Cal State Fullerton senior Lauren Heyden has embraced transformative experiences both inside and outside the classroom. As a geography major with a concentration in environmental analysis, she has already worked on impactful projects inspired by her time studying abroad in Tanzania.
Heyden’s journey to Tanzania began when she read about a unique program on social media. Offered by Global Partners for Development in partnership with Brethren Community Foundation, the Tanzania Fellowship Program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to engage with authentic grassroots, community-driven development in East Africa. For more than 40 years, Global Partners for Development has partnered with East African communities, leaders and organizations to craft sustainable solutions to their most pressing problems.
“I did not think I would actually get chosen for it, but I knew the only way to find out was to apply,” said Heyden. After going through the interview process, Heyden became one of three applicants selected for the winter 2024 Tanzania Fellowship Program.
Over the course of nearly a month, Heyden immersed herself in the culture and landscapes of East Africa. One of the trip’s highlights included staying in a Maasai elder’s “boma,” or homestead.
“We visited different parts of Tanzania where land grabbing is a significant issue, leading to a lot of disparity,” she said.
The multidisciplinary dynamic of this fellowship was Heyden’s favorite part of the experience. Each of the three students selected had a different academic background — geography, criminal justice and sociology — and brought diverse perspectives to their daily reflections.
“The way we analyzed each situation through our unique lenses and recapped at the end of each day was very impactful,” said Heyden.
Now that Heyden has returned from Tanzania, she is set to graduate in spring 2025 and is exploring options to extend her education, including participating in an arctic research trip.
In the meantime, her professional journey is already underway. She currently interns for the city of Lake Forest in community development and previously interned with the environmental consulting firm EcoNomics that focuses on the implementation of SB 1383, which involves organic waste diversion in California.
“When I started school, my goal was to make a positive impact, and I’m navigating that as I gain more educational and professional experience,” said Heyden.
Heyden created a virtual story map that documents her travels in Tanzania, and her interview video is available to watch on YouTube.