MACON — During her short lifetime, Mercer University graduate Aqeela Datoo has made her home on three continents, so it comes as no surprise that she has chosen to continue her education overseas. She will journey to England this fall to work towards a master of science in educational studies degree at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University.
Datoo wants to make an impact on the world education system, and will be studying comparative and international education to learn how. The program prepares students to analyze education systems of industrialized and developing countries and become familiar with the work of the various non-governmental agencies that are concerned with educational planning, research and development.
“My dream is to work for a non-governmental organization that assists in setting up schools in developing countries and helps build curriculums that will heal their children,” Datoo said. “I feel every child has the right to be educated and it is a shame that in some countries they get caught in the power struggle that the elders and leaders of our world partake in. It is my goal to give these children back their future.”
Born in India, Datoo was raised in England before moving back to India at age 10. Her father died soon after this relocation and her mother, Reshma, worked hard managing a beauty salon to support the family. Despite these hardships, her mother was able to save enough money to move the family to America five years later. They eventually settled in Stone Mountain, where Datoo graduated from Parkview High School.
When it came time to choose a college, Datoo was not sold on attending Mercer until she visited the campus. “I was hooked,” she said. “Not only was the Holistic Child program exceptional, I found that the education professors were extremely compassionate and dedicated.”
Datoo graduated summa cum laude from Mercer University’s Tift College of Education on Saturday, May 12. She earned a bachelor of science in education degree after completing the innovative Holistic Child program, which provides dual certification in early childhood and special education. The program provides for seven field experiences over four years, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact on their schools and in the classroom.
About Mercer University:
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University has 7,300 students; 11 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing and continuing and professional studies; major campuses in Macon and Atlanta; four regional academic centers across the state; a university press; two teaching hospitals — Memorial Health University Medical Center and the Medical Center of Central Georgia; educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta; an engineering research center in Warner Robins; a performing arts center in Macon; and a NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit www.mercer.edu.
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