Kara Eaton, a master’s degree student in Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work, was one of three students in the country selected to participate in the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kara Eaton, a master’s degree student in Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work, was one of three students in the country selected to participate in the 14th University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
The symposium focused on leadership development, capacity building to address global challenges, sustainable action and humanitarian service. Through hands-on community engagement and service-learning opportunities, Eaton gained valuable international perspectives that enriched her academic and professional development while representing SFA on a global stage.
According to Eaton, her participation included networking with fellow college students from around the world, hearing from global change makers, connecting with members of the community and learning about the social issues that impact Thailand. Additionally, guest speakers discussed social issues that have made a lasting impact on their communities and strategies they are implementing to lessen the hardship.
Eaton also visited a local Buddhist temple in which she helped prepare meals and delivered dried food goods to homes of those in need.
“The most memorable moment of the symposium was cooking and serving meals to vulnerable populations in the community,” she said. “It was one of the hottest days I have ever experienced, and it made me admire those who show up and serve their community no matter the conditions. I was also honored to be welcomed in the homes of those I delivered goods to, and I saw the resilience in them despite their living conditions. This experience taught me that service begins with working alongside members of the community and the importance of collective responsibility to address humanitarian issues.”
A key takeaway from Eaton’s experience that was solidified by the lessons from guest speakers was the involvement of community to solve social issues.
“Solving social issues requires cultural humility and building connections with community members,” Eaton said. “Speakers who worked with the U.N. stressed this sentiment as well, explaining that the U.N. is unable to solve immediate humanitarian issues as specific countries have their own needs and know what’s best for their country.”
Dr. Jose Carbajal, professor of social work and MSW program director, served as Eaton’s sponsor and noted the significance Eaton’s participation has for the school and its MSW program.
“For a social work program dedicated to developing high-caliber students and equipping them to address society’s most pressing needs, Kara’s participation highlights the mission of the MSW program and the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage on the global stage,” Carbajal said. “Although we are a regional program, this achievement demonstrates our ability to compete with any program across the United States. It also reflects how deeply we value our students and actively seek opportunities for them to expand their learning beyond the classroom, enhance their professional development and increase their exposure to international experiences while still students.”
For more information on SFA’s School of Social Work, visit sfasu.edu/socialwork.
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By University Marketing Communications
