STUDENTS IN THE NEWS
Eight FSU students embark on cross-cultural exchanges through Fulbright Program
Eight Florida State University students are out in the world creating connections and learning new skills through the reputable Fulbright Program.
From teaching English abroad to researching historical narratives of 1917 France, sustainable development and mood regulation, these Fulbright students from FSU cover a wide range of disciplines.
“Fulbright awards present students with an amazing opportunity to research, study, teach and engage globally, making connections that will support their future endeavors..." [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Kaitlin Bell
When deciding where to go to college, none of the schools visited by Kaitlin Bell felt quite right until she set foot on Florida State University’s campus.
Her academic dedication is evident through her consistent inclusion on the Dean’s List across multiple semesters, despite the challenges of juggling two jobs alongside full-time studies.
Bell was proud to complete an internship at the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C., where she played a key role in advancing human rights resolutions... [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Traysea Nycole Malama-Auger
Traysea Nycole Malama-Auger, a biological science student at the College of Arts and Sciences, chose to attend Florida State University because of the natural spaces that surround Tallahassee, like the Apalachicola National Forest, the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and a myriad of natural springs. After some time at FSU, she also grew to love the university for its many resources, such as the faculty and staff who helped her follow her passion for wild birds. During her time at FSU, Malama-Auger conducted research, created a new club... [CONTINUE READING]
17 FSU students earn Gilman Scholarship to study abroad
Seventeen Florida State University students will build foreign language skills and experience culture abroad this summer after earning scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries with the aim of building proficiency in diverse languages and cultures and preparing individuals for a globalized world. [CONTINUE READING]
Two FSU students receive scholarship to study German culture
Two Florida State University students have been awarded the Maura Binkley scholarship, honoring the legacy of Maura Binkley, a former German and English major who was killed in 2018 when a gunman opened fire at a Tallahassee yoga studio.
The scholarship provides an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and further their studies by studying abroad in Germany.
Jane Achenbach, music and linguistics double major... [CONTINUE READING]
FSU students earn competitive language study scholarships
Five Florida State University undergraduate students have been selected to receive nationally competitive language study scholarships through initiatives funded by the federal government.
Three FSU students won Boren Scholarships, which are offered through an initiative of the National Security Education Program and two students won Critical Language Scholarships (CLS), offered through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Both scholarships aim to expand... [CONTINUE READING]
Aspiring public servant and FSU social sciences student named Truman finalist
Florida State University’s former student body vice president Rodney Wells has been named a finalist of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, the federally funded scholarship for students demonstrating outstanding leadership potential who wish to pursue a graduate education and career in public service.
Wells, an interdisciplinary social science major specializing in democracy and civil rights within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, has made a mark on FSU’s campus and the community as a voting rights advocate... [CONTINUE READING]
Florida State University physics and mathematics student wins Barry Goldwater Scholarship
A Florida State University student has been awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award that recognizes outstanding college students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.
Shaheed Perez, a junior double majoring in physics and mathematics, will receive up to $7,500 for his final semester in the fall from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation to be used toward tuition, fees, books and room and board. Perez was one of 438 students... [CONTINUE READING]
FSU honors cross-cultural exchange during 2024 Fulbright Reception
Florida State University President Richard McCullough recognized international and domestic participants of the Fulbright Program during a reception on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.
Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the most widely recognized international academic exchange programs. It aims to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The U.S. government... [CONTINUE READING]
FSU international affairs senior selected as Pickering Fellow, to serve in the Foreign Service
Jenna Prunty, a senior at Florida State University, has been selected for the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program supported by the U.S. Department of State.
The program provides funding, mentoring and professional development for a job in the U.S. Foreign Service to outstanding college seniors and graduates. The fellowship helps finance two-year graduate programs, provides two summer internships and offers a minimum five-year service commitment to the Foreign Service. [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Chloe Wain
A triple major in political science, English and economics, Chloe Wain chose to attend Florida State University for the variety of scholarship, leadership and service opportunities available to prepare her for a future in legal public service as a public defender.
“Prior to attending Florida State University, I recognized the lack of adequate legal, economic, and emotional government support systems for low-income communities,” she said. “As a result, my priority became learning how to adequately represent indigent defendants by serving as a public defender..." [CONTINUE READING]
Recent FSU graduate and aspiring physician Daniel Zuniga recognized as Rhodes Scholar finalist
Daniel Zuniga, a recent Florida State University graduate who aims to practice medicine in underserved communities around the globe, has earned the prestigious accomplishment of being named a Rhodes Scholar finalist.
Zuniga interviewed Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, for the world’s oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award, following a highly rigorous, months-long application process. [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Jason Puwalski
Jason Puwalski arrived at Florida State University with a plan — a few of them actually.
As a first-generation college student, from a family with a background in law enforcement, Puwalski is drawn toward the legal realm and figured a career as an attorney was his path. While that might still be the case, Puwalski’s list of possibilities has broadened to include a number of options, notably in politics. [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Sydney Cole
During her time at Florida State University, Sydney Cole has balanced being a Women’s Swimming and Diving student-athlete, Presidential Scholar and environmental researcher while honing her leadership skills through a continued commitment to community service and sustainability. [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Jack Lyons
As a high school student with a passion for music, Jack Lyons decided to take a lesson with Florida State University’s College of Music trumpet professor, Christopher Moore. That experience helped persuade him to enroll at FSU. [CONTINUE READING]
Fifteen FSU Gilman Scholars set to travel the world
Fifteen Florida State University students will build foreign language skills and experience culture abroad this summer after earning scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. [CONTINUE READING]
Nine FSU students will study and teach around the globe after earning Fulbright scholarships
Nine current and former Florida State University students have earned scholarships through the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Winners include graduate and undergraduate students and represent a hot of majors and areas of research. [CONTINUE READING]
Ticket to ride and learn: FSU students earn Critical Language Scholarships
Two Florida State University students have earned Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) that will send them abroad for two months of firsthand learning about language and culture. [CONTINUE READING]
Diving In: Underwater research helps FSU student earn Hollings Scholarship
A Florida State University anthropology student who conducts much of his research underwater is the winner of a Hollings Scholarship, bestowed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [CONTINUE READING]
Two FSU students claim prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
A pair of Florida State University students have been awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarships. The nationally coveted award goes to outstanding science, mathematics and engineering sophomores and juniors for their research experiences and potential. [CONTINUE READING]
Eleven more FSU students earn Gilman Scholarships to study abroad
Eleven additional Florida State University students will receive an opportunity to study abroad this summer as part of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The spring 2021-22 recipients join nine FSU students who, as previously announced, won Gilman Scholarships in the fall. The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and [CONTINUE READING]
Nine FSU students earn Fulbright Scholarships
Nine current and former Florida State University students are recipients of research scholarships this year through the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The students hail from colleges and departments throughout the university, and through Fulbright funding, they’ll perform research in designated countries all over the world. Three of the recipients will travel to Brazil, two [CONTINUE READING]
Hollings Scholarship will help FSU student pursue her passion for weather
A Florida State University student with a lifelong passion for weather has won a Hollings Scholarship, bestowed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Hanna McDaniel, a meteorology major from Atlanta, called the scholarship a dream come true and noted that, as a toddler, her parents used to turn on The Weather Channel to help [CONTINUE READING]
Four Florida State University students earn fellowships from the National Science Foundation
Four Florida State University students have earned research grants through the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The GRFP recognizes and supports students in STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. The fellowship includes three years of financial support toward a doctoral degree, including an annual stipend of $34,000 [CONTINUE READING]
Three Florida State University students earn Critical Language Scholarships
Three Florida State University students have earned Critical Language Scholarships through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to help further their study of foreign languages and cultures. According to the State Department, the CLS provides “rigorous academic instruction in 15 languages that are critical to America’s national security and economic [CONTINUE READING]
FSU Environmental Science and Policy student named Truman Scholar
Abril Hunter, a decorated Florida State University Environmental Science and Policy student, has been named a 2022 Truman Scholar, among the most coveted undergraduate awards in the country. The merit-based Truman Scholarship awards up to $30,000 to undergraduate students who desire financial support to attend graduate or professional school in preparation for careers in government, [CONTINUE READING]
Two FSU students earn prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
Two Florida State University students have earned the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a renowned national award that annually recognizes outstanding science, mathematics and engineering sophomores and juniors for their research experiences and potential. Dhenu Patel, a junior exercise physiology major from Tallahassee, and Sophie Allen, a sophomore from Wauchula, Florida, who is majoring in psychology and [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Emmabella Rudd
Florida State University senior Emmabella Rudd developed a passion for advocating for individuals with health inequities and their health care rights after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 5. Intent on continuing her activism, Rudd chose to attend FSU because of its dedication to public service and championing student leadership. As a public [CONTINUE READING]
Nine FSU students earn Gilman Scholarships to study abroad
Nine Florida State University students received the opportunity to study abroad this spring and summer as part of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries. The internship emphasizes students learning the language [CONTINUE READING]
Three FSU students earn Fulbright Awards
A Florida State University graduate student and two recent graduates are recipients of research scholarships through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The Fulbright awards will provide funding for each recipient to conduct research projects abroad this upcoming year. This year’s winners will take their work and research to Northern Ireland, India and Cote d’Ivoire. Associate Director of FSU’s [CONTINUE READING]
FSU student earns esteemed Hollings Scholarship
A love of science and policy and an awareness of environmental inequities inspired rising Florida State University junior Abril Hunter to pursue the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hunter is the latest FSU student to receive the nationally competitive scholarship, which includes up to $19,000 of academic [CONTINUE READING]
Five FSU students awarded prestigious foreign language scholarships
Five Florida State University students have earned coveted scholarships to help further their study of foreign languages deemed critical to the interests and economic prosperity of the United States. FSU students took home three Boren Awards, which are offered through an initiative of the National Security Education Program, and three Critical Language Scholarships, (CLS), offered [CONTINUE READING]
FSU sets school record with three Goldwater Scholars
A school-record three Florida State University students have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious national award that annually recognizes the brightest mathematics, science and engineering college sophomores and juniors. Jessica Moser, a behavioral neuroscience major from St. Petersburg, Florida, Trystan Loustau, a psychology major from Jacksonville, Florida, and Kylee Hillman, a biological science major from Tallahassee, will receive up [CONTINUE READING]
Eight FSU students receive Gilman scholarship to study abroad
Eight Florida State University students hope to study or intern abroad this summer as part of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program from the U.S. Department of State, barring any COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Gilman Scholarship gives students the opportunity to study or intern abroad and emphasizes learning about culture and language to prepare [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Arria Hauldin
Growing up in South Florida, Arria Hauldin never expected to be where she is today. During her time at Florida State University, the recent graduate combined research, and local and global experiences to amplify stories that are often overlooked. “The actual idea of going to college was honestly more of a fantasy for a long time,” Hauldin said. “Even though it was a goal of mine, I didn’t know where I wanted to [CONTINUE READING]
Nine FSU students earn U.S. Fulbright awards
Nine Florida State University graduate students and recent alumni will conduct research or have the opportunity to teach English abroad during the 2020-2021 academic year as a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Since 1945, the program has provided students and young scholars opportunities to develop research, study and teach all over the world. [CONTINUE READING]
FSU student receives prestigious Hollings Scholarship
Rising junior Jonathan Marcus is the latest Florida State University student to receive an Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The nationally competitive scholarship includes up to $19,000 of academic assistance over two years and a 10-week, paid summer internship with NOAA. “It has been a dream of [CONTINUE READING]
FSU students receive prestigious language study scholarships
Six Florida State University undergraduate students were recently selected to receive nationally competitive language study scholarships through initiatives funded by the federal government to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages critical to national security and economic prosperity. Four FSU students won Boren Awards, offered through an initiative of the National Security [CONTINUE READING]
Seven FSU students win prestigious NSF graduate fellowships
Seven Florida State University students have received the highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. The fellowship program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. “Florida State has extraordinary students who are the next generation of faculty [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Robert Cotter
Robert Cotter, a Tarpon Springs native, wanted to attend a school that could provide him with both a rigorous pre-med track and well-rounded extracurricular opportunities. After touring several colleges around the country, Cotter chose Florida State. “I realized that at FSU I could find the same Ivy League-caliber education along with opportunities that would enable [CONTINUE READING]
FSU neuroscience undergraduate wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
A Florida State University student whose personal experiences inspire her dream of being a neuroscience researcher has received the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, awarded to the nation’s brightest mathematics, science and engineering college sophomores and juniors. Jessica Dixon, a sophomore from Indialantic, Florida, will receive up to $7,500 in both her junior and senior years [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Jalicia Lewis
Senior Jalicia Lewis has spent her time at Florida State University advocating for victims of injustice on and off campus. Initially attracted to Florida State because of its advantageous location in the state capital, the double major in political science and public relations knew FSU would be able to provide her with the opportunities necessary [CONTINUE READING]
FSU student receives prestigious Boren Scholarship
Florida State University Presidential Scholar Maddy Johnson has been awarded the prestigious Boren Scholarship to study Arabic next year in Amman, Jordan. Boren Awards, offered through an initiative of the National Security Education Program, allow students to study abroad for up to a year in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security and [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Isiah Parfait
Senior Isiah Parfait is pursuing an ambitious vision to empower people around the world through entrepreneurship, and he’s taking significant steps at Florida State University to turn that dream into reality. Parfait’s personal journey is a testament to his perseverance, creativity and ingenuity. Over the past decade, he has faced tough challenges as his family [CONTINUE READING]
Student Star: Lauren Moran
Senior Lauren Moran arrived at Florida State University in 2016 with an open mind about trying new things and an open heart to helping improve the lives of others. That receptive attitude not only taught Moran unexpected lessons about herself, it also changed her life’s trajectory. “A lot of different experiences have pushed me out [CONTINUE READING]
FSU students awarded record number of Gilman Scholarships
A record number of Florida State University students are studying or interning around the world this summer thanks to prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. FSU’s 28 Gilman Scholars are the most in school history. The Gilman Scholarship is a grant program that gives students the opportunity to study [CONTINUE READING]
Florida State scores 10 U.S. Fulbright student awards
Ten outstanding Florida State University graduate students and recent alumni will spend the 2019-2020 academic year teaching English or conducting research projects abroad as a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The program, administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, offers grants for graduating college seniors, graduate students, young [CONTINUE READING]
Physics undergraduate student wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
A Florida State University student who conducts research in theoretical physics has received a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, awarded to the nation’s brightest mathematics, science and engineering college sophomores and juniors. Shae Machlus, a rising senior from New Port Richey, will receive $7,500 from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation to cover the [CONTINUE READING]
Three recent FSU grads win Humanity in Action fellowships
Three recent graduates of Florida State University received 2019 fellowships from Humanity in Action, an international organization that educates and inspires young leaders who are passionate about changing the world. Beginning this summer, fellowship winners Brandon Brown, Saleshia Ellis and Kiara Gilbert will participate in the one-year program, which brings together international groups of university [CONTINUE READING]
Recent FSU graduate wins prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Recent Florida State University graduate David “Gil” Damon has been selected for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship — the University of Cambridge’s most prestigious international postgraduate scholarship. The goal of the Gates Cambridge program is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. “It’s such an exciting opportunity to collaborate [CONTINUE READING]
Devoted humanitarian Samantha Kunin recognized as Rhodes Scholar finalist
Florida State University senior Samantha Kunin is an accomplished scholar, dedicated humanitarian and an avid rower. Those achievements put her on an exciting journey as a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship this fall. Kunin, 20, interviewed Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama for the world’s oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award. While she was not one [CONTINUE READING]
FSU students win Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad
Twenty-one Florida State University students have spent recent months studying in 12 different countries around the globe thanks to prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. The Gilman Scholarship is a grant program that gives students the opportunity to study or intern abroad and emphasizes learning about culture and language to [CONTINUE READING]
FSU students win scholarships to pursue graduate degrees at world-renowned Oxford
Two Florida State University graduating seniors will study at the University of Oxford this fall thanks to the Frost Scholarship Programme. Joe Pelt and Matthew Martinez are among 10 recipients of scholarships through the Frost Scholarship Programme, which funds current State University System of Florida and University of Miami students for one-year, full-time master’s courses in [CONTINUE READING]
Six FSU graduate students, recent alumni win prestigious Fulbright Awards
Six exceptional Florida State University graduate students and recent alumni will spend the 2018-2019 academic year teaching English or conducting research projects abroad as a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The program, administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, offers grants for graduating college seniors, graduate students, young [CONTINUE READING]
Students receive national scholarships to study critical languages
Four Florida State University students will study abroad in an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program thanks to the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship, offered through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The scholarships are an effort by the federal government to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering [CONTINUE READING]
Five FSU students receive prestigious Boren Awards
Five Florida State University students will study abroad for up to a year in areas of the world critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity thanks to prestigious Boren Awards, offered through an initiative of the National Security Education Program. Four FSU undergraduate students received Boren Scholarships, which provide up to $20,000 for U.S. [CONTINUE READING]
Two FSU students awarded highly selective Hollings Scholarship
Two Florida State University students were chosen from a competitive pool of national applicants to receive the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As Hollings Scholars, FSU rising juniors Jennifer Magi and Anna Wuest will receive awards that include up to $19,000 of academic assistance over two years [CONTINUE READING]
Two FSU undergrads to spend summer at Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
Two Florida State University rising sophomores have been selected to participate in the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes for undergraduate students from the United States. The program is one of the most prestigious and selective scholarship programs in the world. Participants explore the culture, heritage and history of the United Kingdom while experiencing higher education at a university [CONTINUE READING]
FSU produces three winners of prestigious Rangel Fellowship
A Florida State University student and two recent graduates will continue their education in foreign policy while working toward careers as foreign service officers as a part of the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. Senior Ljubica “Kiki” Nikolic and recent alumni Maria Clara Naranjo and D’Juan Sampson are three of the 30 [CONTINUE READING]
ALUMNI STORIES
Noah Gomez ’17
Noah finished his Fulbright in June in Luxembourg, where he now resides and works for a multinational IT company. He is currently an Innovation Coordinator where he looks for opportunities mainly in investments and acquisitions to help the company maintain a strong competitive advantage.
When asked what he learned about himself during the application process and what skills he gained while working with ONF, Noah claimed, “the application process was a way to help me channel my ambitions and skills into a great position abroad. I learned that strategy is so important when it comes to applications. The Fulbright needs to be approached strategically. Strategic approach in the sense that not only what you are going to do – how the environment you’re going to be in will fit into what you do after the fellowship; the intangible – culture, people – are what stay with you after Fulbright and serve as the real added value.”
Noah was also asked what he found challenging, but also what was most satisfying about the process. He said the most challenging part was drafting the essays! However, when discussing what was satisfying, he claimed that being bilingual in French, working outside of a US dominated context was the main goal, and it was satisfying to meet that goal. Most importantly, Noah believes that “working with ONF helped me become a better communicator in a professional context. It helped me transition to a professional communicator in every domain.”
Noah’s biggest tip, it is to always show up! He is interested in talking with students at some point who are involved in language, French preferable. However, he will discuss any languages and how we can use languages with business applications. If you are interested in connecting with Noah or have questions for him, please contact Amy Haggard at ahaggard@fsu.edu.
Caitlin Strawder ’13
Caitlin is currently finishing her Master’s in Public Administration at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University as part of the Pickering Fellowship Program. As of May 30, 2019, she will be on her way to complete an internship at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris as part of her Pickering Fellowship.
When asked what she learned about herself during the application process and what skills she gained while working with ONF, Caitlin claimed, “I learned that it was okay to admit that you didn't want an award, okay to realize you didn't fit the mold for a certain fellowship path, and it was important to recognize that your accomplishments, service, and involvement are yours to own. The imposter syndrome is real.”
Caitlin was also asked what she found challenging, but also what was most satisfying about the process. She said the most challenging part was having to speak about yourself in a way that is both bragging and optimistic. However, when discussing what was satisfying she claimed, “turning in an application that best represents your authentic self (win or lose) feels fantastic, and gives you a sense of larger goals to keep working towards.”
Caitlin’s biggest tip is that it is never too early to go in to ONF, and it is never going to be a waste of time. She has also been coined to say “ONF – there is an app for that!” She is interested in engaging with students and is open to skype chats or phone calls. If you are interested in connecting with Erin or have questions for her, please contact Amy Haggard at ahaggard@fsu.edu.
Alex Orenstein ’09
Alex currently resides in Senegal where he is a General Aid Worker. He has been living in Africa for the past 10 years and works with nonprofit organizations, mostly doing early warnings for hunger and finding locations where famines are occurring. He is a cartographer for the humanitarian sector.
When asked what he learned about himself during the application process and what skills he gained while working with ONF, Alex claimed, “The application process was useful and is still useful. It was the first time I had to market myself as a candidate for something. The mock interviews alone were super helpful, but that was not the only thing, having access to someone who knows how this works was a huge help. I learned how to structure an application. I started to apply for more fellowships and grants after my first application because I learned what makes a good application”.
Alex was also asked what he found challenging, but also what was the most satisfying about the process. He said the process was incredibly time consuming and there was really no way around the time constraints. However, when discussing what was satisfying, he claimed realizing he had accomplished his goal of receiving the Truman Scholarship was incredibly satisfying.
Alex’s biggest tip is do not get discouraged when you do not get a fellowship. He claims “you can still learn from going through the experience whether or not you receive the fellowship or scholarship.” He is interested in talking to students who are looking to be involved in humanitarian work, or work abroad. He would also talk to students applying for the Truman scholarship. If you are interested in connecting with Alex or have questions for him, please contact Amy Haggard at ahaggard@fsu.edu.
Erin Simmons ’08, ’11
Erin is currently a Department of Defense contractor working as a research physiologist to study human performance and nutrition at the Navy Experimental Diving Unit in Panama City Beach, Florida. She recently received her doctorate from Texas A&M in nutrition.
When asked what she learned about herself during the application process and what skills she gained while working with ONF, Erin claimed, “I learned the most about myself during the prep time before the interview. Also through the application process, I learned how to hone in on my background and apply that to my future goals, trying to develop what’s been my motivation up until this point and where do you go from here. I learned how to communicate those goals effectively and propose them in an interview”.
Erin was also asked what she found challenging but also what was most satisfying about the process. She said the most challenging part was the interview process and having to react without fully thinking through everything first. However, when discussing what was satisfying, she claimed, “the best part of it for me was being able to meet and interact with so many facets of the University that I would never have had the opportunity to do otherwise. I made connections and had purposeful conversations. It made me love my school even more.”
Erin’s biggest tip is to use ONF and take advantage of every single opportunity that they offer! She is interested in engaging with students going through the application process. If you are interested in connecting with Erin or have questions for her, please contact Amy Haggard at ahaggard@fsu.edu.
Evan Peterson ’02, ’04, ’09
Evan is currently a full-time author and part-time college professor. He currently teaches creative writing and literature.
When asked what he learned about himself during the application process and what skills he gained while working with ONF, Evan claimed, “I learned that being an author, application processes are essential. I am glad that I got early experience with applying; I will probably never stop applying for the opportunities out there. Something I did not foresee learning was money management. As a freelancer, money management and time management are skills I use every day.”
Evan was also asked what he found challenging, but also what was most satisfying about the process. He said the most challenging part was the money and time management aspect. But the most satisfying part for him was graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree with no student debt thanks to his Bright Futures Scholarship. Most importantly, Evan believes that “steady work ethic is something I built with the opportunities I got through ONF”.
Evan’s biggest tip is do not forget to have fun! He is interested in sharing his knowledge and engaging in Q&A sessions with students. If you are interested in connecting with Evan or have questions for him, please contact Amy Haggard at ahaggard@fsu.edu.