English Majors Earn 2019 Fulbright Awards

Mermaid, Old West

Frances Youmans

Majors: English, German
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
Award: Fulbright
Purpose of award: English teaching assistantship in Germany

How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?

Aside from my absolutely incredible classes, the work opportunities that I've had at Dickinson, as well as the Fulbright advising team, were crucial to me. Working in the Writing Center was really important for me to get the Fulbright, because I gained skills working with others on academic papers that I wouldn't have received elsewhere. And in general, the fact that so many faculty members got to know me personally allowed me to figure out exactly what I wanted to do postgraduation.

What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?

I'm excited to use the teaching skills gained during my Fulbright to continue teaching English as a second language!

What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?

Being on the WIND exec board sophomore year was definitely significant, because I feel like that group really made an impact for international students on campus. Studying abroad in Germany last year was also a really defining time for me, not only because I learned the language, but also because I was able to gain more independence while adapting to another culture.

Internship Experience

I worked at a media company, TranterGrey Media. I handled film equipment during shoots and was also in charge of editing several of their commercials.

Olivia Watson

Major: English
Hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota
Award: Fulbright
Purpose of award: English teaching assistant in Spain

How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?

Dickinson has prepared me to participate, collaborate and engage with all communities I am a part of. Dickinson has prepared me to articulate my ideas well, both in writing and conversation. I have learned to follow my passions and trust my instincts! And perhaps most importantly, I have learned to listen to my peers and to connect with many different, interesting and passionate people who have experiences distinct from my own.

What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?

I am enthusiastic to begin collaborating with educators in the Canary Islands to help elementary-aged students learn English. I am eager to learn about the community I am placed in and to challenge myself to connect with people in both English and Spanish.

What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?

The English and Spanish departments and the professors and peers I have met as a result of joining these communities have been instrumental in helping me find out what I want to do with my life. I never expected to immerse myself in a new language, study abroad in Spain, or return to Spain after college. Dickinson's emphasis on language and particularly cultivating effective writing skills amazes me and inspires me to continue writing/editing/valuing written work as I transition into the working world.

Internship Experience

For the past two summers, I worked as a digital marketing intern at Petmasters, an online marketplace focused on connecting pet owners with pet professionals. Working alongside the CEO and founder, I learned about social media and customer engagement, paid digital advertising and content writing.

TAKE THE NEXT STEPS

Published May 13, 2019