Illinois Wesleyan Scholar Receives Freeman Asia Internship

Illinois Wesleyan Posse Scholar Semaj Young was selected for the University’s Freeman Asia Internship at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). The internship will take place in Manila, Philippines, and will help Semaj continue to explore the world as she builds her leadership skillset.

“Posse gave me the chance to go to college almost 1,000 miles away and I will now have the opportunity to explore a different country.”

“I’m looking forward to going out of the country for the first time.” Semaj says. “Before receiving the Posse Scholarship, I had rarely been out of the state of Louisiana. Posse gave me the chance to go to college almost 1,000 miles away and I will now have the opportunity to explore a different country.”

In Manila, Semaj will be interning with the knowledge diffusion department, explicitly working in the food and nutrition training unit. She will help spread information about food and nutrition research, assist with training and seminars for teachers and local government units, and introduce the implementation of nutrition programs from FNRI.

“I want to help the world live more sustainably,” says Semaj. “This experience not only gives me access to food and nutrition research, but it also allows me to practice sharing that information with communities that need it.”

Semaj is a sophomore, double majoring in environmental studies and theater arts.