>> Welcome to Aspiration, a podcast series from the Indiana University Foundation. Aspiration highlights just a few Indiana University students from both undergraduate and graduate programs across the state. Each featured student benefits from the generosity of donors. IU's loyal alumni and friends whose support makes today's dreams and aspirations become reality in tomorrow's world. Since 1990, the Herman B. Wells Scholars Programs has recognized 340 stellar high school students who come to IU to begin shaping dreams that will set the course of their lives and whose ambitions will better our world. Here's the story of one such beginning. 

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>> Caitlin Dugdale, a 21 year old senior at Indiana University, Bloomington, dreams of living a life worth writing about. The Indianapolis born Tae Kwon Do black belt has fused three majors into an education that is fueling her ambitions. Biology and French will allow her to become a doctor who will tackle the AIDS academic in Africa. And English, that's to help her write her autobiography one day. Caitlin's story begins with a dream. 

>> There was a child walking out of a field. She came up to me and took me by the hand. At first, she didn't say anything. She just led me over into a hut. Inside there was a child from every country in the world. My guide said, "This is where you belong." Then I woke up. I was just a little kid when this happened, but I really felt it was a calling. Not long after that when people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said I wanted to be a doctor. 

>> In the 8th grade Caitlin's French teacher added clarity to that dream and introduced her to Doctors without Borders. 

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>> It was started by a group of French physicians, and my teacher said I should do a report on it. When I did, this bell went off in my head. I was just set and I just knew this is what I wanted to do all along. I graduated as valedictorian of my high school, and I came to Indiana University. Bloomington is an international campus, not only because of the diverse student body here, but we also have so many local initiatives that have a global effect. And there are an enormous number of resources for students with a desire to explore the world. 

>> One of those resources was the Wells Scholars Program, Indiana University's most prestigious merit based scholarship, named after the late IU president Herman B. Wells. As an incoming freshman in 2003, Caitlin was one of 18 students chosen for the honor. 

>> The Wells Scholars Program funded my first service trip to India. I also went to Honduras with the Timmy Foundation, an international medical service group that I joined here on campus. We provided medical supplies to people who at the very best see a doctor once a year. I don't just want to help others, I need to help others. It's a part of who I am, and I think we're entering in an age where we are a global community. Community service means more than just reaching out to folks across the street. It also means reaching out to folks around the world. In my lifetime I want to spread that kind of passion for both local and international community service. I want to spread that kind of infectious volunteerism. 

>> Thanks for listening to this Indiana University Foundation Podcast. Next month we'll introduce you to another student who exemplifies the rich diversity and great aspirations that exist across all IU campuses. If you'd like to learn more about how private support helps Indiana University every day, please visit us at iufoundation.iu.edu. 

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==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====