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Currents Magazine - Fall 2005 > Back Issues > Currents Magazine - Fall 2004 > Fulbright Grant
WSU Student Receives a Fulbright Grant
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Pamela Graybeal wins the prestigious award by demonstrating clear objectives and a strong commitment to community involvement
For the first time in more than ten years, a Winona State University student received a Fulbright Grant. Pamela Graybeal, a WSU spring 2004 graduate from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of approximately 4, 500 students in the United States who applied for the grant. About 1,000 fellowships are awarded each year. |
The Fulbright Grant is designed to give recent bachelor of science and bachelors of arts graduates, masters and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Applicants submit a statement of proposed study, which includes the type of project the student would like to complete and the host country in which they would like to accomplish their work. Graybeal chose to teach English as a second language at the high school level in Germany, as well as study German, literature and language at a university. When Graybeal found out she received a Fulbright Grant she was shocked.
"I knew it was very competitive, but it was worth a shot," said Graybeal. Linda D'Amico, a WSU Residential College professor and director of study abroad, was on the Global Studies Council which interviewed Graybeal to decide if she was an appropriate candidate. Based on that interview, D'Amico recommended Graybeal for the Fulbright Grant.
"Her clear objectives, which included teaching English as a second language, in addition to further study at the German university, and her interest in continuing music as a co-curricular activity," said D'Amico, "are some of the strengths which helped Pamela receive this grant."
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 through an act of Congress, spearheaded by Senator J. William Fulbright. The program aims to increase mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange, and strengthen the ties which unite the United States with other nations. Graybeal hopes to help accomplish those goals.
"I plan to get involved in the school beyond my 10 hour requirement, and I plan to get involved in the community," said Graybeal. "I want to be open minded and learn more about the German culture and serve as a role model for the positive sides of American culture." D'Amico says these types of experiences are valuable for students as they grow professionally.
"Going abroad for students changes their lives," said D'Amico, "and I think this is important to make them global citizens so they have a grasp of the issues in the world today." Graybeal graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in German teaching and a minor in music. She leaves for Germany in September and will return in June of 2005.
"The experience I'll have in the classroom will improve my German and make me a more effective German teacher," said Graybeal.
Graybeal is very excited for this experience and thankful to those who helped her receive this grant. "I'm very grateful for Dr. Lilian Ramos, foreign language chair, and Nancy Peterson, director of grants and sponsored projects," said Graybeal. "They both worked very hard for me to get this."
Last Modified: Friday, October 06, 2006 11:18 by Rhone Richard
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