Maya McDermott '26 Earns Fulbright to Argentina</h1> <article> <h1>Maya McDermott '26 Earns Fulbright to Argentina</h1> <p>dfrezza — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:21:35 +0000</p> <span>Maya McDermott '26 Earns Fulbright to Argentina</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-28T15:21:35-04:00" title="Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 15:21">Thu, 05/28/2026 - 15:21</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most with your Fulbright? </strong><br>I spent a semester studying abroad in Buenos Aires in the spring of 2025, and absolutely fell in love with the capital city and the country as a whole. I’m thrilled to return to Argentina and potentially experience living in a different part of the country. </p><p>I’m also looking forward to getting to know my students and further immersing myself in Argentine culture. I studied Spanish throughout my entire time at ��سԹ�, so I’m excited to continue to improve my Spanish-speaking skills and live again in a country I’ve come to embrace and deeply appreciate.</p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong><br>My time at ��سԹ� completely informed my decision to pursue a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b8a20a4f-3b1b-4ee9-8d92-315bcfa3703a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="��سԹ� Celebrates This Year’s Fulbright Winners">Fulbright,</a> particularly my experience in the SITES program. I learned about SITES through the Hispanic Studies department. While I had little to no teaching experience prior to starting the program, I was interested in working with children and thought it would be an interesting way to practice Spanish outside of the classroom. In SITES, I gained the pedagogical skills to teach to a variety of different ages, as well as learned the challenges and rewards of being an educator. I’ve also worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for HISP 101 and 102 classes in the college. Through this experience, I’ve discovered how much I enjoy working with college students, which is especially exciting as I prepare to do just that during my Fulbright in Argentina.</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong><br>While I’m not fully settled on my post-college career path, I’m interested in potentially attending graduate school for public policy with a focus in educational policy. With Fulbright, I hope to deepen my understanding of how a different country approaches issues such as education, governance, and social equity. This experience will allow me to bring to a future role a more global and inclusive approach to policy analysis and development. </p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received from your ��سԹ� faculty mentor?</strong><br>During my first semester in SITES, I was overcomplicating my lessons to compensate for the anxiety I felt about not being qualified enough to take on this new role. When I expressed this to Professor <a href="/kim-faber" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3bf3f95e-4137-447b-bead-d8b75fce5941" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Kim Faber">Kim Faber</a>, the founder and head of the SITES program, she reassured me it was okay to feel nervous and trial and error was all part of the process. Through this conversation, I realized my biggest obstacle to becoming a confident teacher wasn’t a lack of qualifications, but self-doubt. <br><br>This moment speaks to the solid and unwavering support I’ve received from professors and mentors throughout my time at ��سԹ� to pursue all of my interests, often in spite of initial hesitation. Later on, when I was first considering applying for a Fulbright, the award’s prestige was intimidating. My friends, family, and several of my professors encouraged me to apply, even when I questioned whether I was qualified for such a competitive opportunity. I’m so grateful for the community at ��سԹ� that has consistently encouraged me to pursue opportunities that genuinely excite me.</p><hr><p><em>If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with </em><a href="/node/4526"><em>Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.</em></p><p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The English and politics double major will work as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at a teacher-training institution. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-29T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Maya McDermott '26 has earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Argentina for the 2026-2027 academic year. At ��سԹ�, the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/english" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1407c1dc-ec04-4a04-bf44-267ef8c9c4e1" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="English">English</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="40fd290a-5375-4595-9b23-da92a8bf29d7" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Politics">politics</a> double major took part of the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/sites" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f836a21e-8e31-4d3a-b4df-16641967c0fd" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Spanish in the Elementary Schools">Spanish in the Elementary Schools</a> (SITES) program, where she taught Spanish to students in various grade levels at ��سԹ� Elementary School, as well as preschoolers at the Kendal Early Learning Center. McDermott also worked as a tutor for elementary Spanish courses and taught a baking class called SweetsCo through the ��سԹ� Experimental College.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/english" hreflang="und">English</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tommy Chen</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Momo Song Suzuki ’20 Earns Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship</h1> <p>azaleski — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:35:01 +0000</p> <span>Momo Song Suzuki ’20 Earns Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-28T14:35:01-04:00" title="Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 14:35">Thu, 05/28/2026 - 14:35</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Momo Song Suzuki ’20 has earned a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners">Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA)</a> to Taiwan for the 2026-2027 academic year. The comparative literature and musical studies major will be living and co-teaching English in Hualien, “a city nestled on the east side between the mountain range and the ocean,” they say. “Hualien is known for its natural beauty, so I’m excited to spend a lot of time outside, to go hiking and climbing, and to learn about the local ecology, especially from my students.” <br><br>While at ��سԹ�, Song Suzuki was a radio host on WOBC, a docent at the Allen Memorial Art Museum and member of OSCA in the Pyle Co-op. They were also a writing associate and program note writer at the Cleveland Chamber Choir and participated in orchestra and chamber music ensembles through the conservatory. Song Suzuki also taught in music classes at Prospect Elementary, and facilitated gamelan ensemble for kids from the Lorain City Salvation Army.</p><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most next year?</strong><br>I’m looking forward most to getting to know my students and to being a part of the community in many ways. I want to volunteer on farms and learn ancestral agricultural practices, talk to elders at farmers markets, and learn more about regional cooking. <br><br><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright? </strong><br>At ��سԹ�, getting a Fulbright is made out to be a commonplace thing; it feels like everyone does it. That certainly made it more approachable. But more broadly, the general culture and the professors really support exploration, whether that’s tumbling down a rabbit hole about a certain niche in literature, or learning a new language. I felt supported in my intellectual curiosities and pursuits, and ��سԹ� also gave me the opportunities to ground this in community work. </p><p>Whether working at the Allen, running a music afterschool program at the Salvation Army or teaching at Prospect Elementary, I had so many opportunities to share what I was passionate about, and use my studies to brighten other peoples’ lives as well. </p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong><br>I just completed my master’s degree in special education with an endorsement in multilingual education. My goal is to eventually return to Seattle and be a special ed co-teacher in an inclusion model context; I would be the teacher focused on altering the instructional environment to meet all students’ needs.</p><p>Doing this Fulbright gives me the unique opportunity to teach beginner-level English. Thinking about how to effectively (and enjoyably) teach foundations like grammar and phonics will prepare me well for integrating these strategies into the American high school classroom context. </p><p>This is important to me because I work with students whose educational needs may not have been met; for example, these students may have reached high school with spotty reading skills. I want to be able to serve newcomer migrant and immigrant students. This is not training that’s readily available in the U.S., so I’m delighted by the opportunity to practice in Taiwan, all while being a beginner-level language learner myself in mandarin.</p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received from your ��سԹ� faculty mentors?</strong><br>I can’t think of one piece of advice, but overall, my ��سԹ� professors supported me so much by celebrating who I am and honoring my whole humanity, not just my skills as a student. </p><p>The late Professor of Comparative Literature and English Jed Deppman spent extra hours with me nerding out about interarts connections and translation, and gave space in class to pursue passion projects. He showed me that it’s worth pursuing what I’m interested in and encouraged me to see that I have a voice to share. </p><p>Other professors, like <a href="/jennifer-fraser">Jennifer Fraser</a>, let me cry in their office and supported me on a personal level, sharing their own difficult experiences so that I wouldn’t feel alone. I’m so grateful that Jennifer regularly reminded me to take care of myself, vent, laugh, and keep moving forward. </p><p>Professor of Musicology <a href="/charles-mcguire">Charles McGuire</a> was adamant about believing in my intelligence when my self-perception was clouded by imposter syndrome. He leveraged his position in the academy to hold the gate open and enthusiastically usher me in. </p><p>I was also lucky to have a private viola teacher, <a href="/peter-slowik">Peter Slowik</a>, in the conservatory. I think of him often when I’m working on individualizing instruction for my students, as he’s such a problem solver. Getting to have one-on-one time with professors like him, and in office hours, has truly inspired me to be a thoughtful one-on-one support for students. </p><p>I also think that the small, discussion-style classes at ��سԹ� prepared me to be a good discussion facilitator. <a href="/laurie-mcmillin">Laurie McMillin</a> especially held space for vulnerable group conversations connecting the personal with the academic; holding space like that is so much more than just an intellectual skill. She showed me how to bring in your heart and warmth into the classroom to create a safe learning environment for students. Asking probing questions while following students’ leads is my favorite part of teaching high school, and professors like Jed, Laurie, and Jennifer showed me how to be demanding and genuinely excited to hear students’ ideas. </p><p>Former fellowships director Nick Petzak once gave my class the advice that “people who win Fulbrights aren’t just interested in making their own projects better. They’re invested in improving everyone else' s projects along the way.” This really stuck with me and is an ethos I saw across ��سԹ�. It helped me to anchor my work in not just individual success, but in rising all tides. </p><hr><p><em>If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with </em><a href="/node/4526"><em>Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The comparative literature and musical studies major will be living and co-teaching English in Hualien, Taiwan.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-28T12:00:00Z">Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25316">Comparative Literature</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-literature" hreflang="und">Comparative Literature</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Emerson Ford</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Derya Taspinar '25 Earns Fulbright to Spain</h1> <p>dfrezza — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:50:23 +0000</p> <span>Derya Taspinar '25 Earns Fulbright to Spain</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-20T14:50:23-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 14:50">Wed, 05/20/2026 - 14:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Share with us what you will be doing next year in Spain.</strong><br>From September 2026 to June 2027, I’ll be in Galicia, Spain, as a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b8a20a4f-3b1b-4ee9-8d92-315bcfa3703a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="��سԹ� Celebrates This Year’s Fulbright Winners">Fulbright </a>English Teaching Assistant (ETA). I’m really excited to be working in a plurilingual school, where I’ll collaborate with teachers and support students as they learn English. Beyond the classroom, I’ll also be involved in a couple of community projects, giving me the chance to connect more deeply with the local community and take part in cultural and language exchange outside the classroom.</p><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most?</strong><br>I’m really excited about the whole experience! I can’t wait to live and work in a region of Spain I’ve never been to, and be immersed in its history and culture. I’m also really looking forward to meeting new people, learning from different perspectives, and growing from those experiences. At the same time, I’m excited to share what I know - helping others learn English and improving my Spanish along the way. Being able to learn and give back at the same time is what makes this feel especially meaningful to me.</p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong><br>��سԹ� played a huge role in shaping my decision to pursue Fulbright. I always knew I loved traveling and connecting with people from different cultures. Through my psychology courses, and my own experience being bilingual in English and Turkish, I already understood how important language learning can be. It wasn’t until I took Language Pedagogy 301 with Professor <a href="/kim-faber" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3bf3f95e-4137-447b-bead-d8b75fce5941" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Kim Faber">Kim Faber</a> that everything really came together.</p><p>Through that class, I joined <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/sites" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f836a21e-8e31-4d3a-b4df-16641967c0fd" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Spanish in the Elementary Schools">SITES</a> and taught Spanish to kindergarten and first-grade students twice a week. Seeing how quickly they picked up the language was so rewarding. I also learned about the cognitive benefits of language learning at a young age, such as improved executive functioning and greater empathy for people from different backgrounds. While I had done some English tutoring in Spain before, it was through SITES that I learned concrete teaching strategies that motivated students while staying in the target language. That experience really solidified my interest in language education and cross-cultural exchange, and it’s what ultimately inspired me to apply for Fulbright.</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals?</strong><br>Being a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant is an incredible and meaningful opportunity for me right now. This experience will allow me to work closely with youth in multicultural and multilingual settings while developing skills that are essential to my future work in psychology. Teaching in an immersive environment will strengthen my communication, cultural awareness, adaptability, and ability to build trust and engagement across differences—skills that are central to working with diverse populations. After my time in Spain, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in developmental psychology, and the Fulbright experience provides an important bridge between my academic training and the kind of culturally responsive clinical work I hope to pursue.</p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received from your ��سԹ� faculty mentor?</strong><br>The piece of advice that has stuck with me the most was from Professor <a href="/cindy-frantz" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="da803d43-c805-4106-86e2-49ffcc49ae53" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Cynthia (Cindy) Frantz">Cindy Frantz</a>, chair of the psychology department. While being one of her research assistants during my senior year, she always made me feel more at ease about life after ��سԹ�. I often felt like my peers all knew what career path they wanted to take right after college, and I felt insecure about not being as certain. Professor Frantz told me about how her life post-undergrad involved many jobs that might not have aligned with her current career, but were all still helpful in getting her to where she is today. She assured me that there was no rush to “figure everything out” now, but to get different experiences, compare and contrast, and to learn more about myself and my interests along the way.</p><hr><p><em>If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with </em><a href="/node/4526"><em>Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The psychology major will be teaching English in Galicia.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-20T12:00:00Z">Wed, 05/20/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="382e130d-10dd-4b3d-9e0b-894ba3b1fe62" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Psychology">psychology</a> major at ��سԹ�, Derya Taspinar '25 <a href="/study-away" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9163cd25-a90f-4576-aac0-a0d8d3818195" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Study Away">studied away</a> in Seville, Spain. Now as a Fulbright fellow, she'll return to Spain to teach English for ten months.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Joel Tang '24 Wins Fulbright Fellowship to South Korea</h1> <p>dfrezza — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:26:18 +0000</p> <span>Joel Tang '24 Wins Fulbright Fellowship to South Korea</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-19T09:26:18-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 09:26">Tue, 05/19/2026 - 09:26</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most?</strong></p><p>Interacting with the soul of the nation, the communities that make up what Korea truly is outside of what we see through their media internationally. </p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong></p><p>As an East Asian Studies minor, I’ve always been interested in interacting with Asia post-graduation. Also, ��سԹ�’s stellar <a href="/study-away" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9163cd25-a90f-4576-aac0-a0d8d3818195" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Study Away">Study Away office</a> gave me the resources to learn about <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b8a20a4f-3b1b-4ee9-8d92-315bcfa3703a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="��سԹ� Celebrates This Year’s Fulbright Winners">Fulbright</a>!</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p><p>My goal is to become an internationally recognized singer-songwriter, and that takes cultural sensitivity and language fluency. I am pursuing this fellowship to aid in my goal of becoming a polyglot, which will help me connect to the Korean audience in ways that English may not. </p><hr><p><em>To learn how ��سԹ� can help you apply for opportunities, like the Fulbright Fellowship, visit </em><a href="/center-engaged-liberal-arts" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="068ff5e8-2a7e-4726-91b0-7d9995d4c79e" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Center for Engaged Liberal Arts"><em>CELA</em></a><em>.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The young alum from Houston, Texas, will teach English in rural communities.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-19T12:00:00Z">Tue, 05/19/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Joel Tang '24, who majored in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a6dd17c3-7a04-410a-aded-9ced1afd2b4b" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Musical Studies">musical studies</a> and minored in <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="96d60626-0b66-4943-8cc7-5a8834f0c0c0" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="East Asian Studies">East Asian studies</a> at ��سԹ�, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to South Korea. He plans to teach English in rural communities and hopes to organize a poetry/songwriting club at his host school. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/musical-studies" hreflang="und">Musical Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Serafina Yan</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Ariana Ofori '26 Earns a Fulbright to Switzerland</h1> <p>dfrezza — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:01:21 +0000</p> <span>Ariana Ofori '26 Earns a Fulbright to Switzerland</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-15T14:01:21-04:00" title="Friday, May 15, 2026 - 14:01">Fri, 05/15/2026 - 14:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most?</strong></p><p>I am especially excited to share my passion for teaching amongst my students, encouraging curiosity and fostering a space for lifelong learning.</p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong></p><p>My time at ��سԹ� provided me with a variety of teaching opportunities. As both a <a href="/bcsl/programs/ninde-scholars" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="55150ae5-835f-43c3-920b-91388ef32b01" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Ninde Scholars Program">Ninde Scholars Program</a> tutor and a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/pal">Peer Advising Leader</a> (PAL), these areas deepened my interest in becoming a teacher and helped me make a meaningful impact in both neurotypical and neurodivergent communities. Taking classes in the psychology department also fostered a strong passion for understanding and supporting developing minds.</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p><p>Once I complete my Fulbright, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD in child development and education, with a focus on multicultural experiences. I hope to become an educator who builds bridges between schools and communities while effectively addressing students’ diverse learning needs. I also intend to continue traveling and engaging with different parts of the world — aspirations that Fulbright is helping bring to life.</p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received from your ��سԹ� faculty mentors?</strong></p><p>My mentor, Eric and Jane Nord Associate Professor of Creative Writing <a href="/chanda-feldman">Chanda Feldman</a>, always encouraged me to free write, and trust that the rest will follow. Another mentor, psychology professor <a href="/nancy-darling">Nancy Darling</a>, reminded me while new opportunities may feel challenging, it is important to keep pushing forward. Before I start this opportunity, I plan to continue writing and persevering. These will help me with this subsequent exciting chapter. Regardless of where you might be in life, never forget to cheer yourself on! It does wonders!</p><hr><p><em>Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world. Connect with </em><a href="/fellowships"><em>Fellowships and Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about how ��سԹ� helps students earn these fellowships.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The psychology and creative writing double major will head to Europe in September.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-18T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ariana Ofori '26 has earned a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners">Fulbright fellowship</a> to serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Switzerland for ten months. "During this program, I will teach English to students who, for the most part, will have already completed an apprenticeship," says the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology">psychology</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/creative-writing">creative writing</a> double major. "My primary goal will be to help them build confidence in their English grammar and speaking skills." </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/psychology" hreflang="und">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/creative-writing" hreflang="und">Creative Writing</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Fulbright Fellow Amelia Friess '26 to Teach in Czech Republic</h1> <p>dfrezza — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:14:18 +0000</p> <span>Fulbright Fellow Amelia Friess '26 to Teach in Czech Republic</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-18T11:14:18-04:00" title="Monday, May 18, 2026 - 11:14">Mon, 05/18/2026 - 11:14</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most?</strong><br>One reason I chose to apply for a <a href="https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/english-teaching-assistant-awards">Fulbright</a> in the Czech Republic is because of the access to classical music, particularly opera. I am looking forward to meeting musicians in my community, joining a choir, attending performances, and continuing my personal vocal pursuits. It will be wonderful to be immersed in a place that has such a rich history of classical music. I hope to eventually organize a recital with local musicians involving both English and Czech music!</p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong></p><p>��سԹ�’s exploratory curriculum and supportive professors encouraged me to pursue my aspirations with greater ambition. While I had always hoped to study abroad, I was unsure how to make that goal a reality. Through conversations with voice faculty and fellow students, I learned about the wide range of musical opportunities available in Europe. </p><p>With the guidance of my professors and support from ��سԹ�’s <a href="/career/set/internship-plus" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9ca131a0-e476-42fe-acdc-1c7cd99a0e19" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Internship+ Program">Internship+</a> program, I participated in an opera program in Saluzzo, Italy, this past summer. This transformative experience opened my eyes to the musical possibilities in Europe and strengthened my confidence in my ability to pursue them. </p><p>In addition, ��سԹ� provided numerous teaching experiences, such as <a href="https://www.oberlinexco.org/">ExCos</a>, peer tutoring and OWLing, that not only strengthened my Fulbright application but also helped me discover my passion for teaching. ��سԹ� equipped me with the tools and encouragement to pursue a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p><p>Pursuing a Fulbright ETA aligns with my goals of becoming both a performer and arts educator. Through working with students in the Czech Republic, I'll gain experience planning lessons, explaining concepts, and teaching students who have different backgrounds from my own—all essential elements for a career as a music teacher. Because vocal music is often performed in foreign languages, serving as an ETA will better equip me to guide students in understanding and singing in other languages. </p><p>This will also allow me to experience music in the setting and language in which it was written, deepening my artistic understanding. I also look forward to connecting with professional musicians who can provide advice for my future career. I hope that my time in the Czech Republic will help me become a teacher that shares new musical traditions and encourages students to explore all musical styles. </p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you’ve received from your ��سԹ� faculty mentors?</strong></p><p>As I was working on my short answers and personal statement, I received feedback from family, friends and professors. My former voice professor, Kendra Colton, generously took the time to work through each draft with me. She consistently encouraged me to be honest, clear, and concise, and to seek out new adventures.</p><p>I also worked personally with <a href="/danielle-abdon" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a0b9a24f-d7db-4538-8b15-16ac871b5857" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Danielle Abdon">Danielle Abdon</a>, the director of fellowships and awards. Her main piece of advice was to “be more specific.” I enjoyed spending every Friday eating pizza and continuing to write draft after draft. I always left meetings with her feeling more capable and prepared to submit my application.</p><p>I do not believe I would have earned this Fulbright without their kind support and dedication. </p><hr><p><em>If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with </em><a href="/node/4526"><em>Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The biology and voice major will use the award to explore education and her passion for musical performance.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-18T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p> <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2e8ca96d-493a-456b-b9b1-73583c30df0f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Biology">Biology</a> and <a href="/voice" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e5071540-3566-4d0f-a235-2b9e21d42f96" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Voice">voice </a>major Amelia Friess '26 has received a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners">Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA)</a> to the Czech Republic, where she will teach English at a secondary school. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/biology" hreflang="und">Biology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Nathaniel Liu</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Anna Benjamin '26 Earns Fulbright to Teach English in Spain</h1> <p>dfrezza — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:21:29 +0000</p> <span>Anna Benjamin '26 Earns Fulbright to Teach English in Spain</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-15T11:21:29-04:00" title="Friday, May 15, 2026 - 11:21">Fri, 05/15/2026 - 11:21</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are you looking forward to the most?</strong></p><p>I spent my spring semester in Seville, Spain. During my time in Spain I visited nine different cities, but I know that the Canary Islands are going to be completely different. I am beyond excited to emerge myself in a new culture and environment, and am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to use my Spanish. I’ve never lived in a tropical climate and I can’t wait to sit on the beach and see the marine wildlife native to this area. </p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?</strong></p><p>As a Hispanic Studies major I have taken a handful of courses about Spain. Following my time in Seville, I proposed an honors thesis that emerged from the cultural comparison.</p><p><strong>How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p><p>I plan to pursue a master's degree in public policy or international development. I want to be a policy analyst, specializing in education or immigration policy. Being an ETA will bolster my knowledge of international education systems, and teaching will get me more direct experience with education. It will also help me build invaluable skills, and make me an internationally oriented policy maker. Immigration is a prevalent policy issue in Spain and especially in the Canary Islands. Engaging with the nonprofits that serve these immigrant communities will broaden my perspective on immigration policy.</p><hr><p><em>If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with </em><a href="/node/4526"><em>Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">After graduation, the politics and Hispanic Studies double major will take her Fulbright fellowship in the Canary Islands.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-15T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/15/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Anna Benjamin '26 has earned a <a href="/news/oberlin-celebrates-years-fulbright-winners">Fulbright</a> English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Spain. Along with teaching in the Canary Islands, the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics">politics</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/hispanic-studies">Hispanic Studies</a> double major plans to volunteer with a nonprofit organization that provides refugee support.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4796">Hispanic Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/hispanic-studies" hreflang="und">Hispanic Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Abe Frato</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Ella Halbert '23 wins 2026 National Science Foundation Award</h1> <p>dfrezza — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:42:27 +0000</p> <span>Ella Halbert '23 wins 2026 National Science Foundation Award</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-05-01T10:42:27-04:00" title="Friday, May 1, 2026 - 10:42">Fri, 05/01/2026 - 10:42</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">U.S. National Science Foundation</a> (NSF) has awarded Ella Halbert ’23, a PhD student at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Graduate Research Fellowship.</p><p>Since 1952, this fellowship program has supported individuals pursuing full-time, research-based masters and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. We asked Halbert a few questions about her studies.</p><p><em>What was your career path since graduating from ��سԹ� and where have you landed? </em></p><p><strong>Halbert:</strong> I jumped at the opportunity to join Dr. Claire Hemingway [of University of Tennessee, Knoxville] at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Gamboa, Panama. I was eager to return to fieldwork and excited to use the Spanish skills I honed with my <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/hispanic-studies">Hispanic studies</a> major and grow my expertise in behavioral ecology.</p><p>I ended up choosing to work with neotropical bats because of the huge diversity of social structures and foraging strategies that exist among species. There are many opportunities to explore my interests in animal communication and cooperation within this system. Many animals are being forced to adapt to anthropogenic change, and my research will improve our understanding of how social information use among animals may serve as a buffer against environmental change. After being trained to catch and handle the bats, I quickly took over the behavioral experiments and led mist-netting trips into the forest with other members of the Gamboa Bat Lab.</p><p>Looking forward, I am hoping to continue field station-based research and collaborate with local and international scientists to better understand what ecological and evolutionary pressures drive cooperation across taxa. Being able to put my years of research training and language practice into action is an amazing feeling, and I hope to continue building relationships with scientists around the globe as I grow my scientific knowledge. </p><p><em>How will you be using your NSF award?</em></p><p>The fellowship will support my research on the cultural evolution of novel foraging behaviors in neotropical bats at STRI. I'm planning to study seasonal variation in foraging behaviors as part of my dissertation research, and the award will afford me much more time and flexibility to do these experiments.</p><p><em>Who was your faculty mentor for research at ��سԹ� and what did you learn from them?</em></p><p>My research mentor at ��سԹ� was Emeritus Professor of Biology Mary Garvin. In addition to setting a great example of how to run a research lab, she inspired an appreciation in me for the complex and interconnected life cycles of parasites and their hosts. She also taught me to see the big picture and not get caught up on the small setbacks that are common in the research process and in life.</p><p>Also earning an NSF award this year is May 2026 graduate <a href="/news/advancing-ai-accessibility-and-policy">Tanisha Shende</a>. Three other Obies received honorable mentions:</p><p>Amelia Lewis ’21</p><p>Caroline Blake Lee ’24</p><p>Jamie Talmor ’26</p><p> </p><hr><p><em>Visit </em><a href="/fellowships"><em>Fellowships and Awards</em></a><em> to discover the application support and resources available to you.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The young alum will use the funding to conduct wildlife and ecology research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-01T12:00:00Z">Fri, 05/01/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/hispanic-studies" hreflang="und">Hispanic Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>��سԹ� Celebrates This Year’s Fulbright Winners</h1> <p>dfrezza — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:46:39 +0000</p> <span>��سԹ� Celebrates This Year’s Fulbright Winners</span> <span><span>dfrezza</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-28T12:46:39-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - 12:46">Tue, 04/28/2026 - 12:46</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>��سԹ�’s tradition as a top producer of Fulbright students continues this spring, with a dozen students and alumni being awarded English Teaching Assistant (ETA) or Study/Research (S/R) awards.</strong> These accomplished individuals will travel internationally to experience a cultural exchange that spans language, education, history, and more. </p><p>��سԹ� <a href="/fellowships">provides students with assistance in Fulbright applications</a>, which includes multiple information sessions, one-on-one meetings, access to faculty and staff experts trained to read Fulbright applications, all-day essay support in ��سԹ�’s Writing Center, and the ability to submit essay drafts for unlimited revisions.</p><p>The Fulbright Program is a distinguished academic exchange program, established by the U.S. government in 1946. Since then it has provided more than 400,000 talented students, scholars, and professionals the opportunity to advance knowledge, education practices, and industry through international exchange and collaboration.</p><p>This year’s Fulbright winners can’t wait to see what’s in store for them. </p><p>As a Hispanic studies and politics major, <a href="/news/anna-benjamin-26-earns-fulbright-teach-english-spain"><strong>Anna Benjamin ’26</strong></a> is using her fellowship to kickstart her career aspirations. “I want to be a policy analyst, specializing in education or immigration policy,” she says. “Being an ETA will bolster my knowledge of international education systems… and help me build invaluable skills to become an internationally-oriented policy maker.”</p><p><a href="/news/fulbright-fellow-amelia-friess-26-teach-czech-republic"><strong>Amelia Friess ’26</strong></a>, who graduates in May with double majors in biology and voice, looks forward to immersing herself in Czech culture: “Pursuing a Fulbright ETA aligns with my goals of becoming both a performer and arts educator. Because vocal music is often performed in foreign languages, serving as an ETA will better equip me to guide students in understanding and singing in other languages. I hope that my time there will help me become a teacher that shares new musical traditions and encourages students to explore all musical styles.” </p><p><a href="/news/joel-tang-24-wins-fulbright-fellowship-south-korea"><strong>Joel Tang ’24</strong></a>, a college music major while at ��سԹ�, will use his Fulbright award to teach English in South Korea and says he is excited to “interact with the soul of the nation, the communities that make up what Korea truly is outside of what we see through their media internationally.”</p><p><a href="/news/derya-taspinar-25-earns-fulbright-spain"><strong>Derya Taspinar ’25</strong></a> will teach English in Spain to support her career goals: "This experience will allow me to work closely with youth in multicultural and multilingual settings while developing skills that are essential to my future work in psychology. Teaching in an immersive environment will strengthen my communication, cultural awareness, adaptability, and ability to build trust and engagement."</p><p><a href="/news/ariana-ofori-26-earns-fulbright-switzerland"><strong>Ariana Ofori ’26</strong></a> is set to work with students who have completed apprenticeships and help them hone their language skills for their careers. "I am especially excited to share my passion for teaching amongst my students, encouraging curiosity and fostering a space for lifelong learning," she says. </p><p>In addition to teaching English in Taiwan, <a href="/news/momo-song-suzuki-20-earns-fulbright-english-teaching-assistantship" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9d049751-ab0f-46ca-9950-02853e65349c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Momo Song Suzuki ’20 Earns Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship"><strong>Momo Suzuki '20</strong></a> is excited to get to know students and become "a part of the community in many ways," they say. "I want to volunteer on farms and learn ancestral agricultural practices, talk to elders at farmers markets, and learn more about regional cooking."</p><p><a href="/news/maya-mcdermott-26-earns-fulbright-argentina" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="360e786f-055e-40c8-a0f6-0fdc65966a1c" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Maya McDermott '26 Earns Fulbright to Argentina"><strong>Maya McDermott '26</strong></a> hopes this fellowship will help prepare her for a new chapter in graduate school: "With Fulbright, I hope to deepen my understanding of how a different country approaches issues such as education, governance, and social equity."</p><p>Congratulations to all of the the Fulbright fellows from ��سԹ�:</p><p>Anna Benjamin ’26, ETA (Spain)</p><p>Nissa Berle ’24, S/R (Canada)</p><p>Katia Chapin ’26, S/R (European Union)</p><p>Lucas Daley ’26, S/R (India)</p><p>Amelia Friess ’26, ETA (Czech Republic)</p><p>Nathaniel Liu ’26, ETA (Taiwan)</p><p>Ariana Ofori ’26, ETA (Switzerland)</p><p>Eleanor Richards ’26, ETA (Madagascar)</p><p>Dalia (Andy) Roshal ’26, ETA (Germany)</p><p>Momo Suzuki ’20, ETA (Taiwan)</p><p>Joel Tang ’24, ETA (South Korea)</p><p>Derya Taspinar ’25, ETA (Spain)</p><p>Maya Miller '26, S/R (Ireland)</p><p>Thorin Finch '26, S/R (Ireland)</p><p>Sophia Cartsonis '24, ETA (Taiwan)</p><p>Maya McDermott '26, ETA (Argentina)</p><p><em>Note: This story will be updated as further details are released. </em></p><hr><p><em>Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit </em><a href="https://www.fulbrightprogram.org/"><em>fulbrightprogram.org</em></a><em>.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Congratulations to the 16 students and alums who have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to learn and teach abroad.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-04-28T12:00:00Z">Tue, 04/28/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Danielle Frezza</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3831">Fulbright</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Ariana Ofori '26 is one of this year's Fulbright English Teaching Assistant awardees.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Abe Frato</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-50533" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-cont-img-section paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <div class="image-grid image-grid--single-caption pull"> <div id="obj-50532" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="2"> <div id="obj-50530" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Amelia Friess '26</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Nathaniel Liu</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-50531" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Joel Tang '24</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Serafina Yan</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="obj-50927" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="2"> <div id="obj-50926" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Derya Taspinar '25</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Fairlyn Decker & Hazel Livingston</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-50928" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Anna Benjamin '26</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Abe Frato</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Leah Yonemoto-Weston ’24 Named NYC Urban Fellow</h1> <p>kviancou — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:56:42 +0000</p> <span>Leah Yonemoto-Weston ’24 Named NYC Urban Fellow</span> <span><span>kviancou</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-14T14:56:42-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 14, 2026 - 14:56">Tue, 04/14/2026 - 14:56</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Leah Yonemoto-Weston ’24, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-american-studies">comparative American studies </a>major while at ��سԹ�, has been selected for the NYC Urban Fellows Program, a highly selective, nine-month public service fellowship that places recent graduates in full-time roles within New York City government agencies. She answered these questions about her fellowship:</p><p><strong>Describe what you will be doing as an NYC Urban Fellow.</strong><br>I’ll work in a New York government agency, helping develop and implement public programs and policies that address urban challenges. I’ll also participate in a series of seminars designed to deepen my understanding of how cities function. Through this combination of hands-on work and structured learning, I hope to gain insight into how local government operates and how policy decisions impact communities on the ground.</p><p><strong>What made you want to apply?</strong><br>I was drawn to this fellowship because it offers a unique opportunity to work directly within the policy systems that shape communities. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in client-facing roles focused on housing justice and eviction prevention, where I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions impact individuals and families. That experience motivated me to apply those on-the-ground insights to broader, systems-level change. I hope to deepen my understanding of city-level policymaking while building the skills needed to contribute to more equitable and effective communities.</p><p><strong>How does this align with your career goals?</strong><br>It aligns closely with my goal of working on urban issues at the local level, particularly in housing justice and community development. I’m interested in bridging direct service and policy to advance more equitable systems, and I believe the NYC Urban Fellows Program will help me build the skills and knowledge to do so. It will also serve as strong preparation for future graduate study in urban planning, social work, and/or public policy.</p><p><strong>How does this fellowship build on your previous studies and activities at ��سԹ�?</strong><br>It builds on my comparative American studies work at ��سԹ�, where I explored how community, policy, and social justice intersect. Courses such as Latinx Oral Histories, where I interviewed Latinx veterans in partnership with the Lorain Historical Society, as well as Asian American History, and Medical Anthropology taught me to analyze identity, power, and community in nuanced ways, skills I will bring to the Urban Fellows Program.</p><p>The fellowship will also allow me to build on the teamwork and justice-oriented skills I developed through ��سԹ�’s extracurriculars. In OSCA’s Third World Co-op, I learned how to organize a community and build support networks. My work on the Resource Conservation Team taught me how to collaborate creatively and engage with local stakeholders, and my work at the Sexual Information Center emphasized public health, mutual aid, and managing complex budgets.</p><p><strong>How did ��سԹ� shape or influence you as an academic, thinker, and person?</strong><br>My classes were really interdisciplinary, and I learned how to approach questions from multiple angles rather than staying in one lane. ��سԹ�’s culture of collaboration also stayed with me. Through group projects, research partnerships, and extracurriculars, there was a real expectation that you would contribute to something larger than yourself. That environment helped build my academic instincts and fostered a genuine sense of responsibility to engage thoughtfully with communities and consider the broader impact of my work.</p><p><strong>What’s the best advice you received while you were at ��سԹ�?</strong><br>Wendy Kozol, my former advisor and CAST faculty member, told me during my first year that the most important thing in both school and the working world is finding your own reason to return to the work, even when it gets hard. You have to find motivation from within, rather than from outside pressure. In any meaningful work, you need to know what keeps you grounded, engaged, aligned with your values, and excited!</p><hr><p><a href="/fellowships" target="_blank"><em>Connect with Fellowships & Awards</em></a><em> to learn more about opportunities for ��سԹ� students.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The Boulder, Colorado, native will work on urban policy issues during a nine-month fellowship.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-04-14T12:00:00Z">Tue, 04/14/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4080">Fellowships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4065">Comparative American Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/comparative-american-studies" hreflang="und">Comparative American Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Leah Yonemoto-Weston</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> </main></body></html>