Keegan Farrington and Will O’Neil: Exploring Africa and Europe thanks to Boren Awards

From Latvia’s vibrant culture to Tanzania’s warm hospitality, University of Maine alumni Keegan Farrington ’20, ’24G and Will O’Neil ’20, ’24G, embraced the unique opportunity to spend a year abroad thanks to the immersive experience funded by Boren Awards.

The National Security Education Program’s Boren Awards provide U.S. undergraduate and graduate students funding to build critical language skills and gain international expertise through immersive experiences in regions vital to national security. In return, award recipients commit to at least one year of service in the federal government, applying their insights and skills to national service.

As Boren Fellows, Farrington and O’Neil chose to travel to Latvia and Tanzania, respectively. Their time abroad not only offered them a chance to strengthen their language skills, but also allowed them to forge connections that deepened their appreciation for other cultures. Whether building friendships through community involvement or spending time with a host family, both found that these experiences shaped them, personally and professionally.

Farrington travels to Latvia

Farrington, from Lincoln, Maine, initially attended UMaine for his undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. In 2021, he returned to pursue a master’s degree in global policy from the School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA), drawn to its security and foreign policy concentration.

Farrington says that UMaine has unlocked numerous opportunities for him. Through graduate assistantships, he gained valuable experience and funded his master’s degree. He attributes his success to mentors such as assistant professor Nicholas Micinski, whose exceptional feedback and advice on his writing greatly contributed to his success academically and professionally, and SPIA Executive Director Jim Settele, whose mentorship provided invaluable guidance, networking connections and inspiration.

SPIA funding enabled him to intern at a Washington D.C. think tank, while guidance from the Office of Major Scholarships (OMS) secured the prestigious Boren Fellowship that allowed him to immerse himself in Latvia, achieving his dream of living in Europe.

“Beyond just the Boren application, OMS made me a better professional writer, preparing me for crafting future applications and similar written pieces,” he said.

Preparing to travel to Latvia was stressful for Farrington, who had yet to spend a significant amount of time abroad. However, his Washington D.C. internship taught him to trust his adaptability. Upon arrival, he discovered Latvia’s vibrant culture — rich in dance, song and festivals — shared surprising similarities with his own.

“Just because we are from vastly different geographical areas, speak a different language, live different lives, does not mean we are all aliens to each other,” he said. “We are more alike than different.”

A highlight of Farrington’s time in Latvia was volunteering at a speaking club for Ukrainian refugees, where he helped participants practice their English language skills. In return, many graciously practiced Russian with him after meetings, sharing stories and forming lasting friendships.

Farrington describes his experience in Latvia in one word: phenomenal. 

“If I could leave today to do it again I would,” he said. “At times it was a lot, and seemed overwhelming, but I never once doubted the path that took me there. It is an absolute must do for anyone that is presented with the opportunity. 

O’Neil travels to Tanzania

O’Neil, from Orono, Maine, transferred to UMaine as an undergraduate student and later chose to pursue a graduate degree here. Like Farrington, O’Neil pursued a master’s in global policy through the SPIA.

“Unlike many of the other schools I considered for both my undergraduate and graduate careers, UMaine provided me a unique space to pursue all my varied educational interests while encouraging me to draw connections between the learning I engaged in across different colleges and programs,” he said.

O’Neil credits his academic success to mentors across various departments, including Settele, Maine Business School and SPIA instructor William Farrell, libra professor of international relations Seth Singleton, professor of political science Richard Powell, adjunct lecturer in leadership studies Peter Madigan, senior lecturer in leadership studies and public service Ryan LaRochelle, associate professor Emily Haigh, associate professor of political science and honors Rob Glover, Department of Political Science Chair Mark Brewer and Honors College Associate Dean Melissa Ladenheim. One mentor, Kenneth Hillas, adjunct professor of international affairs, had a particularly profound impact.

“I was grateful for how he pushed me intellectually, challenging me and my classmates to communicate more clearly while thinking in more critical, nuanced ways about politics, culture, identity and history,” he said.

As a Boren Fellow, O’Neil took part in the African Flagship Language Initiative, which required two months of intensive language and cultural study at the University of Florida, equivalent to a full academic year of coursework.

Following his rigorous preparation, O’Neil traveled to Tanzania, where he immersed himself in the Swahili language and was welcomed into the home of his host family. Over the course of four months, he spent time cooking with his host mother, playing and studying with his younger host siblings, visiting their extended family and sharing stories about their homes, communities and experiences.

“It was amazing to have such an intimate and personal window into the authentic, everyday life of a family living in Tanzania,” he said.

Building on his transformative experience in Tanzania, O’Neil’s academic foundation at UMaine proved instrumental in shaping his professional path.

“My time at UMaine helped me develop what I feel is a really valuable ability to view issues from several different disciplinary lenses and perspectives at once,” said O’Neil. “The difference this interdisciplinary training has made in my life has been significant, not only helping me to receive the Boren Fellowship that sent me to Tanzania over the past year, but also something that helped set me apart from other recent graduates trying to enter the workforce.”

Following his experience abroad, O’Neil is working toward fulfilling his service requirement as a federal contractor at IBM. Inspired by Tanzanian culture’s emphasis on community and respect, he plans to integrate these values into his work and daily life.

Apply for a Boren Award

The application for the Boren Awards is now open. You can find out more about the awards at borenawards.org. 

On Oct. 31, Sarah Chow, IIE Boren awards program specialist on application and selection, will visit UMaine. OMS will be hosting a Boren Information Session held by Chow from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in Room 300 of the Memorial Union’s Career Center. Students can register here and also set up a 15-minute meeting with Chow on Oct. 31 by emailing nives.dalbowheeler@maine.edu. 

Contact: Samantha Perry, samantha.j.perry@maine.edu