Danielle Jonas-Delson '24 received a Princeton in Latin America Fellowship which allows her to work in the field of psychology for a non-profit developing educational plans for at-risk school-aged children and their teachers.
Why did you choose to apply for this award?
I was especially interested in traveling to and working in Latin America so that I could build on my studies of Spanish and linguistics. I wanted to be able to learn from a community while directly contributing to and uplifting their projects and passions. PiLA caught my attention due to its collaboration with numerous partner organizations throughout Latin America.
Briefly describe the work you will be doing on your fellowship.
My specific position is a Psychology Fellow at a nonprofit organization called DREAM in the Dominican Republic. This organization provides educational and other developmental opportunities to at-risk youth in order to facilitate their future success. My duties will primarily include working with the DREAM Psychologist to develop and supervise specific educational plans for children, as well as organizing workshops for teachers and care providers.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as a fellow?
I am especially looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning from my colleagues and the community in order to develop new skills and discover my strengths!
How have your experiences at Oxy prepared you to apply for this award?
This position perfectly complements my Cognitive Science major, as I can directly apply my studies of psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics to my work. I was able to explore Latin American history and culture in my Spanish courses, and courses such as Spanish Sociolinguistics allowed me to integrate Spanish with linguistics. By studying these intersecting disciplines, I developed an interest in the relationship between language, culture, and thought. Aside from my academic experiences, Oxy's fellowships office was valuable in helping me discover and apply to this award!
What advice would you give future applicants about the application process?
Definitely utilize Oxy's fellowship office and spend time reflecting on why you are applying, as well as how your experiences and goals align with the fellowship's mission. Committing to applying, even if it feels like a leap, will be worth it! I felt like I gained a deeper understanding of my own passions and goals just from applying.