Thursday, July 7, 2011

Independence woman lands Fulbright grant!

By Kelly Evenson - kelly.evenson@examiner.net
After spending one year living in Guanajuato, Mexico, participating in an undergraduate study abroad program of Spanish immersion courses, Esther Francis knew that one day she wanted to go back.

However, the lifelong Independence resident did not know that she would be going back to Mexico so soon.

“When I heard about the bilingual business program, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” she said. “That is why I was so super excited when I found out I had received one of these grants. This is a rare opportunity to learn more on a professional level and immerse myself in the Hispanic culture.”

Francis, who graduated from Park University in May with two bachelor of arts degrees, one in business administration/human resources and a second in business administration/international business, received a 2011-12 Fulbright Binational Business Grant.

The Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program, which is sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to increase the mutual understanding between people of the United States and those from other countries. The program operates in more than 155 countries throughout the world. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on academic or professional achievement as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Fulbright program is available to any American who has a bachelor’s degree to spend nine months studying, researching or teaching in a foreign country.

The Binational Business Grant includes a full-time internship with a participating company in Mexico City as well as the opportunity to enroll in graduate level courses at the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology. Francis previously studied in Mexico during the 2009-10 school year.

This is the second consecutive Park University student to receive a Fulbright grant. Tamera Jenkins, a 2009 Park University graduate, received a 2010-11 Fulbright Scholarship, choosing to study at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, B.C. But that is not the only connection between Francis and Jenkins.

“I have actually known her (Tamera) for years. I grew up knowing her because I was friends with her daughter,” Francis said. “I thought if she could do it, then so could I. I am a person that doesn’t like to take no for an answer.”

Francis said receiving the grant is a great recognition of all her hard work. The single mother of two began taking college courses 13 years ago. She said she chose to major in human resources so she could use her own life experiences to help those facing difficult challenges.

“This an area I can use my education in the professional world to help others set goals and learn how to reach them as well,” she said. “I didn’t think I had a chance in the world, but I did. I want to be able to tell others that they can do it too.”

Francis said the internship will help her gain international experience and allow her to further immerse in the Mexican culture.

“When we were there last year, it was definitely an eye opener. It is a much slower paced, relaxing kind of life. Things still get done, but it is not at the same frantic level,” she said. “It is a very culture-rich environment. But I had to learn really fast. The experience taught me to trust in myself and help to show me how I can succeed no matter what environment I am in.”

Francis will leave in August for Mexico. She said she is excited about the opportunity and is “truly honored” about the encouragement and support she has been given the last few years.

“All I ever wanted to do was learn,” she said. “When I get bored or get burnt out, I find something new and interesting to do. Through this experience, I hope to learn about concepts I didn’t even know existed. I know this will be an eye opener, and I am very excited for what is to come.”

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