I’m from Denver, Colorado, a state similar to a lot of what you might see in Mongolia – with mountains, plains (or steppes, as they’re called in Mongolia), desert areas and forests. I grew up hosting exchange students and learned a lot about other countries through this. In high school, I joined the Mongolian Club at my school, which focused on learning about Mongolian culture and history. Through this program, I received a scholarship that brought me to stay in Mongolia for a month during the summer between my junior and senior year. Living with a host family, I learned a lot about what people do every day. I learned that some people herd their own animals, collect water in huge barrels from a well and even how much Mongolians like Facebook!
When I went to Knox College, I studied International Relations so I could learn more about different countries and their governments. I was able to study abroad in some cool places, including Ghana, Jordan and Japan. However, during my senior year, I knew that I really wanted to go back to Mongolia if I had the chance. Through the Fulbright program, I was able to come back to Mongolia and work at a university teaching English for a year. I’m so happy to be back in Mongolia, and I’m even more excited to be exploring the country alongside you all. Until next time, Daraa uulzii – see you later!
