kunti bentley: an updated resume
TRANSCRIPT
Kunti BentleyCrossing Boundaries: An introduction to a non-
traditional student’s quest to follow a multi-disciplined
educational trajectory and to live an inspired, culturally
rich and diverse life.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
My travels around the world have helped me to develop into a culturally competent and globally aware individual. By combining the life skills I have acquired while living abroad with the degrees I have earned (and am currently in the process of earning), my goal is to create a more culturally educated, aware, and diverse community.
By working in Nonprofit Organization Management, I plan to raise the cultural competence level of those in my community. Through implementation of globally focused educational workshops, travel, and study away programs, I aim to encourage and inspire others to discover and explore the world around them.
EDUCATION
Drury University, Springfield, MOMaster of Art in Communication, Nonprofit Emphasis Estimated Graduation: May 2014
Missouri State University, Springfield, MO Bachelor of Art in Global Studies Graduated: May 2012 Overall GPA: 3.11/ Major GPA: 3.60Minor: Anthropology Deans’ List 2010 Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, MO Associate of Art Graduated: May 2009 GPA: 3.75 Deans’ List 2008
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan May 2012-June 2012: Interdisciplinary research course with environmental, ethnographic, and geographic components
Performed extensive field surveys and soil sample evaluations in villages outside Irbid, Jordan
Executed ethnographic research project tracking the shift from wheat and barley farming to arboreal agriculture
Improved intercultural communication skills while interacting with local residents of Irbid, Jordan and staff of Yarmouk University
Ethnography: while performing
field survey, we enjoyed tea and conversation with a Bedoin family
settled in Shar-ja.
Geology: soil sample practicum outside Kharja, Jordan.
Field Survey: rock shelter surveyed for possible future excavation.
Irbid, Jordan: population 660,000, 70 kilometers north of Amman, Jordan’s capitol.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS: CONT.
Pontificia Catolica Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile, January 2012:Chilean Culture and Spanish Grammar;Advanced Level
Completed month long intensive course in Chilean Culture and Advanced Spanish Grammar
All courses taught exclusively in Spanish
Excelled in full Spanish immersion-based program
Expanded knowledge of social habits, customs, and communication styles of Latin American societies
Unesco World Heritage Site: Valparaiso, ChilePop: 263,499, 111.89 kilometers northwest of capitol,
Santiago.
Sandboarding with fellow Catolica students outside of Valparaiso.
Typical Chilean cuisine: “Completo con papas.” A hotdog with avocado,
mayonnaise, hot sauce and french fries.
My daughter and I overlooking the harbor of Valparaiso.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS:CONT.
Christina Heeren Foundation, Seville, Spain October 2001-May 2002Flamenco History and Dance/Spanish Culture
Established strong base of intercultural communication skills
Developed creative communication strategies and implemented them to surpass program expectations
Effectively communicated and interacted with individuals from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds
Courtyard inside a home in Jerez de la Frontera, Flamenco dress, traditional Spanish tortilla (an omelet made with potatoes, garlic, and eggs), and La Giralda tower in Seville, Spain.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS: CONT.
Nrityagram Dance Ashram, Hessaraghatta, Karnataka, India
December 1999-March 2000 Odissi Dance and History of Classical Indian Dance
Educated on a variety of topics concerning Classical Indian Dance including historical and philosophical roots of its immergence
Studied Kannada, the official language of the state of Karnataka in southern India
Gained confidence needed to further independent study abroad programs by travelling alone by train through India
Nrityagram
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEThe Center for Nonprofit Communication: Graduate Assistant, August
2012-present
Drury University, Springfield, MO
Organizes events and assists in event planning for the CNC
Offers technology support for the CNC web site
Implements and sustains social media programs
Pastiche Home Décor: Sales Associate, Springfield, MO March 2007-February 2008
Worked independently to inspire customers to conceive their ideal living space
Interpreted customers’ needs while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere
Prepared sales documents and placed orders
The Secret Garden: Sales Associate, Springfield, MO February 2006-July 2006
Responded to needs of customers efficiently by offering innovative solutions
Resolved interpersonal communication issues between staff
Incorporated creative personal ideas into money-making business models by helping customers organize and design special occasions
COMMUNITY AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Grupo Latinoamericano: Principal Dancer 2009-Present
Indian Student Association: Member 2009-2012
American Indian Student Association: Secretary 2009-2010
AISA Sponsored Powwow: Volunteer 2009-2010
Ballroom World: Taught Flamenco Dance Course 2006
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Mexico
Central America
South America
Europe
India
Sri Lanka
Africa
REFERENCESDan Prater: Supervisor, Director ; The Center for Nonprofit CommunicationDrury University900 North BentonSpringfield, MO 65802Office: [email protected]
Susan Martindale: Academic AdvisorMissouri State UniversityThe Academic Advisement Center 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897Office: 417-836-5258 [email protected]
Miko McFarland: Study Abroad AdvisorMissouri State UniversityStudy Away Programs301 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806Office: [email protected]
Dr. Elizabeth Sobel: Professor of AnthropologyMissouri State UniversityDepartment of Sociology and Anthropology 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897Office: [email protected]