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Nine University of North Georgia (1688¿ª½±Íø) students were chosen as Gilman scholarship recipients this spring. This achievement marks four more students than the previous year.  

Gilman recipients include:   

• Katia Gonzalez-Adame, who is pursuing a degree in chemistry and math, received funding to study in the United Kingdom.  
• Ryan Gentry, who is pursuing a degree in psychology, received funding to study in Japan.  
• Lucy Agbi Owusu, who is pursuing a degree in psychology, received funding to study in Spain.  
• Madison Juarez-Lopez, who is pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese language and literature, received funding to study in Taiwan.  
• Edgar Reynoso-Garcia, who is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, received funding to study in Armenia.  
• Itzel Moreno, who is pursuing a degree in nursing, received funding to study in Peru.  
• Alexander Peebles, who is pursuing a degree in political science, received funding to study in Germany.  
• Taylor Currie, who is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, received funding to study in Armenia.  
• Ruth Moreno Carpio, who is pursuing a degree in history with teacher certification, received funding to study in Spain.  

Peebles, a sophomore from Gainesville, Georgia, has always dreamed of studying abroad. Motivated by friends and family, he looks forward to finding a sense of identity.   

"I'm looking forward to finding the independence in a place like Germany and the culture of Germany in events such as Weihnachtsmarkt and just learning the language even more," Peebles said.  

Having struggled with epilepsy for some time, Peebles worried about how he would deal with it internationally or outside of his home in general. He said choosing to pursue a study abroad is a big step that took a lot of character development.  

A junior from Gainesville, Georgia, Moreno Carpio put in more than 50 hours on her application. She is currently studying Spanish in Spain, and she hopes to pursue a career as a bilingual educator. This experience is her first time traveling abroad.   

"Studying abroad challenges someone to get out of their comfort zone, admit they are learners and try to navigate a new country by interacting with the locals," Moreno Carpio said. "I did not receive Gilman until my third submission. I always learned from my past submissions what I could have done differently to strengthen my applications. Having this experience to learn from people with differing worldviews from mine is how I feel that I will grow as a leader."