13 earn Fulbright semifinalist status
Article By: Denise Ray
Thirteen students and alumni from the University of North Georgia (UNG) have been selected as semifinalists for the 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, a competitive fellowship.
Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of academic affairs and head of UNG's Nationally Competitive Scholarships office, expressed excitement for the achievements of the students.
"I’m thrilled by the hard work and dedication each of our applicants put in over the past year," Lin said. "Earning 13 semifinalist positions is a testament to our applicants’ academic preparation, global awareness, and tenacity."
The Fulbright program enables graduates to pursue research activities, become English Teaching Assistants, or enroll in graduate school in other countries. It is designed to increase mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and residents of more than 160 foreign countries, according to the Fulbright website.
UNG's 2023-24 semifinalists are Michelle Alvarado, Ashley Fish, Karen Garcia, Jenny Gault, Madeline Grasso, Anna Kubas, Phillip Ly, Norma Martinez, Morgan Mauldin, Grace Maurer, Evelyn Tello-Mendoza, Emelia Thompson, and a graduate whose name is being withheld. More details are available in a full listing.
The semifinalists were ecstatic to learn of their standing and hopeful for the experience.
"I was so excited and honored to be named a semifinalist, and it was very rewarding to see all the hard work I put in with my advisers come to fruition. Being one step closer to being a Fulbright recipient has allowed me to believe that my dream of traveling, teaching and living in a foreign country may very well become a reality," Kubas, a senior cadet pursuing degrees in psychology and modern languages with a Russian language and literature concentration who hopes to teach English in Kazakhstan, said. "Academically, Fulbright would enable me to continue improving my Russian proficiency and would be the beginning of a career in teaching a foreign language, something I am very passionate about."
Earning 13 semifinalist positions is a testament to our applicants’ academic preparation, global awareness, and tenacity.
Anastasia Lin
UNG assistant vice president of academic affairs and head of UNG Nationally Competitive Scholarship office
"I was elated to hear that I was a semifinalist and thought even if I don't make the finals, I am very grateful to have made it this far. Being fully immersed in South Korean culture and language will not only allow me to build my fluency but gain a deeper understanding of how culture can affect communication," she said.
Thompson plans to use her time abroad to be introspective and discover how South Korean culture is intertwined with communication, particularly how companies strengthen their communication techniques and interpersonal connections.
Garcia, like her peers, was grateful for UNG's support. A fall 2022 graduate with a degree in modern languages with a Spanish language and literature concentration, she hopes to teach English in South Korea.
"I am genuinely excited and honored to have made it to the semifinals. I'm so thankful to Dr. Jiyoung Daniel for encouraging me to apply and for Dr. Lin and Dr. Kathryn Quinto's help throughout the process," Garcia said. "With this opportunity, I will be able to utilize the skills and knowledge I gained from the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate program. Not only will I be able to gain experience teaching English as a second language, but I will also be able to experience another culture and expand my speaking skills."
Maurer, a spring 2022 graduate with a degree in biology, is seeking a Fiji Research Award grant. She was delighted with the news and appreciative of those who supported her.
"I am overjoyed to have come this far and for my support system that has gotten the project one step closer to fruition," Maurer said. "From everyone at the UNG biology department, the Nationally Competitive Scholarships team, my affiliations, and my family, I am grateful for all of the support."
Students interested in learning more about nationally competitive scholarships should contact ncs@ung.edu for more information.
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