Thomason’s own experiences studying at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom left her a strong advocate. “I really wanted to share those experiences,” she says. “I started working at OSU’s Study Abroad office right after I got back.” As a peer adviser she encouraged OSU students to step out into the world and experience another culture just as she and her husband, Bryan, did in spring 2004. Thomason, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in English, says studying in another country is life-altering. “We didn’t realize we’d make such good friends,” she says. “And there was no possible way to imagine beforehand how the experience would change us.” While their studies were challenging and maneuvering a different educational system intimidating, she says, “It taught us a lot about study skills and the library.” Her studies of early 17th century pamphlets also inspired her honors thesis, which deals with how writers present women in literature. “Being in a culture you don’t know about teaches you about your own culture,” Thomason says. “The world is aware of us as Americans, but we’re not aware of others. When we become part of another culture we become more aware of Americans’ actions. “We’re much more conscious that we’re not in a bubble, that our country’s actions do impact the rest of the world, and it’s not just our policies. The actions of individuals also have an impact, especially individuals who are not being good ambassadors,” she says.“We’ve become more globally-minded.” Part of the change in world view is learning to back up beliefs when challenged, Thomason says, noting that Americans are not accustomed to having their opinions questioned. “The problem with Americans is that we’re so arrogant we don’t respect other cultures,” she says. “But the change in mindset forces us to re-evaluate ourselves and consider that maybe, just maybe, someone else has it right.” The experience also teaches self-reliance, Thomason says. “Bryan and I traveled on the weekends, like to Spain. We’d land in a foreign town where we could not speak the language and know we would survive. I learned I can survive an ocean away from my parents.” And that’s a real confidence builder for Thomason, now at Harvard Law School. “At first, I worried about going from OSU to Harvard, but I made the transition from Waukomis, Okla., with a population of 1,200 to OSU. And then I made the transition from Oklahoma to Europe,” she says. “I realized how strong I am in myself.” stories by Eileen Mustain Stepping Out Nothing Fishy About This Choice At one time Miller, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, considered a career in wildlife and fisheries. But he was also interested in healthcare and was successful as an undergraduate researcher in microbiology for the OSU Native Americans into Biological Sciences (NABS) program. The Arts and Sciences Top Ten Senior presented his research at a regional American Association of Microbiology meeting last spring, and his mentor, Dr. Gilbert John, is seeking its publication. Although Miller is drawn to research, his internship two years ago with the Oklahoma Aquarium, a public nonprofit aquarium located in Jenks, taught him how much he values interaction with people. “I was lucky to be chosen,” Miller says. “The experience helped me understand problems of cross contamination and the feeding patterns of different organisms.” But he missed communicating with others. “I like to help people,” he says. “There was no opportunity to speak to the aquatic patients and know how I affected their lives. In healthcare, I will be able to interact with people and get feedback.” OSU furthered peaked Miller’s interest by helping him find employment at the Stillwater Medical Center’s dialysis unit, an experience he says has helped push him toward a medical field. He says his general experiences at OSU interacting with a variety of people from divergent backgrounds will be helpful for a career in medicine. “It gave me a broad perspective and the ability to speak with someone and understand where that person is coming from.” Miller, who is currently working as a research assistant in the lubricants division of Citgo Petroleum Corporation, plans to attend medical school and is leaning toward the OSU Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa. A native Tulsan, Miller wants to continue his research and practice in rural Oklahoma. “I enjoy the setting and the people,” he says. “Many towns have no doctor. Rural telemedicine helps but doesn’t give the patient someone to relate to. I can see myself doing that for a long time. “Going to OSU has deepened my sense of helping the community.” Sometimes an internship helps a student with multiple interests choose an educational path. At least it was so for biology student John Ross Miller III whose internship convinced him to pursue a career in rural medicine. When it comes to study abroad, Katie Thomason is unequivocal. “Do it,” she says. Katie Thomason John Ross Miller Oklahoma State University 21
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