Earlier this summer CENES had the exciting opportunity to interview Kendyl Stark, who is recently named one of DAAD’s (German Academic Exchange Service) Young Ambassadors!
Kendyl is entering her fourth and final year at UBC, completing a Double Major in International Relations and Honours German studies. She is an enthusiastic member of the CENES Advisory Council and the UBC Rotaract fundraising team. She was the finalist for the 2022 residential internship at the Goethe and Schiller Archive and has been recognized for excellence and achievement in the field of German Studies and undergraduate research within the department. Following her bachelors degree, she plans to attend law school and eventually pursue a masters of law in International Humanitarian law.
Why did you apply to be a DAAD Young Ambassador?
Dr.Biz Nijdam (the professor who inspired me to add German Studies as one of my majors and who has been one of my biggest supporters since) recommended that I apply for this opportunity. I did my research about DAAD as an institution and learned that one of their goals is to support global academic collaboration and exchange. My experience and involvement in the CENES department over the last couple of years has made me realize my passion for research, multilingual approaches to learning, and the globalization of academia. So naturally, DAAD’s mission resonated with me and I applied.
What are your responsibilities as an Ambassador? What you hope to do with your position?
DAAD Young Ambassadors promote study and research in Germany by working with our universities’ study abroad offices, volunteering at study abroad fairs, organizing class visits, info sessions, fun events, and answering our fellow students’ questions. In my role as an ambassador, I am aiming to not only continue the work that I am doing within the CENES Advisory Council promoting the benefits, opportunities, and programs within our department, but also to build on my experience and knowledge to better support others. In the end, my main goal is to support my peers in making the most out of their education and to inspire others in the same way my professors and peers have inspired me.
