MESA, Ariz. -
A Mesa music teacher will get to do something pretty special and important, in terms of potentially helping children internationally.
She just received a grant to study music in Brazil. What she develops there will help children in Brazil as well as children around the world.
Music teacher Amy Swietlik has the opportunity of a lifetime.
"I am just really excited to pursue my passion for music education," she says.
Amy will leave her post at Booker T. Washington Elementary, where she teaches general music and band, for a 9-month Fulbright grant to study music in Brazil.
"I'm also hoping that I can do some internet online exchanges between the elementary school with schools here, see if I can foster some international communication with the kids."
Amy will work with a youth orchestra, a folk dance and art group, and a small group of people who built a recording studio to create music with a positive message.
She's looking forward to helping children in Brazil as well as expanding her own horizon.
"It's also a chance to experience the culture to get to know the people, to learn about Brazilian music which I love and to have a wonderful life experience."
To experience something entirely new.
The application process took 6 to 7 months. She leaves this month and returns in November.
Amy is hoping her research helps create music programs for children internationally.