Past Recipients

“The Boren Awards is a scholarship of up to $25,000 awarded to students who show a strong desire to learn a language critical to the United States’ national security. This scholarship is also intended for students with a strong desire to spend their career working for the federal government since you are required to provide twelve months of service in any U.S. federal department. This scholarship has afforded me the ability to study abroad in Latvia for nine months to learn the Russian language and has provided the opportunity to help fulfill my dreams of working in either the U.S. Department of Defense or Department of State. When I complete my study abroad session, I intend on securing a position within one of those two U.S. departments and beginning my long standing career within the federal government helping to do my part in protecting United States national security.”

“The Boren Scholarship gave me the ability to experience an amazing culture. My time overseas taught me real life lessons and challenged me to grow. I am so grateful for the opportunity Boren gave me, as the experiences I went through will stick with me forever. If I had a time machine, I would go back to when I studied abroad in Japan.”

“The Boren Scholarship has helped me pursue one of my main university goals: study abroad. With the support of the scholarship program, OPA, and UCF, I can take my time to really familiarize myself with the culture and people of Vietnam. After this experience, I hope to bring an even more diverse identity and outlook to public service.”

“The Boren Scholarship provided me the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture, obtain working knowledge of a critical language, and gain friends and experiences I never would have otherwise. I’m beyond grateful for having been given the incredible opportunity to study abroad and for all the help the OPA gave me throughout the application process.”

"The David L Boren Scholarship provided me an opportunity of a lifetime studying in Jordan for a year. It not only allowed me the chance to continue my Arabic studies, but also helped me grow as a human being, making life-long friendships along the way."

"The privilege to learn formal Arabic through my Boren Scholarship in Jordan will be the first step towards my goal to bring a nuanced perspective on the Middle East and aid the United States government in facilitating productive and appropriate foreign policy."

"The David L Boren Scholarship provided me an opportunity of a lifetime studying in Jordan for a year. It not only allowed me the chance to continue my Arabic studies, but also helped me grow as a human being, making life-long friendships along the way."

"The Boren scholarship has provided me with the unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in a language and culture that I absolutely love. My time as a Boren scholar, and the mentors I have met through the program, have fundamentally shaped the trajectory of my academic and professional goals."

 
"Between immersing myself in the traditional music of South India to now experiencing the rich culture and prestige of the people of Rajasthan, a deep passion and love for South Asia has always been rooted in me. The Critical Language Scholarship Program has made this love blossom through conversation, connection, and community. I look forward to applying the language gains in my fields of interest: medicine in the context of South Asian studies and religious/cultural studies."

 
"The Critical Language Scholarship program was the flashpoint of challenge at which I discovered my strength and depth of passion. I will carry the sounds, sights, conversations, and atmospheres of those two months in South Korea with me forever. My goals of studying, speaking, and even working in Korean that would otherwise have remained out of reach have become feasible, and I am forever grateful!"

 
"The CLS Russian program connected me with my incredible host family. They encouraged my language learning over many shared dinners, late-night homework sessions, and trips around the city. Their kindness allowed me to experience Georgian culture in a profoundly personal way, and it further strengthened my love of the Russian language."

"The Fulbright Fellowship provided an incredible experience and opened my eyes to what global research and collaboration can accomplish. Being able to experience new ways to explore design and collaboration really broadened my perspective and changed how I approach research."

"Working in Vietnam as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant was a life changing experience. I will always cherish the memories and relationships that I made during my Fulbright experience, and I will use the lessons I learned to help me move forward in career in diplomacy."

"My Fulbright experience was more than exercise in professional development and intercultural exchange. I gained a level of perspective and boldness that I didn’t think possible. Everything I do now is with a more open mind, flexibility, tolerance, and eagerness to learn, to understand. I now reach out and grab what I seek, and slow down to savor it."

“The opportunities granted to me as a Fulbright scholar have opened the world up to me in every imaginable sense. The professional contacts I built allowed me to develop an international network of researchers who have played a significant role in my career development and job search. The friendships I made both with my Fulbright colleagues, fellow students, along with people I met during my travels and living in my host city are ones I will treasure for a lifetime. The challenge of living and immersing myself in a new environment resulted in rewards that went far beyond the academic, I also grew as a person from my Fulbright experience.”

"The Fulbright English Teaching (ETA) Grant in Ufa, Russia, absolutely changed my life both professionally and personally. Through it, I was given the opportunity to live and work in another country and teach the English Language. Now, I have graduated with my Master's in TESOL and know that through teaching, is how I will make a difference in the world."

"Unlike small grants allotted for research time during breaks between academic semesters, the Fulbright scholarship allowed for a complete immersion in the Colombian culture for an entire year. During that time, I collected the bulk of the data for my dissertation."

“With this award I was able to study abroad in the Czech Republic, my first major international trip. This experience ignited my passion for travel. Since then, I have received additional opportunities to study and work abroad as an educator. I am eternally grateful for UCF and this award because of the lasting impact it has had on my life.”

"Participating in Fulbright Korea has changed me in both expected and unexpected ways. I look forward to every day and the challenges it brings me!"

“Receiving a Fulbright fellowship to spend ten months in Germany while finishing my thesis is the sort of life-changing opportunity I never expected to have. Conducting research at the German Aerospace Center as a student is an honor and a privilege, and living in a foreign country provides a new and exciting perspective.”

“Without the guidance, patience, feedback, and incredible mentorship from the Office of Prestigious Awards here at UCF, I would not have been able to express myself or reflect as deeply as I was able to.With all the support I received, I went on to teach in Spain through Spanish government and Taiwan through the Fulbright program. These life changing experiences paved my path towards becoming an elementary school teacher helping under served youth at a Title III school in San Francisco explore their identities and different perspectives.”

"Receiving this Fulbright Grant gives me the opportunity to not only collaborate in research and work alongside expert scientists, well known in their fields, but to also forge connections as I redefine and combine different perspectives from my own and from my host country as I immerse myself and live in an entirely different language and culture for several months."

"While COVID-19 made my grant a little more challenging, my experience teaching abroad in Spain during the pandemic helped foster a feeling of global unity at a time when we needed it most."

"Being awarded the English Teaching Fulbright Grant in Montenegro was one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever received. The opportunity I was given to go to this beautiful country to immerse myself in such a rich and unique culture and be lovingly welcomed by such a generous community of people who cared for me like one of their own…nothing compares to it. Teaching, advising, and working with various groups of students while being supported by local staff members and faculty positively impacted me, both personally and professionally, in more ways than one. It is one of the many highlights of my time in Montenegro that I will always treasure in my heart."

"I could not be more grateful to the Office of Prestigious Awards, Burnett Honors College, and the many UCF faculty, staff, and students who supported me in the process of applying to the Fulbright Brazil ETA program. Teaching English abroad was an incredible experience, and having it on my resume has helped me land incredible internships and grad school acceptances. Take advantage of the resources UCF has to offer, choose your programs wisely, tailor your applications carefully, and you can't go wrong. Go Knights!"

 
"After completing the Fulbright Exchange program, it impacted me deeply in that I wanted to promote this wonderful program to others upon my return to the US. Furthermore, I would like to promote the various study abroad programs that the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers in order to encourage a positive exchange between the host country and the United States. As a member of the International Exchange Alumni and Fulbright Alumni group through the Department of State where I work, I love sharing my experiences with others in the hopes of inspiring them to take advantage of the opportunity to serve overseas. The skills that are gained during an international exchange, such as improving foreign language skills and the ability to work with others of a different background, are invaluable and have helped me throughout my career."
 

 
"The Fulbright scholarship not only helped me continue my graduate research, but it also allowed me the opportunity to expand my horizons and become a global citizen."

 
"Receiving my Fulbright Grant and living in Malaysia for a year completely changed the way I look at the world. Daily life and culture can take so many forms around the globe, and we often forget how much there is to learn from these different ways of living. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to engage in this type of learning during my time in Malaysia. "

“The Gilman scholarship allowed me to study abroad and live in a new country which expanded my worldview and allowed me to learn in diverse environments. I think the personal growth and communication skills I gained over the course of my time abroad will help prepare me for graduate school and my future career as an electrical engineer. I studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. I was really interested in going to Melbourne because it is regarded as one of the most livable cities and it has a really vibrant coffee and cultural scene. I really loved living in Melbourne, and I am so grateful that the Gilman Scholarship helped me afford my study abroad experience!”

"Receiving the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship made it possible for my lifelong dream to travel to Austria to come true. Living in Innsbruck, Austria for 4 months in 2015 was more than I had hoped for. It was the best academic decision I ever made. I was able to get an international perspective in my studies in hospitality, in particular, international tourism. I have a whole new appreciation for the people and cultures of this world as I studied with students and under instructors who also came from all over the globe. In addition, this scholarship foundation continues to give me post study abroad support in my career pursuits. Again, best academic decision ever!"

"The Gilman scholarship means so much to me because it allows me to explore the medical profession in a different country while giving me invaluable exposure to different surgical specialties. Without this scholarship, I would not have the ability to spend five weeks in Greece shadowing doctors and observing medical procedures side-by-side doctors. This invaluable experience will significantly benefit me on my journey to becoming a doctor."

"Winning this award has brought me so much excitement and motivation for all my upcoming experiences that I am going to have abroad!"

"The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a highly competitive study abroad scholarship program run through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Being a Gilman Scholar will allow me to fulfill my dream of studying abroad and allow me to immerse myself in a completely different culture. I believe that this is a valuable experience in expanding one’s worldview and adaption skills. I am beyond grateful for this truly rewarding experience that the Gilman scholarship has made a possibility."

"Every opportunity that allows me to further my career path in global diplomacy further instills my drive towards common ground and the exchanging of each regions unique gifts throughout the global community. The Gilman Scholarship has allowed me to further that dream tenfold and I look to capitalize on their investment in me, for that I am eternally grateful."

"The Gilman Scholarship is helping me fulfill my dream of studying abroad in Germany, finally going to Europe, and participating in a performer's intensive summer program. I cannot wait to experience another country and soak up as much knowledge and experience as I can!"

"Receiving the Gilman Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity to travel and experience a world beyond my current cultural lens. I have an insatiable drive to travel and meet people from different cultures around the world, and thanks to the support from the Gilman Scholarship, that’s possible. I am forever grateful for that."

“I received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. To me, this award means having the ability to travel abroad and be able to get experiences that enrich my social and cultural life. Get involved in the international community with a deeper understanding of my place in the world. And an opportunity to recognize diversity hands-on and appreciate what life brings to the table and learn from it. Ultimately, everyone deserves an opportunity to study abroad and I’m extremely grateful to be a recipient.”

“I am a recipient of the Benjamin A Gilman Award. This award is extremely important to me because it takes a huge burden off my shoulders in terms of the financial stress that I was under in order to fund my study abroad in Madrid. I have been wanting to study abroad since I was a sophomore in high school and that dream became a reality when I was accepted into the exchange program at the University of Nebrija in Madrid, Spain. However, studying abroad is very expensive and a lot of students don't study abroad because of this reason. This scholarship has made that dream of mine not only more feasible, but more enjoyable now that this scholarship has relieved some financial stress that I had. I am forever grateful to have received this scholarship.”

“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me as I would not have the privilege to study abroad without it. Also, becoming a Gilman scholar will give me the opportunity to share my experience with others who wish to study abroad as well. Overall, this scholarship will allow me to be able to expand my worldview and enjoy my time abroad.”

"I have been interacting with Japanese media and culture for about half of my life now. After failing an attempt at learning Japanese for a few months in sixth grade, I vowed to myself to wait until college to get properly educated in Japanese and study abroad once I was proficient enough. Once I finally felt like I was ready to take on my dream of studying abroad, the prices made me hesitate. After learning about the Gilman scholarship, I never looked back. It seemed quite difficult to conquer at first, but after hours of writing and checking and re-writing my essays, I received the email that I had been awarded the scholarship. The Gilman scholarship has provided me with the means to fulfill my lifelong dream, and I couldn't be happier! If middle school me could see me now, preparing to step onto the campus of J. F. Oberlin University in Tokyo, she would be so proud of what I have achieved. "

"As a first-generation college student, often are opportunities that feel attainable, yet also out of reach. I am astounded to have received the Gilman Scholarship, which would not have been possible without the kind support of my language professors, as well as the study abroad department for closing the knowledge and achievement gap once present. My years of studying French have culminated into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at the world-renowned University of Paris, allowing me to take part in experiences both in and out of the classroom that surely will lend over to my hopes of being an educator."

"Becoming a Gilman Scholar is truly an honor. I am elated to have received this opportunity as I will be able to expand my academic, personal, and professional horizons while studying abroad free of cost. Thank you to the Gilman program! "

"The Gilman scholarship has given me the opportunity to pursue my education in South Korea. I can’t express in enough words what the Gilman scholarship means to me. As a first-generation African American woman, studying abroad was something that I thought was unattainable. The Gilman scholarship helped make that a reality."

"The Gilman fellowship has allowed to gain one of the most valuable experiences of my life. With the help of the Gilman fellowship, I was able to participate in a program that has positively affected the lives of countless people. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity!"

"I was awarded the Gilman Scholarship, to study the "History of Anatomy" in Italy. This scholarship meant that I was able to experience a new culture, hold a true grasp of the start of medicine and anatomy. Finally, meeting other students that we're passionate about helping others through the art of medicine, and inspiring to be around. I feel super blessed and grateful to have had this opportunity."

"This award means the most to me as it recognizes my hard work and the future opportunities that await me based solely on my character, values, and devotion to my own self growth."

"Thanks to scholarships like Gilman, students like me can let go of their limitations. This year I've challenged myself to seek studies abroad and bring America one step closer to cultural diversity and awareness. The Gilman foundation saw something in me that reminded me to always apply myself. APPLY APPLY APPLY! Life is what you make it."

"The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program eased the financial burden of studying abroad for my family. I am very grateful for the dedication and commitment of the Gilman Foundation Advisors involved in the process. I hold this award with great honor."

"Being awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has been such a high honor that, to me, represents opportunity. With this award, I was able to expand my horizons by studying abroad across the world in South Korea, immersing myself in a different culture, learning a new language, meeting many amazing people from around the world, and leaving with a fresh, new perspective on life, along with a plethora of amazing memories and lifelong friends."

"I never thought I would have the ability to travel abroad due to my family’s finances. Due to receiving the Gilman Scholarship I’ve been given this option however and couldn’t be more thankful."

"As a Gilman International Scholar, I was given the opportunity to not only study abroad, but really enhance my world view and learn about cultures that differ from mine."

"The Gilman Scholarship gave me the chance to gain a new perspective and understanding of a different culture but most importantly, the world. This scholarship provided the opportunity to conquer my dreams by going overseas to gain experience in my field and develop a deeper understanding of how educators have a great impact on the life of others."

"Prior to becoming a Gilman scholar recipient, I did not think it was possible for me to ever study abroad. Gilman allowed me to see my dream into fruition and have an experience that has made a huge impact on my future plans."

"The Impact of the Gilman scholarship on me, has been the idea of taking a chance on myself,  no matter how difficult the decision might be in the moment. This scholarship has allowed me to be the first person in my immediate family to go outside of the United States. On top of that, it has also allowed me to further show my younger relatives that although the circumstances we were born into weren't optimal, it doesn't mean we can't rise from it to ensure the success of the next generations of our family to come. Studying Abroad is a hard choice to make when you don't have family to help you, but all the hard work and challenges are worth taking the chance on when you get to enjoy people and parts of the world that you never would've been able to had you stayed home."

"The Goldwater Scholarship has given me the ability to support myself in my last year of undergraduate while continuing on in research and outreach before applying to graduate studies. This scholarship also helps me become a more competitive applicant to my prospective graduate programs."

"The Goldwater scholarship has opened a lot of doors for me. People reach out to you instead of the other way around. Sometimes offering fully funded experiences that you don't even need apply for since having the scholarship is enough. Additionally, if you ask, people are more open to doing things for you, such as funding an impromptu internship. I've been able to participate in amazing opportunities that seemed to just fall in my lap since I've gotten the scholarship and this has allowed me to focus my efforts on other things, such as my research and my classes."

“Being named a Goldwater Scholar has given me the confidence to pursue more ambitious goals.”

"Let this award be proof that once you allow your core values to guide the direction of your work, fulfilling opportunities will soon follow."

"Receiving the NSF GRFP represented the culmination of my hard work at UCF. My hard work, combined with UCF's generous investment in its students, enabled me to pursue my graduate education via the NSF GRFP and continue to strive to become a research faculty in the field of marine ecology."

"Being Selected for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is a hallmark event in my life and provides me with great confidence that all the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it. Their support allows me to be in full control of my future and work creatively and freely in any field or project I find interest in, which brings me no greater joy. This recognition is a reminder of how the continual pursuit of excellence, passion for the arts, and community involvement can have compounding effects on your own life and others."

“I was awarded the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. This award is allowing me to focus on my passions, research and mentoring underrepresented students. I am very honored and humbled receiving this award.”

“NSF GRFP is important to me because it allows me to pursue my passions in research without having to worry about finding funding for the project I want to work on.”

“The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship allowed me the opportunity to complete my Master's in Computer Engineering and gain valuable research experience in computer vision without having to worry about finances.”

"Always try your best even when you don’t even believe in yourself yet. You are more capable than what you think. Receiving the NSF GRFP award confirmed this to me. Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try."

"UCF is a unique and special place; I am pleased to write this letter to recognize and thank the BHC, OPA, and UCF for their remarkable dedication to students.

During my last month of undergraduate study at UCF, I was fortunate to find out that I would receive a Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). All of the support and dedication from the Burnett Honors College and the Office of Prestigious Awards laid the foundation for my success. BHC and OPA staff encouraged my career development from the beginning of my time at UCF. Staff identified lofty end goals such as the NSF GRFP and charted steps toward success, including internal opportunities such as the Student Mentoring Academic Research Team (SMART) program, Honors in the Major (HIM) and external activities such as NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, and recommended “stepping stone” applications such as the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, for which I received an honorable mention.

The NSF GRFP was a gift that helped me both personally and professionally. The fellowship provided financial stability and enabled me to focus on my initial graduate coursework and research. The research I conducted during that time resulted in a master’s degree with a departmental award for best master’s paper in that calendar year, a publication, and research experience with an excellent advisor who continued to advise me for my dissertation. In addition, receipt of the fellowship has demonstrated my ability to acquire grant funding and continued to serve as an asset in my career in academia. I will forever be grateful to UCF for the initial professional development that helped me launch into my current career trajectory."

"To begin my PhD with my own funding from the NSF means that I have the resources to fully devote myself to my passion and the power to direct my own scholarly career."

"The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provided me flexibility in choosing the research topic I wanted to pursue in my studies, and ultimately enabled me to work on a collaborative research project between the department of mechanical engineering and college of optics. It has also led to opportunities to develop connections with researchers from a range of specialties by working on various side projects. Overall, the fellowship has greatly extended the scope of the work I have been able to do and has given me new connections for future opportunities, increasing the value of my graduate studies as a whole."

"Winning the NSF GRFP for me reaffirmed my belief that with hard work, anything is possible. As a first-generation college student, there were no scientists in my family and no PhDs I could ask for advice. I took advantage of every opportunity in front of me to become a better student and scientist. I also surrounded myself with a support system, which included my mentors Dr. Kaitlyn Crawford (UCF, Material Science and Engineering), Dr. Kyle Rohde (UCF, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences), Dr. Sunny Shin (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology), as well as the McNair Scholars program, all of which played an integral role in helping me achieve this award."

"Receiving funding through the NSF-GRFP has allowed me the freedom to fully focus on exploring my passions through graduate education and research. As a first-generation scholar, receiving this award has been life-changing for myself and my family."

"The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship has given me the time, flexibility, and funding to fully engage in my research and service. This will positively impact the overall trajectory of my career and ultimately allow me to give back to my community."

"Receiving an NSF fellowship (GRFP) has felt like a dream come true. It is an honor that recognizes both my past and my future. I feel affirmation in my success and personal progress leading up to this award and that others believe in me as I continue my education and service to the scientific community. My time at UCF has been a springboard for the achievements I have made. I give a personal thanks to each member of the UCF community who supported me, challenged me, and believed in me during my undergraduate education."

"The most important impact of receiving the NSF GRFP award has been the connections that I have made with other GRFP recipients. Through meetups and events, I have made connections with researchers in the fields of public health, applied mathematics, and biostatistics. These connections have fundamentally influenced how I think about approaching my own research, and I think that the value of my work has increased as a result. The NSF GRFP encourages consideration for the broader impact of your scientific work alongside its academic importance."

 
"The Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship has provided me with the opportunity to pursue a graduate education in Intercultural and International Communication and pursue a career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. I am looking forward to serving my country and building bridges as a U.S. diplomat, and I am thankful for the support of my UCF community."

 
"The Pickering Fellowship presented me the opportunity to represent the United States and UCF overseas as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State. I have been fortunate enough to work in challenging places like the Philippines, Colombia, and Kenya to promote U.S. national interests and values and represent the American people as we strive for a more prosperous and secure world."

“The Charles B. Rangel Fellowship changed the trajectory of my academic and professional life by affording me the ability to obtain an advanced degree, to study abroad in the Middle East, and to work on Capitol Hill and in a U.S. Embassy. Because of these opportunities, and because of the mentors I gained along the way, I now work to protect U.S. national security and promote democratic values across the world as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.”

"From my first service trip abroad almost 8 years ago I have dreamed of joining the Foreign Service. As a latina, first-gen student, and daughter to immigrant parents, I’ve always aspired to foster cross-cultural connections and make a meaningful impact that would empower diverse communities like the one I grew up in. My younger self would not believe where this journey has taken me. I am absolutely honored and elated to have been awarded this competitive fellowship, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!"