Ever since she was little, Kathleen Lavelle has ingested information from teachers and professors and always thought to herself, "How can I make someone else understand this better?"
The instinct to teach came naturally for the 2012 University of Scranton graduate, and although she double-majored in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and Hispanic studies during college, she's using her knowledge to teach halfway across the world.
"The most fundamental part of growing up is learning to teach yourself or teach others," the Avoca native said. "It's a good way to learn more about yourself and about other people."
She is one of four University of Scranton graduates who received Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarships for the upcoming academic year.
Global scholars
Ms. Lavelle and 2010 alumnus C.J. Libassi, a native of Dalton, were both awarded teaching assistantships in Madrid. Ellen "Maggie" Coyne of Stony Point, N.Y., won an English teaching assistantship in South Korea, while Anna DiColli of Broomall, Pa., was awarded a scholarship in public health to Spain.
Mr. Libassi said he's most looking forward to getting to the know the culture and the people of Spain.
"I really want to get to meet people; that's what I've always loved about international travel," he said.
After working as a Teach For America instructor in Landover, Md., for the past two years, and applying for the scholarship at large, he said he's also looking forward to teaching in a somewhat less-intense environment, serving as a conversation assistant in a Spanish classroom.
These four students exemplify excellence both in an out of the classroom, said Susan Trussler, Ph.D., Fulbright Program adviser and associate professor of economics/finance at the University of Scranton.
Multidimensional
"I think it's the combination of academic excellence with a caring personality that's reflected in their community service work, and really a passion for understanding other cultures and different people," she said.
The recipients competed against 9,000 applicants for the scholarships in a yearlong application process that included two essays, interviews, a language exam, applying to individual university programs and gathering three letters of recommendation, Dr. Trussler said.
The university boasts 138 graduates to have won the award since 1972, making it second-best in the nation for producing Fulbright winners at a master's institution last year, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
"We work hard; the students work hard; the faculty works hard. It's not something that's taken lightly," Dr. Trussler said.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com @ksullivanTTName: Kathleen Lavelle
Graduated: 2012
Hometown: Avoca
Awarded: Fulbright teaching assistantship to Spain
Name: C.J. Libassi
Graduated: 2010
Hometown: Dalton
Awarded: Fulbright teaching assistantship to Spain