HBCUs Abroad Presents: Amber
Meet Amber Richardson-Booker
East Orange, New Jersey
North Carolina Central University, May 2017
Business Administration, Management, and Accounting
Amber Richardson-Booker is a student at North Carolina Central University, double-majoring in Business Administration, Management and Accounting. Currently, she works as a designer for ULTA Beauty, in addition to being a substitute teacher for Durham Public Schools. Amber is a member of multiple school organizations; these organizations include, 100 Black Women; the Lady Eagle Development Program; National Association of Black Accountants and the University Honors Program. Amber is a mother and wife, who plans to begin a career in the Accounting and Management fields where she can utilize her knowledge and skills to enhance her local communities.
What was your motivation for studying abroad?
I wanted to experience something different from what I had known. I chose to study abroad because I knew that I didn’t want to limit my cultural awareness to the U.S. I certainly wanted to experience a part of the African diaspora.
What is your favorite memory from study abroad?
My favorite memory from Ghana, West Africa is visiting the fabric stores.I have always been attracted to vibrant colors and patterns.Growing up I was the child that chose electric blue and green nail polish while others preferred a pale pink.I was able to find multiple expressions of myself within this fabric store.In Ghana, the creativity behind these fabrics are surreal.The funny thing is, I learned that some of the fabrics are manufactured, elsewhere in a European country as matter of fact.However, all fabrics are inspired by the Ghanaian culture.
What was the toughest thing about studying abroad?
The toughest thing about studying abroad was the means of travel.
Ghanaians are the friendliest people that you can meet.
But their road rage exceeds any that I have ever experienced at home.
The taxis are pure bargain and negotiation.
I had to bargain every time I got into a taxi, the stress was too real. When we traveled as a group in our travel bus, the roads that aren’t quite developed left me with serious motion sickness.
How has your experience abroad helped your personal development?
My experience helped my personal development by forcing me outside of my comfort zone. The funny thing is that our comfort zone affects the way that we think about and the way that we respond to certain situations. This experience taught me how to think and understand from other perspectives. I also developed a level of confidence where I find it natural to engage with others that we call strangers. I have been able to meet and interact with so many people without feeling intimidated by the beauty of communication.
How has study abroad impacted your global awareness?
Global awareness is so important because we live in a flat world.
Knowledge is easily accessible anywhere that you may go.
I learned that something that affects one country can have an effect on another country.
My global awareness has sharpened after being immersed in a country different from my own.
How has study abroad impacted your education and/or career?
Study abroad has impacted my education because instead of considering how I can improve my business in the states, it’s how can I become more flexible in my career knowledge so that I can work abroad.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying abroad?
The advice I would give to someone thinking of studying abroad would be to: Go for it!
For one thing you’ll be paying the same amount for tuition that you would be paying at the institution you attend.
Two, the world is flat to ensure better success it’s good to have an understanding of a country culture different from your own. So many cultures are migrating to the U.S. it will give you an idea of how to be open and to communicate.
Three, BE OPEN MINDED! It’s one world, but many lives. You may not agree with everything, but you must agree to understand from another’s perspective.
How can people contact you for more information?
Email:
Asrichardson.booker@yahoo.com
Website/Blog:
www.iambme.blogspot.com
Facebook:
Amber Richardson
Twitter:
@i_amb_me
Instagram:
@i_amb_me
Thank you Amber!
Want to represent your HBCU with an interview? I’m still looking for lots of stories!
- The Natural Travelista
