Skye Cronje
Stetson University
Skye Cronje, a junior World Languages and Cultures major at Stetson University, is a student leader active in addressing issues of human rights related to immigration. As an Immigration Support intern with Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Florida, Skye’s responsibilities include researching immigration policies and requirements, representing Hope at meetings and trainings, identifying community assets across central Florida to share with Hope’s clients, and supporting the Adelante Caminantes program for unaccompanied minors. Skye shares that “Hope CommUnity Center is where I found my true passions and what I want to do as a future career, [doing] nonprofit work that helps immigrants and refugees – including those by the U.S.-Mexico border.” After graduating, Skye intends to complete a term of service with the Peace Corps or Fulbright Program, then pursue opportunities as a translator in Spanish-speaking, Arabic-speaking, or indigenous communities, with a focus on community development and human rights advocacy.
Personal Statement
My academic studies, career goals, and community engagement are all intertwined. I study World Languages and Cultures on a Translator Track with Spanish Primary and Arabic Secondary with a triple minor in Latin American and Latino Studies, International Studies, and the Certificate of Community Engagement. Apart from academics, I intern at the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, FL, which is an organization that helps undocumented immigrants in Central Florida, which ties in with my language and cultural studies. Because I speak Spanish and enjoy learning different languages, I can communicate with many of the people within these communities. At Hope, I intern with the Immigration team, where I provide direct client support, research immigration policies and processes to educate the community, and assist in preparation and registration for Adelante Caminantes – their program for unaccompanied minors. My internship has provided me with an insight into my passions and my career aspirations: immigrant and refugee rights, advocacy, and language access for underserved communities. In the future, I aspire to do nonprofit work that helps immigrants and refugees – including those by the U.S.-Mexico border.
