Tyler Chappel, a GT Honors Program senior majoring in Psychology and taking pre-med curriculum, recently changed his mind, big-time.  Instead of medical school—a long-time goal of his—Tyler is applying to graduate study in sustainable development, all because of six weeks in Ghana. 

At great monetary expense to himself, he applied to do research with Global Brigade last summer, and discovered his calling.  He investigated why many medical efforts in developing countries are not sustainable, and came to realize the importance of collaborating with and supporting a government’s internal initiatives…sometimes.   “One of the main things I learned was how difficult it can be to provide sustainable fixes to problems. Solutions that work for one situation won't necessarily be a fix in every culture.” 

After completing graduate work—perhaps at the Graduate Institute of Geneva—Tyler hopes to serve as a leader in understanding and implementing truly long-term solutions for global development intransigencies.  As a result of his efforts, Tyler will be awarded the Liam's Legacy Memorial Grant on November 14th to carry on his work.