Congratulations to library student employee Jade Martinez, a senior double major in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) and liberal studies, for being named semifinalist for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program 一 a recognized and prestigious cultural exchange scholarship program with the goal to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between people of the United States and other countries. Jade currently works as a student employee in the library, both in Circulation and in Communications and Development.
Jade’s mother and ACU faculty member, Shan (Pamplin ’86) Martinez, suggested that Jade look into the Fulbright program. In the summer of 2020, Jade met with Autumn Vaught, a friend she knew through ACU Study Abroad who was in the preliminary stages of her Fulbright application; Autumn encouraged Jade to begin the application process. Jade shares, “Though I was uncertain, she said she would pass my email along to Dr. Jason Morris (’96). I attended the first planning meeting and decided to officially apply. Throughout the fall semester, I was guided by Dr. Morris and Mrs. Pam Sullivan (instructor in the Department of Language) and encouraged by peers who had also taken on the great task that comes along with a Fulbright grant application. I am so glad for those who saw potential in me and would not allow me to doubt myself.”
Jade is passionate about service learning both in her community and abroad. Locally, she teaches ESL classes through the International Rescue Committee, serves in the nursery and teaches children’s Bible classes at her church. Invaluable opportunities abroad provided learning experiences to serve and teach in remote areas of Zambia and to study Spanish and culture in South America. She explains, “My sense of heritage has been deeply impacted by these communities. My time in South America solidified my love for Hispanic peoples and cultures. After undergoing the process of second language acquisition and studying cultural themes, I became interested in the connection between my experiences abroad and bilingual speech-language pathology.” Jade desired to study second language acquisition more in depth, so she enrolled in the TESOL course at ACU and shares, “I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to grow in my understanding of this area of study as well as being able to enhance my teaching skills.”
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant will provide Jade with practical experience for what she has studied throughout her undergraduate experience in CSD and TESOL certification. She hopes to gain a deeper understanding of cultural themes and enhance teaching skills vital for her future working with Hispanic communities.
Jade applied to assistant teach in early childhood or elementary settings in La Rioja, a region northeast of Madrid. She believes that either of these placements would be a great fit for her because of her previous experience teaching young learners. She explains, “My background with CSD paired with my interest and ability with the Spanish language will equip me with necessary skills in the classroom for learners of this language background. I believe that this opportunity would be monumental for my future practice in speech language pathology. I am so excited to see what is in store for me and hope to be able to put my abilities to use.”
In Jade’s studies and travels, she has gained a deep appreciation for education and experienced how education changes lives and brings strangers together. Her unique experiences abroad have pushed her toward teaching cross-culturally. No matter the continent, with each experience, she continues to rediscover her passion for global service, language learning, and education.
Fulbright applicants are competitively selected American citizens including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards 2,000 grants annually. Jade began the application process in July 2020 and submitted the final application in October. She was notified by the National Screening Committee of the Institute of International Education in January 2021 and recommended. She expects to hear a decision from the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board by June 2021.