In May of 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Medicine, Nutrition Science and a minor in Chemistry. I have always been passionate about equality in education and healthcare. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have been involved in a number of organizations pertaining to these matters. Such as, mentoring and tutoring with W.H. Thompson Scholars, serving as Selections Chair for Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, being a Teaching Assistant and mentor for an Educational Psychology course at UNL and at Clinton Elementary School, serving as Fundraising Chair of Salvation Army Student Advisory Board, being an Education Question Student Ambassador, participating in W.H. Thompson Scholars Service-Learning Trip and volunteering with MEDLIFE in Lima, Peru. Additionally, I am a member of NU-Meds, Humanities in Medicine Club, and a two-time participant in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
My interest in applying for a Fulbright Scholarship began when a former W.H. Thompson Scholar and mentor, Nicole Searcey, who received a Fulbright Research Grant to Chile in 2012. When my junior year approached, I contacted Nicole and asked her how to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship. Nicole appointed me to Dr. Damuth, the Director of National and International Fellowships at UNL. Because of my interest in equality in education and healthcare, as well as my desire to travel to a rural community, I decided to apply for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Indonesia. After spending an entire year working on the most difficult application I have encountered yet, I submitted an application that, I feel, resembles my best work to date.
Thanks to the support I received from W.H. Thompson Scholars, the Fellowship Office, Nicole Searcey, and my friends, I will be spending the 2014-2015 academic year as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Indonesia.
My best piece of advice for W.H. Thompson Scholars wanting to pursue similar opportunities is to pursue your most venturesome dreams. Do not be afraid of rejection, but never underestimate yourself.