Posted: May 6, 2009
More than distance separates a small, one-room apartment in a poor region of Jamaica from one of the fastest growing Asian economies. But for UConn student Terrence Smith ’09, life’s journey has taken him from one world to the other because of his own hard work and the support of others.
Smith, a business management major and international studies minor, recently completed a study abroad semester at the National University of Singapore (NUS), an experience made possible through private scholarship support offered by School of Business alumnus Mark Kepner ’89, first vice president at the global equities broker Instinet.
“It was an amazing experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Smith says. “The trip gave me a great perspective about the global economy, it let me see how seriously other cultures take education and challenged me academically.”
Smith emigrated from Jamaica to the United States at the age of 6, and saw his mother and aunt work multiple jobs to make ends meet and enable him to attend college. He says that experience, and his mother’s encouragement, helped him appreciate the opportunities offered at UConn.
“I saw my mom struggle throughout her life, working so hard to take care of her family. And growing up in Jamaica, sometimes not having enough shoes and clothes, taught me to appreciate all that I do have,” he says.
Because of the tie-in to his minor, Smith had considered a study abroad experience before, but was concerned about whether it he could afford it.
Meanwhile, Kepner had learned of the School of Business’s study abroad initiatives from Dean Christopher Earley during a UConn Foundation event in New York City.
“When [Earley] explained their programs to me, it seemed like a really good thing to support. The students get experience exploring other cultures and meeting different people. Ultimately, I think that’s key in business, as is learning new ways to think about how we work in a global economy,” Kepner says.
Kepner’s support for the program gave Smith a financial buffer that allowed the senior to participate in the program. The two corresponded by e-mail throughout Smith’s travels, which ultimately allowed him to see nearly a half-dozen Asian countries.
“Dean Earley made a fantastic choice in selecting Terrence to receive a scholarship,” Kepner says. “He’s a great student who I know got a lot out of the experience. He’ll do quite well; he meets people and just establishes a relationship so easily.”
Before leaving for Singapore, Smith met with Earley, who came to UConn after serving as dean of the National University of Singapore Business School. With Earley’s advice, he picked a course of study that focused on areas of interest like new venture creation and gave him a overview of the Asian perspective of business.
Kepner, Smith and Earley recently met as a group for the first time, and Smith shared photos and stories of his trip. He hopes for a career in international business, combining his love for travel with his interest in entrepreneurship. He remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion, aided with the skills gained from the study abroad experience.
“I am just incredibly thankful for all that everyone did, from Dean Earley to Mr. Kepner to the study abroad office. I think my trip to Singapore will play a significant part in my life, and I feel like it opened a lot of doors for me. And it probably wouldn’t have happened at all without everyone’s help.”
For more information about supporting the School of Business, please contact the UConn Foundation's development department.
