Annabelle Flores NAFKU Canada Scholar 2011-2012

2011-2012 MA Human Rights, Globalization and Justice

Annabelle by tawney Building Annabelle Flores is the first Canada Scholar. She studied at Ottawa University and graduated in Criminology Magna Cum Laude. A native French and Spanish speaker, she completed a semester as a Study Abroad student at Keele University and appreciated the opportunity to study in English. Annabelle says: “The great experience I had at Keele is part of the reason I wish to return for my postgraduate studies here.” Annabelle is a dedicated athlete and gymnast.

We met Annabelle a few weeks into her Master's course.

Annabelle, what are you doing at Keele?

I am getting involved in life at Keele and in Britain generally. I came to Keele before on study abroad from Ottawa University for one semester but I spent most of that short time with other international students. This time I want to get to know British students better and to improve my English because my first language is French.

How did you hear about Keele University?

It was not really planned, it was more of an impulsive decision. I am part Venezuelan so that Latin character may partly explain it. I was at Ottawa University and Keele was just one of the options for study abroad in Criminology. I liked the idea of studying in Britain but I didn’t do any detailed research before I came. Once I got to Keele I liked it and then I heard out about the Master’s programme in Human Rights, Globalization and Justice. It is a unique course, unlike anything else I have seen elsewhere, and certainly not a course I could pursue in Canada. I knew Keele already and I liked the course so it was a very easy decision. Keele seems to be a traditional university with a good community life. I really liked the idea of being in the country. Ottawa is a big city and there are cars honking everywhere but there are cows on campus here – that’s weird!

What was your first impression of Keele?

I really thought I would be studying in Keele Hall and was a bit disappointed to be based in the modern buildings. Keele Hall was how I imagined a British University to be with old rooms and corridors but it's a modern University, of course. But I like the way of teaching here; the groups are much smaller than I am used to – sometimes only a small number of students – so we have much closer connections to the lecturers. In the past I was used to working through set courses and sitting in lectures with hundreds of people but here there is much more independent learning. I was not accustomed to “empty space” in the timetable but now I realise it’s for me to fill it with my own learning, with guidance from the lecturers. That’s very different for me. Oh, and the food – it’s chips with everything. I asked for a salad and got half salad and half chips. Why?

What are your ambitions for five years from now?

I want to help people. I would like to set up or be part of a programme for people in forced marriages or in human trafficking or something similar. That’s part of what I am studying at Keele. I’d love to stay to work in Europe but I will probably have to lay the foundations of my career in Canada. I have a good connection with Ottawa Victim Services; my supervisor there was happy about me taking this course and encouraged me to return there, to work with victims of crime.

What are your aspirations Annablle near Tawney Building for your time at Keele?

Just to learn about other people’s perspectives, different cultures, different problems, different values. I can meet a lot of people here from different countries and it’s great to learn first-hand from people and not just from books. It’s a good place to meet people and also to meet yourself. When you are away from home you soon discover your strengths and weaknesses.

In May 2012 Annabelle was invited to accompany the Vice-Chancellor and other colleagues from Keele to visit alumni in North America. Here's what she said about the experience:

I had the chance of spending a week in North America (Victoria, Vancouver, Portland and San Diego). Not only could I enjoy the magnificent views that these cities had to offer, I was also able to meet some interesting people. Indeed, this experience allowed me to share my experiences as an international student studying at Keele University for my master’s degree; how the learning provided gave me more opportunities to think critically, how I am able to explore different parts of the world and the problems they face and also, how I can challenge myself into studying in English and living abroad. However, what I really appreciated from this experience of meeting Keele alumni and what I will take with me is their own experience from Keele, how fond their memories as students are and their journeys to get where they are now. I realised that university shapes an individual and prepares them for their future, not only on an academic level but also on a personal level. I am getting excited about the challenges that await me on my own journey. All in all, I consider myself lucky to have experienced being the Canadian scholar of the NAFKU scholarship. Thank you, Keele, and thank you, Keele alumni!