Because I really hadn’t travelled before my 20s, I didn’t have an eye out for opportunities like Fulbright that would allow me to experience other cultures or places. I only learned about it when several of my friends were already halfway through the application process; and by then, it was too late for me to apply. For two years after I graduated, even though I wanted to, I didn’t apply to Fulbright. I didn’t think I was qualified enough, or had good enough grades or was worldly enough to live somewhere else. When I did finally work up the courage to apply, I felt imposter syndrome throughout the whole process. I thought every draft of my essays was horrible, I worried that my Spanish was lacking and I felt like a burden asking my old professors for letters of recommendation.
I wish I had known that just because I didn’t have the most flashy resume or wasn't travel savvy that I was still capable, and deserving, of applying to any program, Fulbright or otherwise. So many of my university classmates came from wealthier, more academic, more “worldly” backgrounds than I did. And, for a long time, I let that lead me to the false impression that they were somehow more qualified than I. I didn’t see many people like me doing things like Fulbright. But I am so grateful I took the risk and had a community of people around me to remind me that there is nothing I can’t do as long as I set my mind to it.
That is the sentiment I want to leave you all with! Wherever you go after Providence, and whatever you decide you want to do, remember that you have everything you need to accomplish everything you want! Thank you for following along on my journey. I can’t wait to see where yours takes you.
