Katherine Davis is Coe's latest Gilman scholar
Already equipped with a mature perspective, Katherine Davis ’27 is seeking to gain even more understanding in their upcoming studies abroad as Coe’s newest Gilman scholar.
This spring, Davis was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which is sponsored by the United States Department of State. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students, facilitating opportunities to participate in study abroad programs and international internships. Davis is Coe’s sixth Gilman recipient in the past five years, which is particularly impressive considering there were 17,000 applicants and only 3,500 recipients this year.
In the fall, Davis will depart for Japan, where they will be immersed in the culture hoping to create connections and build new relationships. The Chicago native has always wanted to study abroad and will bring a developed way of looking at the world.
“I have a deep love and appreciation for every person and country that has dealt with struggles and yet still have pride in their culture. In the world we live in, we have a very limited perspective of others and I want to seek out the joy and love from each person because those things have no barrier,” Davis said.
While at Coe, Davis is pursuing majors in international studies, French & Francophone studies and Asian studies. They have been studying both French and Japanese languages while juggling other academic responsibilities with two off-campus jobs.
With that busy schedule, Davis said they haven’t been able to experience the joy in learning new subject matter as often as they like. The Gilman scholarship will help with that while easing the financial barriers of spending a term abroad.
“The Gilman has created an opportunity for me to have a moment in my life to take a breath and enjoy the work I’ve put in as a student. I am so excited to gain more knowledge of the culture and, most importantly, make friends and build relationships,” Davis said.
The journey to becoming a Gilman scholar is not one Davis undertook alone.
In the weeks it takes to ruminate, create and compile the essays and materials needed to complete the Gilman application, Davis said their advisor, Director of Off-Campus Study John Chaimov, and world language faculty were instrumental in their success. They patiently helped Davis work through the whole process.
Coe also has a national fellowship advisor, Dr. Amber Shaw, who is available to assist students pursuing prestigious national awards. Under her tutelage in just the last two years, Kohawks have been named Rhodes, Goldwater and Fulbright winners, as well as finalists for the Truman.
As for Davis, the shock of receiving the Gilman has transformed into a period of intense preparation for their fall departure. They are excited to put their Japanese language skills to use and start building the relationships that will continue to expand perspectives.