As I start the process of reflecting on the Fulbright process, I want to remind myself of the components of reflection that I'm currently teaching in Gateway (find more about my co-teaching XP here!)
what (is the fulbright)?
According to the Fulbright website, "U.S. Student Program funds American citizens to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad."
I specifically am applying to a program in the UK and the Fulbright UK commission states, "We advance knowledge, promote civic engagement and develop compassionate leaders through education exchange between the peoples of the US and the UK.
Those buzzwords might provide some insight on what opportunities these institutions provide, but the options for applying to a Fulbright are very vast. The two main types of this award is the English Teaching Award (ETA) and the study/research award.
I specifically am applying to a program in the UK and the Fulbright UK commission states, "We advance knowledge, promote civic engagement and develop compassionate leaders through education exchange between the peoples of the US and the UK.
Those buzzwords might provide some insight on what opportunities these institutions provide, but the options for applying to a Fulbright are very vast. The two main types of this award is the English Teaching Award (ETA) and the study/research award.
I'm currently in the process of applying to an Open/Research Study award to the University of Edinburgh for a masters degree in Science communication!
My goals for the Fulbright
When I began this process
“I think the Goldwater has definitely changed the way I view these awards. I no longer do them for the sake of ‘winning’ because I cannot/should not/will never place any of my own worth in them? I think that they’re cool things to apply for and wonderful if I do get it but they will never reflection my whole capacity to learn, to achieve, to be kind and human. I don’t think any application will ever reflect that. Instead, I turn to the annoying quote from the office, that once frequented the Instagram bios of many white boys of the age of 14: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” by Wayne Gretsky I believe. I do not quote this in affirmation of the hockey player of The Office. The point is, that I will keep trying. There’s no way I will ever win anything if I don’t apply because I fear losing.
My largest goal for this application was to figure out post-grad options, and honestly, I’ve accomplished that. In addition, it’s going to give me more material to use to apply to schools, and I can’t ask for much more.
The last thing I want to write about is how excited I am to learn about what other people are doing for their Fulbright and form relationships that I would not have normally.”
My largest goal for this application was to figure out post-grad options, and honestly, I’ve accomplished that. In addition, it’s going to give me more material to use to apply to schools, and I can’t ask for much more.
The last thing I want to write about is how excited I am to learn about what other people are doing for their Fulbright and form relationships that I would not have normally.”
so what?
My motivation to complete this masters degree arises for my love of science and people. I love sharing the things I care deeply about, and to me science communication is at that intersection. I love asking questions about the way we (and the public) interact with science and institutions of research. The decisions that people make in these widely inaccessible spaces of power have real-life implications on the lives of so many. Is it too much to believe that appreciating the curious nature of science should be for everyone? To allow people to make fully informed decisions to lead healthy lives?
now what?
Now that I've applied to the arduous and exhausting task of applying to the Fulbright, I now have to actually apply to the graduate school I want to go to. While I wait to formally learn about science communication, I have joined UC's Center for Public Engagement with Science. In my brief time with this insanely cool organization housed in the philosophy department, I've had the opportunity to listen and learn from so many cool scientists working in to engage the community in various aspects of science.