Morgan Davison NAFKU USA Scholar 2010-2011

2010 MA Human Rights, Globalization and Justice

What are you doing now?
I recently graduated from San Francisco State University and I arrived at Keele just two days ago from my home in California (September 2010). I am staying for a few days in Lindsay Hall until my long-term home in Hawthorns is available to move in – and I am doing all the orientation activities and finding my way around this huge campus!

Morgan at Keele How did you hear about Keele University?
I wanted to study a master’s degree in Human Rights but I also wanted to study outside the USA so that I could experience study somewhere new and different. I found that US universities tend to offer courses with a very strong Law focus but I wanted a much broader perspective. I searched a website that lists course at Universities all around the world and as I narrowed down my search I identified courses in Egypt, South Africa and several places in the United Kingdom. Keele became more and more prominent in my research. I had not heard about Keele before but the more I learned the more it attracted me. San Francisco State is a “commuter university” where people travel to do their classes and then leave and there isn’t much of a community feel. I really wanted to experience a traditional university lifestyle, living and working with fellow students. And I wanted to get away from the big city too – SFSU has thousands of students and lots of tall buildings close together – so Keele sounded smaller, more tranquil and a perfect environment to live and study. It seems ideally placed - near enough to a town for amenities but a little detached so it is great for studying. I will be living in Hawthorns so I am looking forward to village life!

So why did you choose Keele?
The size of campus and the landscape of the historic estate. I love history so the heritage of Keele appealed to me. Keele seemed to be a traditional university with a real community life. I spoke to someone who knows Britain and they recommended it above all my other UK options because of its long history and its reputation. I was also persuaded by its excellence in my chosen subject. It is fantastic to be able to study across disciplines – for example, law, politics, international relations - and to combine them into a broad understanding of my subject. When I read about the interests of the various professors they were ones that interested me, too. It very quickly became my first choice. When I saw that the NAFKU Scholarship was being offered to, that clinched it for me.

What is your first impression of Keele?
I have only been here a couple of days and this is my first time in the UK. Keele has already lived up to all my expectations. I love all the space and the green fields and trees. Everyone is really welcoming – from the moment of being picked up at the airport everyone has been friendly and helpful. I can stop anyone to ask for directions or a question and they immediately do everything they can to help!

What are your ambitions for five years from now?
I would love to be working on Human Rights for a major NGO such as Amnesty. Better still, I’d like to work with the United Nations. I did an internship and then worked for a year with the United States African Development Foundation so that confirmed my career choice.

What are your aspirations for your time at Keele?
Just take one day at a time, one step at a time. I will see how the year goes and decide later whether I want to stay longer or move on. I will go wherever life takes me! I am going to study hard and make the most of this opportunity – I am grateful for the NAFKU Scholarship, it has made a tremendous difference and it will enable me to do and experience so much more with my opportunity!

Update December 2012:"
I am currently living in Ethiopia as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years. Yes, two years! I have now been here three months for training and was just sworn in by the US Ambassador to Ethiopia. Although it is tough at times, I will be doing work that is greatly needed in the areas of HIV/AIDS and Health. I must say that my time at Keele really paid off-not sure I would have been accepted or could handle this job if I hadn't gotten the experience there. Thanks again for all of the help and hope things are going well!"