Two alumnae named finalists for Pickering Fellowship

Melissa Silva, '19, and Katherine Torres, '21, each won two of the most prestigious national scholarships as students at the University of North Georgia (UNG). They hope to add a third one, but as young alumnae this time.

Silva and Torres are finalists for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the fellowship attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers.

"This marks the first time UNG students have secured two finalist spots for the highly competitive scholarship," Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of research and engagement, said. "I think these students have strong chances because both of these young women have taken advantage of opportunities at UNG and beyond to enhance their public diplomacy skills."

If chosen, Pickering fellows receive up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period to complete a master's degree program and participate in two summer internships designed to support them in becoming excellent Foreign Service Officers. Successful applicants agree to work with the Department of State's Foreign Service for a minimum of five years.

While Torres pursued a degree in political science with the plan to enter law school, her decision changed after participating in the Cox-State Diplomacy Seminar. There she met members of the State Department and current Foreign Service Officers as well as partook in simulations.

"After the Cox-State Seminar simulations, I recognized that I obtained the skills and interests necessary to embrace the Consular Officer role and would be interested in seeking a permanent position within the Department of State," Torres said. "Foreign Service intersects with my personal and professional interests in international relations, public service and cultural exchange."

She expressed those sentiments in her application essays, while Silva stressed her commitment to serving communities. It worked as both were selected as finalists.

Last year, 90 were chosen as finalists out of 1,300 applicants. In 2020, Silva was a finalist and Torres was an alternate.

"That equals a 7% chance of being interviewed," Lin said, adding both alumnae will be interviewed later in November. "Of those 90 finalists, 45 will be awarded the fellowship."

Silva likes her chances, especially since she was named a finalist for the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program, which is similar to the Pickering Fellowship.

Silva acknowledges a profession in the Foreign Service didn't occur to her until her U.S. Fulbright Program experience in 2019-20. Silva earned a degree in modern languages with a Spanish language and literature concentration with the prospect of becoming a teacher. But her overseas experience changed her trajectory.

"Ever since I served as an English teaching assistant in the Kyrgyz Republic, I fell in love with living and serving communities abroad," she said. "The Pickering Fellowship ultimately guides and aids students toward the Foreign Service."

Now, both women aim to have that chance. Lin believes both will rise to the occasion.

"Both of these women won the Fulbright. Both have won the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship," she said. "And both have demonstrated exceptional resilience by applying for the Pickering again."