Name: Samantha Westphal
Hometown:  Urbandale, Iowa
Type of Fulbright Award: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award
Degree and Field of Study: B.S., Human Physiology, Spanish, 2017

Research/Teaching: I will be a teaching assistant at teacher-training colleges and universities in Argentina. Additionally, I will also have a community engagement project where I can hopefully create a student health club. 

What drew you to this field of study? What drew me to the Fulbright program was the opportunity for international collaboration and the ability to promote peace and cultural exchange through education. I feel like that is what makes this program unique. I hope to work in the field of public or global health, and this opportunity to collaborate internationally and learn within the country of Argentina will be so incredibly valuable.

How do you envision this will change your life? I think my entire life will change because of Fulbright and I am quite open to whatever happens next because of it. I am so thankful to represent the U.S. abroad and I am really looking forward to sharing my love for learning with others. Upon return, I plan on applying what I learned to the field of public or global health. 

What advice do you have for future students interested in pursuing a Fulbright award? First of all, I would tell them to apply! The application process can seem daunting at times, but I came out stronger and knew myself and my future goals better at the end.  It was all worth it -- no matter what could have happened. I would also encourage students to study abroad if they can and to start having meaningful experiences such as: teaching, research, or being involved in a student organization.