In 2019, high school senior Cyprene Caines received a brand new U.S. passport, courtesy of TOCA. Fast forward to 2023, Cyprene is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Award! We reached out to her about her study abroad experience and here's what she said:

"Having the opportunity to study abroad was undoubtedly one of the most transformative experiences that I’ve ever had. As a person, it gave me the confidence to know that I can move through any space that I find myself in and use the resources that are available to me to make the most of where I am. Studying in London for my senior fall semester was my first time ever
going to Europe and I was able to completely immerse myself in the vibrancy of the city and all of the amazing communities present there. I made cherished memories that I continue to reminisce over today and met so many great people who I remain connected with today.

Between exploring London and other countries in Europe, I learned so much about what it means to take ownership of my independence and this skill serves me now as I am currently completing a Fulbright grant in Trinidad and Tobago. As a student, studying abroad has expanded my perspective about the world around me as a result of my exposure to places other than my home country. I am able to move with a greater level of awareness about the realities of other communities and environments in a way that I might not have had I not had these global experiences.

Studying abroad is so important for young people because it gives you the opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of the world with your own eyes. There is nothing quite like getting the chance to interact and build relationships with people who come from so many different walks of life that differ from yours. You have the space to learn, ask questions, and explore for an extended period of time which teaches you not only how to be independent but also how to really harness your curiosities about the things you notice. It is also just so wonderful to know that you can build genuine connections with others across various countries and cultures which will last a lifetime. Please do it if you have the chance!

My Fulbright project explores the texts of several Black Trinidadian women authors. I hope to broaden my understanding of how they use their work to reflect the current socio-political conditions on the island, (re)imagining new futures, and diving into the nuances of Black female identity. Through this analysis, I want to learn more about how they marry the process of creativity and consciousness raising through their work. My family is also from Trindad so it’s an important goal of mine to increase my knowledge of the culture through immersing myself in new spaces that I may not have before. I trust that my time here will be extremely impactful—giving me a new understanding of myself in addition to the intellectual abundance that exists on this island. " - Cyprene Caines (Passport Pathway Scholarship Recipient, Summer 2019)

Student Spotlight: Cyprene Caines