Students
TreManda Pewett: From Spelman to Taiwan, A Journey of Strength and Resilience
Persevering with Purpose: TreManda Pewett’s Academic and Creative Journey
“There’s no normal way to go to college.”
For TreManda Pewett, a student who began her Spelman journey in 2012 as a mathematics major and later returned to complete her degree in history, studying abroad in Taiwan was more than just an academic milestone — it was an act of healing, creativity, and strength.
“This trip is everything,” Pewett shared. “Spelman was not—and is not—an easy school to attend, and I knew that before applying. But studying abroad in Taiwan has been liberating. As a nontraditional student, I’ve realized there’s no ‘normal’ way to attend college. Everyone has their own struggles.”
Pewett's internship with the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF) allowed her to bridge both fields of study. Her foundation in mathematics directly informed her placement there, where she supported the Office of International Affairs with both research edits and creative contributions— designing original artwork for TABF’s LinkedIn campaigns.
Her artistic influence is familiar to many at Spelman: Pewett designed the official Research Day logo used from 2022 to 2024 and has created welcoming visuals for events such as Spelbound and Spelpreneur.
Without access to scholarship funding or institutional aid, Pewett has shouldered the full cost of her education — even selling her car to cover tuition. A traumatic brain injury sustained while biking added to the difficulty, yet she remained determined.
Though she’s earned over 120 credits, including research conducted at the University of Illinois and coursework completed at the University of Taiwan, she still has three classes left to graduate. Despite these hurdles, she sees her study abroad experience as a life-shaping chapter.
“Visiting, studying, and working in Taiwan will forever be a staple in my heart. In a world that breaks my heart daily, being able to experience a culture where care is sacred, magnified, and magnificent. I will hold every healing movement close and share every truth I’ve learned here for the rest of my life.”
While she doesn’t yet have a post-grad job offer, Pewett hopes that sharing her story might encourage others—and possibly open doors for future opportunities.