Intern Spotlight: Lynnette Lomoki Kitcher

This is the first of two spotlights on our fall 2018 student interns.  Learning Life’s students this fall are assisting with curriculum development, research, and youth international learning activities as part of our Citizen Diplomacy Initiative (CDI).  Lynnette Lomoki Kitcher, interviewed below, is helping with youth activities, gathering readings for mentors, researching storytelling’s impact, and more.

Lynnette KitcherWhere were you born and raised?

I was born in Washington, DC but raised in Woodbridge, Virginia. My parents were both born and raised in Ghana, located in West Africa. My mother came to the United States 27 years ago before my older brother was born. My father has worked for the United Nations overseas his entire life so he comes to visit us 1-2 times every year if he is given the opportunity. I am blessed to say that being born and raised in the United States and growing up in a Ghanaian household has exposed me to two different cultures that I can eventually pass on to future generations.

What school do you attend, and what is your year and major there?

I am a graduating senior at Howard University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration. When I started back in August 2013, I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do.  As time progressed though, I developed an interest in both business and political science, and thought to myself, “why not do both?”

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to travel. I believe that there is so much out there in the world to explore and learn.  In the United States, I’ve been to Florida, California, New York, Texas, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and North and South Carolina.  Outside the USA, I’ve been to Ghana, Jamaica, St. Maarten, and the Cayman Islands.  Also, I am big on family, so I tend to spend a lot of time with my mother, brother, and my father when he’s home.

Is there a life experience you have had that has particularly shaped you thus far?  If so, what is it, and how has it shaped you?

A life experience that has shaped me was when I visited Ghana for the very first time at 8 years old. I watched how kids my age (at the time) and younger were walking around with no shoes, clothes, and/or food, seeking help in the village areas. It made me appreciate life and everything that I have been given. My parents had to work extremely hard to get to where they are today and without their strength and courage, I would not be the person that I am today. This motivated me to work hard in school so that I can develop a great career and be able to take care of my parents one day.

What are your career plans?

Upon graduation this December, I plan to go to law school for international law in the fall of next year. With that, I want to establish my own law firm and develop different strategies to help protect the safety and human rights of individuals across the world.

Why did you choose to intern with Learning Life?

I chose to intern with Learning Life because I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.  Learning Life focuses on connecting families and teaching them about different cultures across the globe, so it correlates with my career plans.

What is the most beautiful place you have seen on Earth, and why is it so beautiful?

The most beautiful place that I have seen on Earth is the small country of St. Maarten in the Caribbean Sea.  This island country is filled with warm, welcoming and beautiful people.  That welcoming atmosphere gave me that sense of home.  The beaches were amazing: the water was clear as day, the sand was white with lots of seashells, and the breeze was light and warm.  The food and music were amazing.  I loved the spiciness of their food as well as their fried plantains and sweet potato fries.  It was a great experience that I would do again!