“The History and Politics Department has encouraged and endured me with patient amusement over the last few years. My professors have been valuable allies and mentors…These wonderful people taught me responsible scholarship and crucial understanding of what makes the world go ’round. Through their tireless efforts I have the tools to be a successful graduate student, global citizen, and lifelong learner.

Meredith College taught me how to work and plan independently. I had the freedom and autonomy to create an original thesis, and to organize my own study abroad program in Venezuela last summer. ”

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.

Major: Political Science with a concentration in International Relations

Activities: College Democrats, Angels for the Environment, National Model United Nations, Southeast Regional Model United Nations. Off campus, Coates participated in the Common Cause campaign for lobbying reform and a Global Exchange delegation to Venezuela.

Accomplishments: “I am most proud of my senior thesis “The New Venezuela-Oil for Change” and the subsequent presentation on CSA day. The social justice movement in Venezuela speaks to my conscience and I was determined to present an honest, people-centered perspective on modern Venezuela. I have never before labored so hard to comprehend a subject. Essentially, I learned how little I know, how little I can ever hope to know, and how that can never stop me from trying to understand.”

Plans: “I plan to become fluent in Spanish, and I am returning to Venezuela in January to work on that goal. In March I will join a Global Exchange delegation to learn about women’s rights in Venezuela. I am also considering work on a community media project during my stay. Next fall, I hope to begin work on my master’s degree in Latin American Studies. I am applying to the University of Miami, the University of South Florida and the University of Texas at Austin.”