by Molly Chapple Roe
CoJMC alumna Mecca Slaughter is working as a professor of English at the University of Tetovo in Macedonia. Slaughter is a May 2016 journalism graduate and a May 2018 master’s grad from the integrated media communications track.
Slaughter received a Fulbright Scholarship to study and work abroad for nine months. She arrived in Macedonia in September with the hopes of becoming a better speaker in Albanian and Macedonian, learning how to cook some traditional meals and how to learn about and appreciate other cultures.
During her time at the CoJMC, Slaughter was part of the William H. Thompson learning community. Slaughter credits Alanna Hoffman, a staff member with the program, with inspiring her to apply for the Fulbright.
Slaughter teaches English classes at the university including a speaking practice class, preparing English language teaching students and helping prepare students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.
Since she has been in Macedonia, Slaughter has learned a lot about the culture. She has climbed a mountain, something she said she never thought she’d get the opportunity to do.
She has also enjoyed traditional Macedonian food and even found a food stand with the best baklava – a pastry dessert filled with chopped nuts and honey – she’s ever had.
Slaughter said students who want to study abroad should seize the opportunity.
“Take these years of your life and do what you want,” she said. “Take that chance and apply. You never know what could happen.”
After she returns, Slaughter hopes to finish the social media and PR certificate at the CoJMC. She also plans to start a Ph.D. program, with the goal of earning her Ph.D. before she turns 28. Slaughter said she realizes that’s a lofty goal, but she’s determined to reach it and help inspire other people of color.
“...The only person stopping me is me,” she said. “In the long run I want to help students of color reach their full potential. It seems that sometimes society's outlook on us, especially young black kids, holds us back from reaching all we can be. I want to help break that cycle and doubt. I want to use my experiences to help encourage them.”
To learn more about Mecca’s experience in Macedonia, check out her blog at www.meccaslibrary.wixsite.com/macedonianadventures.
