Charleston native De’ja Walker has embarked on an exciting journey abroad during her final semester at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Graduating a semester early, Walker is completing her bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biochemistry, along with a minor in Chemistry.
As part of her academic experience, she is spending two weeks in Ireland studying the intersection of crime and politics.
For Walker, the opportunity to study abroad is the realization of a long-held dream.
“I have always loved traveling, partly because of the experience of meeting new people and learning about their history,” Walker said recently. “Getting the opportunity to travel to Ireland is such a blessing for me because I’ve always wanted to study abroad.”
She believes that immersing herself in a new environment will strengthen her independence and global perspective. “Navigating unfamiliar settings builds self-reliance and confidence. Exposure to different cultures, languages and ways of life leads to a more advanced understanding of the world and its diverse populations,” she shared. “Adapting to new situations, facing unexpected challenges and overcoming communication barriers will enhance my skills and enrich my overall experience.”
Grateful for all of the encouragement and the support she has received, Walker added, “I am so thankful for my parents who have supported me throughout this journey.”
De’ja, a 2022 graduate of Charleston High School, where she was president of the senior class, is the daughter of Dexter and Elaine Walker of Charleston and the granddaughter of Fannie Dunn and Dorothy Norman.
