WOMEN'S STUDIES STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Inspired by the cause of international women’s issues, Sara Hughes-Zabawa traveled to India to fulfill her women’s studies capstone course to implement a curriculum for moral development. Graduating from BYU as valedictorian of the School of Social Work, Sara credited her women’s studies minor for the opportunities for faculty mentorship and improvement of her research skills that aided her work in rural South India.

She worked with Rising Star Outreach, an organization dedicated to enabling self-sufficiency among Leprosy colonies, and was approached by a request to create a much-needed curriculum to be taught at the boarding school available for children from leprosy-affected families. In order to create and implement a curriculum that would emphasize gender equity and moral development, Sara conducted an exploratory study to observe and study the culture there to identify barriers and ethical sensitivities to be taken into consideration. Her study prepared the groundwork to assist in constructing a long-term and self-sustaining curriculum that Rising Star Outreach could utilize in the future to teach choice and accountability, compassion, service, and love, as well as sex education and abuse prevention.

Sara attributed the courses she took in the women’s studies minor for her motivation and inspiration. “My women’s studies courses strengthened my testimony regarding the divine nature of women and how important it is for members of the LDS church to spread our divine understanding on the unique importance of women.” In particular, the wide variety of topics covered by the Women’s Studies Colloquium fascinated and moved Sara.

Sara kept herself busy during her undergraduate career through involvement with the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Golden Key International Honors Society, BSW Student Association, NASW, and UNICEF Club. She also enjoyed yoga, rock climbing, reading, cooking, and traveling in her own time. Her future seems no less ardent and ambitious with plans to attend the BYU master of social work program in 2010 and then pursue a PhD in both women’s studies and social work. Sara expressed, “My experience in the women’s studies minor has made me a better graduate school applicant and will continue to prove useful in my future endeavourers.” Before enrolling, she plans to further her research experience with Rising Star Outreach, beginning her steps toward a future dedicated towards aiding the cause of women worldwide.