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T HE M ANY FAC E S O F S T U DE N T S U C C E S S Devi Keller FROM COLUMBIA TO CHINA VIA HCC GOAL AT HCC: Study international relations and How do you say "success" in Chinese? Devi Keller can tell you. transfer to a four-year college LONG-TERM GOAL: Global science and technology career, specializing in East Asia QUOTE: "Success is being able to do something that you love. love." <<< Devi was 14 when she visited her mother's native country of Guyana. From that point on, she knew she wanted to travel, learn about other cultures, and study languages. When she graduated from high school in Howard County and was accepted to Dickinson College, American University, the Unive University of Maryland College Park, and HCC's Rouse Scholars Program, those interests strongly influenced her choice. t "I eventually wanted to attend a four-year college with a strong wan international relatio program," Devi says. "When I considered the relations opportunities HCC offered for studying languages and for international travel at a good cos I decided to start there and then transfer." cost, Devi felt at home on the community college campus, where her dad worked throughout her childhood. However, she found college life to be a h big change. "I was still living with my parents in Columbia, so I expected it wouldn't be that diff different, but it was. I had a lot of independence and felt I definitely got the college experience." co Another big attraction was the Rouse Scholars Program, a challenging attra honors and leadersh learning community. "The program prepares you leadership academically for a four-year college and professionally for your future f career," she says. "I developed my critical thinking and public speaking c skills, established career plans, and formed a strong bond with the other students." participat Devi participated in two study abroad programs, first to Hong Kong and w then to China, with help from the Schulte Travel Fellowship. "Travel abroad mo is one of the most important experiences for any student," she says. in "These trips influenced me to select Asian studies as a focus area." on After one year at HCC, Devi transferred to Dickinson College and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in international relations relations. Upon graduating, she went back to China – but this time to live and work for three years. She returned to the U.S. atte to attend graduate school at George Washington University's Ellio Elliott School of International Affairs, majoring in Asian stu studies, with a focus on international law and science and te e technology policy. Today, Devi works for an international semiconductor in industry association in Washington, D.C., using her Ch Chinese language skills to help her address global pol policy issues with industry associations around the worl world. She's setting new personal goals as she trains for marat marathons and triathlons. Devi says that someday she hopes to go back to live and C work in China. Until then, she has no doubt that the interests, st personal strengths, and learning skills that were sparked at HCC will continue to make a difference in her ability to reach her goals. 4 Pathways | Howard Community College Spring 2012