The semester in Paris was way outside my comfort zone, but it gave me the confidence to pursue whatever opportunities become available in any corner of the world. I plan to apply for everything I can and see what doors open up.

The fellowship application process was excellent preparation for graduate school applications, and being a Goldwater and Astronaut Scholar was undoubtedly a huge factor in my successful graduate school admissions so far - I’ve been accepted to several of the top Physics PhD programs in the country. The Fellowships Office has been an integral part of my success in applying for these fellowships. I was always encouraged and made aware of opportunities, and I’ve received feedback on my essays and interview preparation help.

Without URFM and the Spark Program, I wouldn’t have understood the full range of opportunities available to me as a Penn State student. I feel that I’ve truly made the most of my time here, and I can’t wait to see where my education will take me.

The combination of substantive work experience, Carnegie's collegial and supportive scholars, and the program's unmatched reputation should significantly enhance my ability to get involved in the sorts of projects that interest me after the end of the fellowship.

Studying psychology already holds extra incentive for me with my Christian faith and the Navajo teachings of Hózhó (reverence for the beauty in everything on earth), which have taught me the value of human connectedness, spreading hope and finding meaning in life.

I am extremely honored to have been awarded the Goldwater scholarship. It is gratifying to receive recognition for the hard work that I have put into my research over the past several years. The Fellowships Office provided constructive and targeted feedback on my application materials throughout the process to help give me the best chance of succeeding. It forced me to think critically about my long-term career aspirations. As a result, I now feel more confident about the steps I want to take when I graduate from Penn State.