The journey of higher education can often lead to unexpected adventures. 考特尼Bixby 和 莱利斯特普托, students at the University of West 乔治亚州 和 recipients of the Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship, had an eventful semester filled with extraordinary experiences as they embarked on externships with industry giants like The National Geographic Society 和 The Nature Conservancy, through partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation 以及来自 走读生 (formerly Paragon One). 

This eight-week externship – with over 9,000 applicants 和 only 200 students selected from all over the world – offers h和s-on experience for students to learn professionalism 和 empower them to make an impact in the world through creating their own projects with ideas that help the freshwater crisis.

Bixby，大四学生 mass communications major with a concentration in 在线博彩 at 在线博彩, delved into a project she titled “The Earth is Overdosing,” during her externship. Her project focused on the alarming issue of opioids ending up in freshwater sources. 

“I am so thankful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a semester working with The National Geographic Society 和 The Nature Conservancy,比克斯比解释道. “This externship has been a profound journey that has not only fueled my passion for sustainability but has also provided me with the skills 和 insights to effect positive change in the future.”

Through her research 和 collaboration with industry experts, Bixby gained a deeper underst和ing of the environmental impacts of opioid pollution 和 explored potential solutions to mitigate this crisis. 

On the other h和, Steptoe, a junior 生物学 在线博彩主修专业, immersed herself in a project titled “Back From The Dead: The Resurgence of the Robust Redhorse,” which takes a closer look at a fish species that was believed to be extinct for over 100 years until its rediscovery in the Oconee River in 1991. 

Steptoe’s research aimed to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species 和 their habitats, specifically in freshwater sources. 

“Through this externship experience, I was able to collaborate with externs from all over the world on the subject of freshwater conservation,斯特普托说. “As a 生物学 major with an interest in studying algae in a forensic environment, the mentorship 和 guidance I received from experts in the field have not only enriched my academic journey but also provided invaluable insights into succeeding in both academia 和 research.”

The opportunity for these life-changing experiences came through the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, a long-st和ing partner of 在线博彩. Their commitment to empowering students like Bixby 和 Steptoe to pursue their passions 和 make a difference in the world was evident in their selection for these prestigious externships. 

“We are thrilled that we were able to offer this unique experience to our Coca-Cola Foundation scholarship recipients,” said Saadia Madsbjerg, president of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “This externship provided great h和s-on experience, which is vital in boosting students’ career readiness. In addition to the financial relief the students receive from our grants, we are continuing to explore opportunities like these to enhance our scholars’ social 和 economic mobility.”

At the end of the externship, Coca-Cola Foundation scholars were also invited for a half-day professional development workshop 和 tour of the Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta, 乔治亚州, offering students the opportunity to network with leaders from The Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Society, The Coca-Cola Company, 和 The Coca-Cola Foundation. 

These types of experiences not only shape academic 和 professional paths but also inspire students to continue pursuing their passions with purpose 和 dedication, 强调在线博彩’对…的承诺 curating a first-choice university.