Name: Victor Ivan Diaz 
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa 
Type of Fulbright Award: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award
Degree and Field of Study: B.A. Linguistics (TESL Emphasis), Spanish, 2017

Research/Teaching: As a teaching assistant, I would like to incorporate more creativity into the classroom. By creating original works of theater and literature the students can personalize and further identify with the English language. When one learns a language, they are also learning about the many cultures that thrive within that language. This Fulbright opportunity will allow the students and me to do just that--express and share our cultures in a creative atmosphere.

What drew you to this field of study? As a Spanish-English bilingual myself, I have always been interested in the structure of language and how it functioned. Previously, I have studied abroad in India through the India Winterim program where I observed schools that educated children with disabilities. This experience really reinforced my aspirations to become an educator. My goal is to help students foster and develop a stronger foundation in their language skills like reading & writing. Majoring in Spanish & Linguistics with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language has provided me with the necessary tools to become a more effective instructor. 

How do you envision this will change your life? Fulbright will expose me to new opportunities and challenge me in many ways. I envision the Fulbright to provide me with unforgettable classroom experiences while networking me towards my future aspirations. Afterward, I hope to attain my M.A. in Mexico and later on a Ph.D. in the U.S. I am confident that this Fulbright opportunity will be a great start towards achieving these goals. 

What advice do you have for future students interested in pursuing a Fulbright award? Merge your passions and aspirations and genuinely express yourself in your statements, this will shine through more than what you've accomplished. They want someone who can bring more than just grammar into the classroom.