Traveler Bio

Hello! Muraho! (That is the common greeting in Kinyarwanda, one of the four official languages of Rwanda, which I will be learning.) My name is Katherine Murphy (Katie for short) and I am 21 years old. I was born in Frankfort, Kentucky where most of my family resides. I am a senior at Berea College in Eastern Kentucky. I am studying elementary education, but my interests vary widely. I am using education as my window into the world for engaging in critical social justice. I believe that schooling is a microcosm of any society--the engagements and injustices happening at the macro level are reflected directly into the classroom.

Through an educational lens I am continuously seeking experiences that will help me further those ideas and enhance my toolkit for action. One way I am doing this is by studying abroad in the East African country of Rwanda. During my time in Rwanda, I will be focusing on peace-building and reconciliation in the context of the 1994 genocide. I will also be doing an internship with a local organization in the city of Kigali. I have a lot to learn and I am so excited to share my discoveries with you!