educational ones. “I plan to truly immerse myself in the Thai culture and participate in traditional Thai cultural events, living with a host family for part of my time in Thailand, and exploring the country in its totality. I am positive this will be a very transformative experience for me, both on a personal and professional level.”

Upon returning to UMass Amherst, Ms. Pena Mejia hopes to encourage other students, especially those in the Public Health major, to pursue studies abroad and discover new cultures.