Sarah Forrest

Sarah plans to explore foods across different countries and the role of food within cultures and religions. Through her travels, she hopes to develop more globalized—and less western-centered—knowledge and beliefs surrounding food, nutrition, and health. Specifically, she aims to explore multicultural perspectives and approaches to understanding and attaining health in different regions of the world. After completing her travels and working for a few years, Sarah plans to earn a master’s degree in Public Health and pursue a career in the global health field. Sarah hopes to travel to Brazil, Peru, Chile, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China.

Alumni Reflections

What is a favorite memory from your Bonderman?

“One of my favorite Bonderman experiences was the day before my trip came to an unexpected end due to COVID-19 in March 2020. I met a rickshaw driver in India’s Thar Desert named Salim. After a ride from the airport turned into a day tour of the city with Salim as a local guide, he invited me to stay with his family. Over a homemade meal, we connected through shared smiles, a back-and-forth of laughter, photo sharing, and miming of stories. I was floored by the universality of human connection and the power of travel to bridge cultural gaps, thousands of miles from home and with very few words exchanged. This fellowship has left an indelible mark on my life, enriching it with a deep appreciation for humanity and the diversity of our world.”

What are you doing now?

“I just finished my Master of Public Health at Columbia and am beginning my new job working as a Health Scientist at the CDC next month! Every place I visited during my fellowship deepened my understanding of global interconnectedness and strengthened my commitment to serving diverse communities through culturally informed public health care.”

What would you like future Bonderman Fellows to know?

“To future Bonderman fellows, I would want them to know that this incredible opportunity has expanded my horizons, cultivated my sense of empathy, and forever changed the way I view the world. It’s a journey of self-discovery and independence, and a chance to engage with people and places in a profoundly meaningful way.”