Thursday, July 01, 2010

In the spotlight - Sandhya Kumar - Fulbright Scholarship Winner

Sandhya Kumar, a 2010 UAB graduate with psychology major, has won Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, which will fund one year in Taiwan teaching in an elementary school while conducting an independent project. Kumar is one of approximately 28 students nationwide to receive the assistantship for 2010-2011. Kumar is the daughter of Pat and Jayasree Kumar of Huntsville.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright was established in 1946 by Congress to “enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.”

Kumar is looking forward to helping to teach English classes and introduce the students to American culture. She became interested in Taiwan and Asian culture after talking with friends.

“Discussions with friends and fellow students from Taiwan gave me an appreciation for Taiwan’s ability to maintain old-world philosophies and long-standing traditions while simultaneously embracing the contemporary views that accompany globalization,” Kumar says.

“I am very excited about the adventure I am about to embark on in just over a month. I have been told that I need to prepare to be enchanted, and I look forward to experiencing the culture, exploring the environment, and teaching at the school. My greatest challenge will be overcoming the language barrier, but I hope that reviewing the Mandarin I have learned at UAB and taking classes once in Taiwan will help me acclimate better.

I believe that being involved with volunteer work, research, and various leadership opportunities through my four years at UAB helped me grow personally and professionally, and therefore, helped me be a stronger candidate for the Fulbright scholarship. I owe a special thanks to my many advisors and mentors who have supported and encouraged me through many endeavors at UAB. In particular, I am very appreciative of the guidance of Dr. Nelleke Bak, Ms. Linda Luck, Dr. Matt Fifolt, Dr. Carl McFarland, Mrs. Kerri Barnstuble, and Dr. Rajesh Kana.

I have been accepted to the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and will be entering upon my return from Taiwan.” says Kumar.

Kumar wants to create a student literary magazine in Taiwan to help her students improve their English skills and provide them with a creative outlet.

“Outside of the classroom, I really want to explore traditional Taiwanese folk dancing, including Sundee dance,” she says. “By joining a Taiwanese folk dance class it will give me an opportunity to participate in the cultural heritage of Taiwan where dance celebrates important life events.”

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