Collin Hanson
2014 Fulbright Scholar
What drew you to Ecuador? I have traveled to Ecuador 4 times in the past and have fallen in love with the country, culture, and people. I would love the opportunity to offer my services to those people.
Why do you want to teach English? I have had many experiences teaching English to immigrants at the Lafayette Adult Resource academy. I enjoy so much watching learners progress from knowing very little English into fluid speakers. I would love the opportunity to facilitate this transformation with students in Ecuador.
Do you have plans for after your Fulbright year? I will be attending medical school at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
How does the Fulbright fit into this plan? My participation as an ETA will help me excel as a life-long educator for my future patients. ESL teaching and the practice of medicine are both pedagogical instructional situations that require effective communication skills. Through ESL instruction, I will strengthen my communication abilities by learning how to effectively explain English language concepts to non-native speakers. This will ultimately help me explain complex illnesses or medical terminology to my patients in an understandable manner.
What was the hardest part about applying? The hardest part about applying was writing the two statements. It was an exciting challenge to present myself on paper with the two prompts.
What's your advice for getting through that hard part? Going to the university writing lab really helped me get the statements to solid work. I had to go at least 3 times per statement, but I highly recommend going and getting as much help as you can for the essays.
What are your goals for the year? My goals for my time in Ecuador are most important to help my students learn English and be a cultural ambassador for them from the United States. I also hope to integrate fully into the community and make some wonderful friendships.
How did you find partners in Ecuador who will help you fulfill your goals? I have been on many medical mission trips and the family we have worked with has really been a great connection for me to other people in Ecuador.
Do you have other plans for Ecuador or South America while you are there? As a supplementary project, I plan to volunteer in a medical setting. I would also love to volunteer at an orphanage or foundation for children. Joining a local Christian church community is also top of my list.
How did NISO help you? Veronica was great at coordinating my on-campus review and selecting the faculty to be part of my review team. The office also organized my references, which was really helpful. I wouldn't have been able to do the application process if it not were for the office and all their hard work.
How did the faculty help you? I had such a fantastic support system from faculty who wrote my references and encouraged me to apply.
Who encouraged you to apply? My pharmacy academic advisor first encouraged me to apply and I am very thankful she brought up this amazing opportunity for me to pursue.
Do you have any advice for those who would like a Fulbright? Work hard to make the best application that you can. Always remember that at the end of the day, you did your best.