Miami’s newest Rangel Fellowship recipient is already a global citizen
Sinait Sarfino ’22, whose family fled South Sudan, aims to become a Foreign Service officer working on migration and refugee issues
Miami’s newest Rangel Fellowship recipient is already a global citizen
Sinait Sarfino ’22 is Miami University’s latest recipient of the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship.
The alumna majored in Diplomacy and Global Politics and East Asian Languages and Cultures with a concentration in Chinese. The fellowship will put her through graduate school on her journey to become a U.S. Foreign Service officer.
She is currently an English Teaching Assistant in Kinmen, Taiwan after receiving a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to teach English there.
“In this position, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to teach some of the most amazing children, connect with a vibrant and kind community, and travel all throughout Taiwan and neighboring countries,” she said.
Karla Guinigundo, director of Global Partnerships at Miami, said she was impressed by Sarfino’s determination as an undergraduate student to take advantage of every opportunity presented to her.
“From pursuing the Gilman Scholarship to support her study abroad semester in South Korea, winning a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to teach English in Taiwan after graduation, and now being selected for the Rangel Fellowship, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her international affairs education and desire to work in the U.S. Foreign Service,” Guinigundo said.
Sarfino, who is from the Dayton area, said she is excited about the fellowship because she wanted to be part of the program since learning about it her sophomore year. She has not yet decided where to attend graduate school but said she would like to stay in the Washington, D.C. area. She would find out where she would be assigned with the Foreign Service after completing her graduate program.
Sarfino is Miami’s second Rangel recipient after John Steele ’14.
What about the Foreign Service appeals to Sarfino?
“The opportunity to create sustainable change. As a refugee, I realized early on the critical need for sustainable peacebuilding policies,” she said. “As a Foreign Service officer, I can contribute to the State Department’s efforts in that area.”
Sarfino’s family fled South Sudan for a refugee camp in Ethiopia when she was 2 years old. “We lived in that camp for about six years while awaiting acceptance of our asylum application,” she said. “After years of waiting, we were approved to relocate to the U.S., and in the winter of 2006, my family was able to move to Ohio.”
She chose Miami because of the Bridges Program, which invites high school seniors from historically underserved populations, as well as students who have a commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity, to engage with Miami students, faculty, and staff.
“Thanks to this program, I was given a glimpse of the community of support I would have at Miami University,” she said. “This allowed me to quickly make my decision.”
Becoming a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient as an undergraduate student allowed her to study abroad in South Korea. She called it a wonderful experience.
“Thanks to the scholarship and the support of Miami University’s Study Abroad Office, I was able to live in South Korea for six months. As a result, I was able to explore different cities and islands, visit some of the most beautiful palaces, and enrich my understanding of Asia and in particular Korean culture.”
She has accomplished so much at a young age — and now the Rangel.
“My ultimate career goal is to be a Foreign Service officer working on migration and refugee issues and conflict mediation,” she said. “Through sustainable policies and effective negotiation, I hope to create opportunities for those facing conflict and displacement to secure a stable future.”
