Joseph Ambrosino, a junior majoring in political science and history at the University of South Florida (USF), was selected as one of three recipients to participate in the 2023 University of Bristol Black Humanities Summer Institute Program as part of the Fulbright UK Summer Institute Program. Through this program, Joseph grew to embrace his lived experience and deepen his understanding of his special interests in Black history, marginalized communities, and mental well-being.
During the three weeks, the Black Humanities Summer Institute Program engages participants with the literature, history, and culture of Bristol, United Kingdom, a city purposely chosen due to its deep connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and colonial history. In Bristol, the program gives scholars the opportunity to explore the deep cultural record that lays the foundation for broader global dialogues around the theme of race and the humanities.
Joseph was intrigued by the opportunity to explore the more controversial parts of history and the city itself. Seeing artifacts in person, such as the remains of the Edward Colston statue, which was tossed into the ocean in 2020 due to its connection to slavery, and reflecting on their relationship to the current day, gave Joseph a deeper appreciation for the Caribbean history and culture tied to the U.K. and his own experience as a person with a multicultural family background.
According to Joseph, because he grew up in a home with both Jamaican and American heritage, he didn’t feel like he truly belonged to either community. Through his reflective experience, he grew to understand more about himself and the insecurities he experienced throughout his childhood.
“It made me feel like I’m missing out. And that I need to tap into that side of my family,” Joseph said. “I started speaking to my grandmother more and ultimately having more confidence in myself.”
What impressed Joseph about the program was its dedication to the experience of learning through seeing and doing. He enjoyed the opportunity to tour different museums and historical sites, which opened his eyes to the importance of experiential learning.
The opportunity to travel and witness the remnants of past historical events and re-examine their meaning to Black history further inspired Joseph to interrogate how societies use public spaces to communicates events of historical significance.
Joseph hopes to continue expanding his perspective further with study abroad opportunities like the Frederick Douglass Fellowship, which pays tribute to Frederick Douglass’ transformative experience visiting Ireland more than 175 years ago. Sponsored by the Government of Ireland, the program is committed to enhancing social justice and peace building through experiential learning. Another potential opportunity Joseph is considering is attending graduate school in the U.K. through a fellowship after graduation.
Joseph is grateful to Office of National Scholars (ONS) advisors Dr. Sayandeb Basu and Lauren Chambers for their mentorship throughout the Summer Institute Program application process. From exploring his academic narrative, to forming the first drafts of his personal statement and preparing to interview, ONS was there to assist him every step of the way.
“From the big picture down to smaller details, they really helped me throughout the preparation process, and I’m incredibly thankful for that,” said Joseph.
Wherever the next destination, Joseph knows he will keep an open mind and appreciate the opportunities that come his way.