Taiwan
Truly blessed
Hemlock native Natalie Pretzer, 2007, B.A., sometimes finds her own life hard to believe. Having gained “the confidence to believe even a small-town Michigan girl could achieve her dreams,” she now resides in Taoyuan, Taiwan, where she is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs at the Graduate School of International Affairs, Ming Chuan University. After she graduates in June, Pretzer is looking at a variety of possibilities, ranging from research fellowships in the U.S. and Asia to continue her studies, to seeking employment in Taiwan, the Philippines or the U.S. Pretzer’s challenge to dream big came somewhat naturally through SVSU’s encouraging environment. “Study Abroad and the Roberts Fellows programs, as well as my coursework and serving as a community manager under Residential Life, gave me opportunities to practice leadership and interact with a diverse array of n Natalie Pretzer
fellow students.” Stephanie Sieggreen, assistant director of international education, also played a role by “daring” her to dream big. Hesitant to single out influencers (“too many”), Pretzer mentions several when pressed. “George Puia (her honors thesis advisor) reminded me to never underestimate my potential. Drew Hinderer (chair of the Roberts Fellowship program) inspired my interest in Asia. Nameeta Mathur (associate professor of history) inspired me by her example and Marcus Bennett (resident director) taught me a great deal about interacting with different people, and never becoming discouraged – but being inspired – by challenges.”
n Natalie Pretzer
n Bob Yien with Deb
orah Kraklow
Not your ordinary globe trotter Deborah Kraklow, 2005, B.A., was a nontraditional student at SVSU, which is not all that newsworthy. What makes her story fascinating is her desire to finish a degree begun 30 years earlier. She achieved that goal following a teaching stint at Ming Chuan University, Taiwan, where the 55-year-old now teaches English and sociology at the International College. In between, a woman found her passions (sociology and English), became a Roberts Fellow and travelled to Tokushima University, Japan, where she says she “found myself feeling a calling to come back and teach English.” The adage may be that a woman never reveals her age, but Kraklow doesn’t mind disclosing hers. “I think it’s a great message. I often encounter people who are so stuck on rushing through to finish everything at the risk of losing out on opportunities. I see life as a constant
exercise in problem solving, not one of obstacles and barriers.” Kraklow’s return to Taiwan started indirectly. Following the attainment of her undergraduate degree from SVSU, she obtained her master’s degree and decided to pursue a career teaching sociology at the community college level. In preparing application materials, she contacted Robert Yien, former vice president for academic affairs at SVSU, for a letter of recommendation. He not only agreed to write the letter, but suggested to Kraklow that she come to Ming Chuan to teach. The rest, as it is said, is history. “I love my work here. I enjoy my students – okay, most of them – and I am learning a lot about them, their culture and about myself. It wasn’t exactly a direct path from Reese to Taoyuan, but it is truly amazing to be here.”
Thomas Edison once remarked, “We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.” Clearly, these Cardinals are not satisfied with the status quo. “These two years in Taiwan will forever change my life,” Kraklow said. “For me, that’s the gift of this experience – making a difference in the lives of my students while doing the work I love. In turn, they are making a huge difference in my life. I have found a home halfway across the world, a place where I can flourish in spite of the physical distance between me and my loved ones in the U.S.” Travel breaks down barriers to understanding, a lesson Pembamoto has learned anew. “I imagined that the culture was something to be reckoned with and that our task would be mainly showing the people of Moldova how the American way was the right way, but instead I find that we share an equal balance of experiences, customs, and beliefs. Another major gift that I have received is that of humility. I understand now more than ever that there is much knowledge and wisdom that I can gain from those whom I came to help. I have gained a second family, and a second home away from home. I have been truly blessed.” More seeds of human progress planted, touched by “Red Pride.”
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SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Dream big