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Student Spotlight: Rebekah Distaffen’19, Cross Disciplinary Studies

Share about your Global Honors Program trip to Brazil in May?

In May, sophomore global honors students spent three weeks in Brazil. We lived with host families, took Portuguese classes, volunteered, participated in job shadowing and became immersed in the culture. I not only gained critical cross-cultural experience, but I also benefited from job and life experiences as well.

What stands out from the experience?

There were many things I loved about the experience, but one of the biggest things was the day volunteering at an after-school program for children. One girl in particular, who was about four years old, and I had an immediate connection. She held my hand and wouldn’t let go and sat on my lap and hugged me while all the other kids were dancing with the other volunteers. She touched my heart in an indescribable way and reminded me of just how important connection and love are. Even though we couldn’t speak the language of the other, we were still able to communicate and love each other.

What was your favorite thing about studying abroad?

My favorite part was experiencing education in another culture. I honestly love learning and understanding about cultures different from my own. I really enjoyed being able to interact with and share stories with new people. It was such an incredible experience and one that I will always remember.

What is your dream job? How do you think Roberts is helping you to do that?

Anything, where I have the opportunity to be with people, share my stories, listen to theirs’ and love and encourage them, would honestly be a dream job for me. I would also like to travel. Roberts has helped me do that because my college experience, so far, has helped me to discover who I am and what I love. I feel I am not only learning but also developing my character as well.

What is your favorite course?

My favorite courses were the introduction to the Old and New Testament classes. I grew up in church, so I honestly did not expect to learn much. But, with the guidance of an amazing, caring, passionate professor, I was able to learn not only more about the Bible than I ever thought possible. I also discovered more about myself. It was because of these classes, and the professor that taught them, I was able to rediscover my passion for Scripture, love for God and His people.

What do you love about Roberts?

I love the environment of the campus—the students, professors, community, and staff. It really makes Roberts feel like home. I’ve been able to discover more about whom I am, who God is, and how the pieces of my life may begin to fit together—all while in a safe, loving, and family-like environment.

Faculty Feedback:

Amy A. Kovach, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry

“Rebekah is a deep thinker. She observes and evaluates before she contributes, and her educational contributions are thoughtful and insightful. She has two extraordinary gifts, the gift of expressing herself in words and the gift of encouraging those around her. It was my privilege to watch Rebekah use these gifts in Brazil as she explored the rain forest, spoke a foreign language, learned how to play Capoeira, took a Brazilian cooking class, and gave of herself when she volunteered at the after school program for at risk children.”

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