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Michelle Mills

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I started my career in education as a primary school teacher and subsequently became interested in the field of international development. My career path soon led me to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization where I worked on a team that is dedicated to improving conditions for rural children and youth. Although I had several professional experiences, I aimed to pursue more from academia. The opportunity I had through Stanford's IEAPA program gave me greater knowledge in the field of international and comparative education and helped me to refine my research skills. I had the freedom to follow my research interests in education, health and rural development to write my thesis on the role of homegrown school feeding programs in rural Africa.

The people of this program--both the faculty and the students--made my experience unique. With such a small cohort, I had the invaluable opportunity to get to know the professors that have shaped the field. In addition, I learned more than I ever expected to from my peers because of the different perspectives and insight they brought to each discussion. It was through these interactions that I was able to develop personal and professional relationships that will last a lifetime.

Upon graduation I will be returning to the UN's FAO where I will be coordinating an e-Learning course aimed at preventing and reducing child labor in agriculture. I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained from the IEAPA program to my new position. I am confident that if I return to academia or if I continue in the field of development, Stanford has prepared me well for either path.

Year 
2013
IEAPA MA
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