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Zoe Rodriguez ?18 Zoe Rodriguez ’18Inspired by her first Spanish teacher, who was from Colombia, Zoe Rodriguez ’18 has long been fascinated by the culture of that country. Now selected for a prestigious English Teaching Assistantship through the Fulbright program, she will have the opportunity to experience Colombia firsthand next year. An Elementary Education major and Spanish minor, the Kenosha native hopes to connect to her students by linking the English language to their interests. As a tutor of Spanish and Education at Carthage, she plans bring the teaching strategies she has learned to Colombian classrooms. In addition to being an accomplished athlete, Zoe is also a vocal musician and guitarist, a skillset she will bring with her to her placement location abroad. “I hope to imbed myself into the music community and find opportunities to collaborate with local musicians, church choirs, and others who make music,” she wrote in her application essay. “These collaborations will help me form strong connections and become a genuine part of the community, rather than a visitor.”

After returning to the US, Zoe intends to pursue a graduate certificate in either English language learning or bilingual education, with the ultimate goal of teaching in a bilingual setting.

Congratulations to Zoe Rodriguez ’18 on her Fulbright placement!

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, and fellowships are available to American students wishing to spend a year or more abroad after college to teach, conduct scholarly research, or engage in creative projects.

Carthage students interested in the Fulbright opportunity should contact Professor Dan Choffnes, Fulbright Program Adviser.