Identity awareness as an essential component of youth development in the Dominican Republic
One of the first requirements of applying for a Fulbright Research Grant is to establish a relationship with your host organization. This organization provides a letter of support dictating their commitment to aid and guide your research project while you are abroad. I was fortunate enough in my Fulbright application process to connect with The DREAM Project, a non-profit organization that immediately expressed its enthusiasm for my research proposal in the Dominican Republic. This project idea came about in one of my first Zoom conversations with DREAM’s director, Catherine DeLaura, when I expressed interest in exploring identity as an essential component of youth development. Catherine recognized the value of this research for an organization such as DREAM, which is always searching for new ways to positively impact the personal development of youth through their programming. While my research has evolved over time, especially upon working directly with youth in the DR, the core question remains the same: What are the best methods for engaging youth in the Dominican Republic to think critically about their own identities, especially their racial and ethnic identities. How can these research findings regarding the inclusion of identity in youth development efforts support greater equality and peace throughout the country?
Connecting with the communities in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Over the past five months living in Cabarete and working at DREAM, I have transitioned into my role within my program area, Deportes Para La Vida, while also making significant strides towards my research goals. DREAM has allowed me the flexibility within my daily schedule to contribute to my program areas while also taking time to work independently on my research. Thanks to DREAM’s positive reputation and widespread network within communities around the country, I have been fortunate to connect with several individuals, organizations, and schools along the north coast where I have hosted workshops surrounding identity, leadership, and personal development. The DREAM Project has exceeded my expectations as not only a host institution for my Fulbright research project, but also as a community of like minded individuals who are dedicated to making meaningful change in communities throughout the DR. I am truly looking forward to the remainder of my time in the Dominican Republic working with The DREAM Project and am excited to see how my research results could benefit not only youth in this area, but those where I am from in the United States. I fully believe in the work and the goals that The Dream Project strives to meet, and I am proud to be a DREAMer.
About the Author: Sophie Frushell, Deportes Para la Vida & Literacy Programs Fellow
Sophie Frushell is a 22-year-old from Boston, Massachusetts. She recently graduated from Boston College where she majored in International Studies with a concentration in Global and Cultural Studies. Her educational and personal experiences have led her to become passionate about international youth education and development, especially surrounding race and identity.