Alexis Graham is a student leader, dancer, and aspiring physical therapist at Spelman College. In 2025, she spent a summer in Cuenca, Ecuador, on an immersive Spanish language and cultural program.
She was also selected as a GRDI Scholar through the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative, a program that pairs students with mentorship, leadership development, and a stage to present their research at the annual Global Respectful Disruption Summit.
We asked her about her experience, what the GRDI Scholars Program means to her, and why she’s now pushing every student she knows to go abroad.
“It has the power to completely shift your perspective, academically, culturally, and personally in ways that you don’t fully understand until you experience it.”
The Program: Living the Language
Alexis’s program in Cuenca was built around real immersion. Over four weeks, students lived with Ecuadorian host families, earning 4 to 6 credits in Spanish while engaging with the country’s history, geography, and communities through field trips and service learning.
“The program is designed to provide an immersive academic and cultural experience centered on Spanish language development and global engagement,” Alexis explains.
“Over four weeks, students live with an Ecuadorian host family, which allows for constant language practice and a deeper understanding of daily life and traditions. Academically, the program offers 4 to 6 credits in Spanish, helping students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a real-world context.”
The structure pushed students to apply their language skills in genuinely meaningful ways, building cultural competence alongside fluency and fostering personal growth that you can’t get from a textbook.
Why GRDI? Research, Community, and Purpose
When Alexis talks about being a GRDI Scholar, it’s not just about the scholarship funding. It’s about what the program represents.
“What excites me most about being a GRDI Scholar is the opportunity to step into new experiences while also growing academically and personally,” she says.
“The program offers a unique chance to conduct deep research and present my findings, which is something I have not had much exposure to before and am excited to develop. It also allows me to put my own initiatives into fruition by connecting my interests, especially in healthcare and community impact, to real-world experiences.”
And the people matter too. “GRDI has built a strong sense of community that makes the experience even more meaningful, as I am surrounded by peers who are motivated and globally minded.”
Being a GRDI Scholar also changed how Alexis sees her own role. “Being part of this program has also encouraged me to push others to study abroad, because I now see how transformative these opportunities can be in expanding perspectives and creating lasting growth.”
What She’s Taking Forward
“Through the GRDI Leadership Program, I hope to strengthen my ability to clearly define and communicate my mission and purpose,” she says.
“The skills I gain, especially in research, critical thinking, and presentation, will prepare me to confidently articulate my ideas in future proposals, interviews, and leadership opportunities. Ultimately, I want to leave the program better equipped to turn my goals into actionable plans and advocate for the impact I hope to make.”
And the impact she’s most passionate about? Getting more students to take the leap. “The most important thing I hope to help people learn is how truly transformative study abroad can be. For me, it not only expanded how I see the world, but it also created deep, meaningful connections. I grew incredibly close to the women in my group and to professors I had never even met before the trip, which showed me how powerful shared experiences and new environments can be.”
“I grew incredibly close to the women in my group and to professors I had never even met before the trip, which showed me how powerful shared experiences and new environments can be.”
On Respectful Disruption in 2026
“Global respectful disruption is more important than ever because the world is becoming increasingly connected, yet still deeply divided by misunderstanding and limited perspectives,” she says.
“We need people who are willing to challenge systems and norms, but in a way that is thoughtful, culturally aware, and rooted in respect. My experience abroad showed me how powerful it is to step outside of your comfort zone, unlearn assumptions, and engage with others openly. It taught me that real change doesn’t come from fear or staying silent, but from being open-minded, free-spirited, and willing to grow while uplifting others.”
A Word of Gratitude
“Receiving this scholarship didn’t just help financially, it truly allowed me to fully enjoy, immerse myself, and grow without limitation,” Alexis shares.
“Because of your support, I was able to explore, research and present ideas that I’m excited to carry into my future and share with others. From the very beginning, I felt nothing but welcomed and supported, and that made such a difference in how comfortable and open I was throughout the program.”
🎥 Watch Alexis share her story
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