Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Michaelle Marie Tauson
“I want to work to implement sustainable development projects that address all angles of development, not just economy or education, but culture and religion as well.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Phoenix, AZ
- Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
- Age: 25
- Four-year College or University: Northern Arizona University
- Graduate School: University of Denver
- Academic/Career Pursuits: International Economic Development, International NGO/Relations
- Other Interests: Foreign Languages / International Study, International Economic Development, International Relations / NGOs, Model UN, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Sports, Volunteer Work
Biography
PROFILE: As the youngest of five girls, Michaelle Tauson found her escape in books and sports. “I worked as hard as I could in school; it became a hobby to see how high I could get my grades.” At Northern Arizona University, Michaelle worked full time while balancing coursework, clubs, and various volunteer activities. She consistently maintained a nearly perfect GPA.
In her junior year, Michaelle took a class on African politics that fundamentally changed her perspective on the world. She became aware for the first time of human rights violations and atrocities. Since then, Michaelle has dedicated herself to working for the rights of others. Her senior year human rights class helped crystallize her desire to work in development.
Three weeks after graduation, Michaelle left for the Andes Mountains of Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer. She works in Ibarra’s impoverished areas providing educational and technical support for at-risk youth as well as adults and local service providers. “I have had to overcome self-doubt, build unparalleled patience, and cross cultural barriers all while learning Spanish. It has been my biggest challenge so far, and I have succeeded.”
INSPIRATION: Michaelle’s mother has been her inspiration and role model. A single parent of five girls, her mother worked full time while going to school full time so that Michaelle and her sisters could have a better life.
ASPIRATION: Michaelle’s goal is to work in grassroots development for five to ten years, then return to continue her education, obtain her Ph.D., and teach at the university level.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: While at college, Michaelle volunteered with the Golden Key International Honors Society and with the Society of Environmental Communicators.
ACCOLADES: Michaelle graduated summa cum laude from Northern Arizona University, having been on the Dean’s List for eight consecutive semesters.
INTERESTING FACT: Michaelle was a member and leader of Girls Scouts International from 1991 to 2004.
Other Scholars Like Michaelle
Denise Olivas
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Arizona State University
Rainjade
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Sylvie
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Mary Yurkutat
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Davis