Anna Baker-Olson, a Rhodes senior pursuing a double major in political science and psychology, has been selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant for the 2019-2020 academic year. She will serve as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Thailand.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for English teaching assistantships as well as for individually designed study/research projects. Recipients are chosen for their academic merit and intellectual potential.
On why she chose Thailand, Baker-Olson says, “I have worked at a small, family-owned Thai restaurant since my junior year of high school. Thai Papaya became like a second home, and as I formed close relationships with my boss and co-workers, I learned about the richness and diversity of Thai culture. As an English Teaching Assistant in Thailand, I plan to collaborate with the local community and engage students in an effective and fun learning environment.”
At Rhodes, Baker-Olson has participated in the mock trial program and the Community Narrative Research Project focused on undergraduate students’ experiences of community engagement over time. She also is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), Psi Chi (psychology), Triota (women’s studies), and Phi Beta Kappa (liberal arts and sciences) honor societies.
After returning to the U.S., Baker-Olson plans to pursue a Ph.D. in community psychology. She is a graduate of Zionsville Community High School in Zionsville, IN.
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