Mecca Slaughter, a graduate student in integrated media communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, has received a Fulbright award to teach English in Macedonia during the 2018-19 academic year.

An Omaha native, Slaughter graduated from Omaha Central High School. Coming from a family of educators and a circle of mentors whose passion is education, she wants to continue to support classroom learning.

Slaughter said she chose Macedonia because the country is looking for English language teachers who have worked with diverse student populations. She has experience working with a wide range of students from being a resident assistant at Nebraska, working with special education students, being a part of organizations that support cultural diversity, and taking courses on different ethnicities and nationalities.

“Teaching has become a part of my life, and I never expected that to happen. I am ready to take it to the next level,” she said. “I have been involved with so many organizations and have been in the classroom with such diverse student populations, that I am ready to take on this experience.”

Slaughter said she wants to introduce her community in Macedonia to the effective use of social media, which can both improve English language skills and be a way to learn about, and interact with, the wider world. She wants her students to create a video blog to outline their journey. She also wants them to tell their personal stories so the rest of the world will get to know the people of Macedonia.

Upon returning to the United States, Slaughter plans to continue to combine social media and teaching in the classroom. She would like to work in higher education, guiding students through the world of media. As a woman of color, she is especially committed to being in the classroom and showing children of color that they, too, can be successful. Eventually, she would like to create a nonprofit organization that would make it possible to give electronic devices to the students of Macedonia — who may not have access to a smartphone or computer — so that they can continue to share their stories.