Shelby Lawson

Shelby Lawson has earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to Indonesia.

The U.S. Student Fulbright Program, a federally sponsored international, educational and cultural exchange, recognizes academic merit and leadership potential. The program promotes mutual understanding between U.S. residents and people in more than 155 countries worldwide. Fulbrights are among the most prestigious awards in higher education.

“This award is the opportunity to exchange culture with the people of Indonesia, experience new things together, and work toward a shared understanding of each other. I look forward to the relationship building that we will surely foster and the lessons we will inevitably learn from this experience.”

Collegiate experience

• Areas of study:
  2014 graduate of UofL’s College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in Spanish and from the College of Business with a degree in economics.

• Other recognition and honors:
  Grawemeyer Research Scholarship; Teach for America grant for two years; Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Grant from National Park Service to employ teachers as park rangers.

Inspired By

“Dr. Rhonda Buchanan has been a role model to me for a range of reasons, spanning from her love of Spanish language and culture to her enthusiasm and zest for teaching. She is an absolute inspiration and has mentored me throughout my college years and beyond. Dr. B served as a reference for me on the Fulbright application and was a constant source of encouragement."

"Ms. Christy Burge was one of the first faculty members to encourage me to go into a teaching career. When I was offered a position with Teach For America, Christy told me to go for it! Now, I am on my way to Indonesia to teach for a third year and I couldn’t have done it without her wise advice and support. Dr. Patricia Condon was a phenomenal mentor and resource throughout my entire Fulbright application process. Her office works so hard to ensure that UofL is putting forth the best applicants and applications. She pushed me to become a better writer and applicant. I am very grateful for her support and help.”

Hometown information

• Hometown:
  Bowling Green, Ky
• High school:
  2010 graduate of Bowling Green High School

• Parents:
  Laura and Jon Lawson, Bowling Green, Ky.