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.

After spending a whole summer working on my essays, I walked into that interview only to have the panel tell me the essays didn’t sound like me or capture who I was in person. I was discouraged to hear this, but with only a week until the application was due, I sold my football ticket for that weekend and sat in a coffee shop all day on Saturday, re-writing my essays, this time from the heart. It turned out to be worth my time, because I ended up getting the fellowship many months later!

Applying for the Astronaut Scholarship forced me to take new perspectives on my research and where it fits in a national and global context. Besides boosting confidence in my work, the scholarship convinced me to pursue more fellowships and opened my career options.

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.

The application process taught me more about myself than I realized. It allowed me to see the narrative that I am crafting with my studies and activities, as well as forcing me to realize how my involvements support my passions and future goals.

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.