(April 9, 2021) A Rochester City School District student has earned the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad thanks to her exceptional work ethic in the classroom.
Tiketa Thomas, a sophomore at Rochester Early College, has been selected to receive a 2021 – 22 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship. This U.S. government overseas language program will allow Ms. Thomas to study abroad in Taiwan learning Mandarin Chinese and the diverse culture of Asia.
The NSLI-Y program emphasizes rapid language acquisition by combining in-class language instruction with a comprehensive cultural program. Students receive at least 10 hours of formal classroom language each week, and by the end of the program, participants will have achieved progress in language proficiency and gained a deeper understanding of the host culture.
Tiketa will be enrolled at a Chinese Language Centre where she will take classes daily with local, NSLI-Y, and international students. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, students will also participate in cultural enhancement and community service activities that will include trips to historical and cultural sites and allow for interaction with local community members.
Tiketa grew up in Spanish culture and is fluent in Spanish. Mandarin is her third language. Please join us in congratulating Tiketa on this once in a life time opportunity.
