Global affairs grad encourages others to give back to their communities

Tereana Battle can look back on many accomplishments during her time at George Mason University, but one of the memories that gives her the most satisfaction is her capstone project, creating an anti-bullying workshop for middle school students. 

With her workshop, she helped equip students in Loudoun County with cultural competency skills so they can treat one another with kindness and respect.   

A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, Battle is graduating this month with a bachelor’s degree in global affairs.  

Battle said giving back to the community is important to her because as a young person she sought out mentorship and guidance and wanted to provide that for other students. During her time at George Mason, she served as a Patriot Leader, helping new students and their families make the transition to college through Orientation and other programs.  

Battle also participated in the Bonner Leadership Program, which combines exploration of citizenship and democracy studies with civic engagement through work at community agencies. “Not only did it help me with my vocational experiences, but also allowed me to continue to study full time as an undergraduate student,” she said. 

At an internship with Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington provided Battle with another opportunity for service. There, she learned about immigration policy while assisting families. 

Battle also took advantage of many of the student services the university offers, including the Writing Center, career readiness and success coaching.  

“With the Writing Center, I was able to create my goal statement, and with my goal statement, I was able to get into the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program within the Schar School, which is highly competitive,” Battle said. She plans to pursue a master of public administration. 

She served in Student Government and worked as an access services student assistant for the University Libraries. She also studied in Spain through the Global Gateway scholarship program, living with a host family and improving her Spanish language skills.  

She was also a member of Every Nation on Campus, or ENC, a faith-based group.  

She encourages current and future Patriots to find clubs that align with their passion and values.