Mariel Reed: Gervase Programs: Learning to Lead

Mariel Reed goes by "Mari." She hails from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where, until recently, she worked as a "professional pirate" during the summers. After a few landlocked years in Washington studying Chinese and International Politics, Mari's thirst for adventure prompted her to travel to China. She lived in Beijing and Harbin for six months during her Junior year. As her language skills improved, so did her desire to see more of the country outside of the cities. This summer, she returned to China as a teacher, "best practices" education delegate, and student in ACC's Field Studies Program. She traveled with her single trusted backpack throughout Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guangxi Provinces learning about education in China. Mari has worked as a teacher and coach in both American and Chinese classrooms, and is very interested in education reform in both countries. At Georgetown, she's a founding member of the GU Art Aficionados, a group that seeks to foster creativity on campus by connecting Georgetown students to the visual arts. She also loves to run, swim, paint, sing, explore the city, and occasionally talk like a pirate. She is passionate about peanut butter.

Mari's research centers around the intersection of communities and groups with policy. She's studied religious and social regulation in China. She plans to continue this trend after graduation. Equipped with an International Politics major, an Asian Studies certificate, and Chinese proficiency, she hopes to live in China next year. She's currently looking at programs that would allow her to either participate in or study the development of Chinese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) next year. That is-- if she doesn't return to life on the high seas.