Neema
Mawiyoo '07, a global
studies major from Nairobi, Kenya, says, "I
think St. Lawrence found me when I was doing my college search. I
was in the middle of plans to study in South Africa when I learned
of the University. I applied in October for an early
acceptance;
I heard within a week that I was accepted and had all my financial
needs met. St. Lawrence seemed like it could accommodate me and my
needs with its academic programs, particularly global studies and
music, and it had co-curricular
activities that interested me,” she
continues. “I could see St. Lawrence and me making memories
together.”
Mawiyoo says that she loves the fact that while at St. Lawrence
she has the opportunity to embrace her passion for life and learn
about people and the ideas that shape each one of them. "As
often as the opportunity presents itself, I enjoy some very meaningful
conversations with students, staff and faculty," Mawiyoo explains. "Some
places on this campus are important to me because of the people I
met and the bonds formed there, like the HEOP office and the International
House (I-House).”
Mawiyoo helps form those bonds when she performs as a Laurentian
Singer and in gospel concerts. She ran a tie-dye workshop, and took
part in an African fashion show.
It turns out that Mawiyoo was able to study in
South Africa after all. In 2004, she conducted research there on a
University-sponsored Tanner
Fellowship, on the topic "Protest
Music Ten Years Before, and Ten Years After 1994: A Turning Point in
South Africa 's Music Scene?"
