Student Interviews - Emily Whipple
Emily Whipple is the most recent SSU graduate to be earn a prestigious Fulbright Award. She will travel to Kanchipuram, India for an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA). Whipple, who graduated this May with her Master’s in English, currently works as a 7th grade English teacher at Lawrence Family Developmental Chapter School. She is looking forward to the opportunity to teach English in Kanchipuram to students in grades 6,7, and 8.
Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,900 U.S. students, artists and early career professionals in more than 100 different fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to study, teach English, and conduct research annually in over 140 countries throughout the world.
The process of receiving the Fulbright was a long one for Whipple. Last May, she began working on her proposal with the Salem State Fulbright Advisor, Michele Louro (associate professor, history), as well as Amy Jo Minnett (assistant professor, English - Fulbright Faculty Correspondent). Whipple submitted the application in October and found out in March that she had been selected.
While nine months is a long time to be away from family and friends, Whipple is embracing the idea of living in India. As an undergrad, she spent four months studying in Istanbul, and says she is looking for another opportunity to engage in another culture and new environment. “I’m really excited!” Whipple says. “It’s a completely different school environment, a different culture, and I’m just really looking forward to immersing myself entirely into something new and different. And the food, of course!”
For Whipple, the next few weeks will be spent finishing up her visa process, ending the school year at Lawrence, and spending time with friends and family before she heads off to Kanchipuram. Whipple is one of only three students from SSU to ever receive a Fulbright Award, and is an incredible example of the scholarly excellence that Salem State strives for. Congratulations Emily!
Interested in becoming Salem State’s next Fulbright recipient? Contact our Fulbright Program Advisor, Michele Louro.