Empowering Change: How Panthers Make a Difference Through the Fulbright Program

The Power of Music in Cultural Exchange

Jamie Ousley sees music as a global language. He’s an associate professor of music and leads jazz performance at FIU. In 2023, he journeyed to Costa Rica on a Fulbright Specialist award. There, he spent valuable weeks at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNCR).

At UNCR, Ousley helped create a curriculum for a new master’s degree in jazz studies. His students were eager learners but lacked American jazz mentors, which made Ousley’s guidance even more impactful. They were not just learning music; they were connecting with its cultural roots.

While in Costa Rica, Ousley joined international artists to record an album. This collaboration resulted in a nomination for the 2024 Latin Grammys.

“Being nominated was thrilling,” Ousley shared. “The ceremony was finally in Miami after years away. The red carpet experience was exhilarating, and the music itself is fantastic.”

However, for Ousley, the real achievement lies beyond the awards. He emphasizes that the students he mentored are becoming jazz educators throughout Central America. Many hail from Panama and Costa Rica, eager to spread jazz education in their communities.

“Cultural diplomacy is vital,” Ousley reflects. “Music fosters human relationships. It’s easy to forget our shared humanity when thinking about distant places. The Fulbright program is a bridge, connecting people from diverse backgrounds.”

Ousley’s journey highlights how music can unite cultures. According to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center, 53% of Americans believe that arts programs foster understanding among different cultures. Ousley is a living testament to this belief, showing that music education can create ripples of change that extend far beyond borders.

By mentoring future educators, Ousley ensures that the legacy of jazz continues. His work illustrates how one person, through music, can influence an entire region and promote cultural understanding.

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