Hallo jedermann (Hello everyone)!

My name is Cherice Wallace-Hill and I am a Master’s of Social Work student enrolled at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. I am completing my final semester of my program in Duesseldorf, Germany, where I will be interning at the German Red Cross from January 17′ to May 17′.

Me speaking at a Global to Local luncheon about my international placement

At a very young age, I began to gain an interest in traveling, as well as other languages and cultures and during my undergrad at The University of Memphis, I finally got to obtain some real experience interacting with others from other nationalities and cultures from mine.  I volunteered with an international student ministry for half of my time in Memphis, made friends from all around the world and through those friendships, I was provided with the opportunity to travel to Germany for the first time in 2013. After visiting just once, I fell in love and knew that I would be back!

Me eating authentic German food!

Before applying to the UBSSW Master’s Degree program, I knew I wanted to gain more professional experiences with working with internationals but more specifically, refugees and immigrants. I admire this population because of the strength, courage and perseverance they have and they open my eyes to what is happening in the rest of the world (as well as what is really going on in mine!). Also, these individuals constantly challenge my personal biases and the myths and stereotypes that are commonly held regarding them, and I love it!

I am so thankful to have been provided with this opportunity and I am beyond excited to work with and learn from my coworkers and the refugees and immigrants that they serve in Duesseldorf, Germany. I hope some of you will be excited to come along with me on this journey!