Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams has earned a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to teach students in Brazil.

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.

"Receiving the Fulbright ETA to Brazil means more to me than words can adequately express. I have had this personal goal and dream to live and teach in Brazil for over four or five years now, and now knowing my goal has been realized is indescribable. I am incredibly excited to return to Brazil and to work in a university setting meanwhile improving my Portuguese skills as well. To me, this opportunely shows the reward of hard work, persistence, dedication, and a little bit of good luck. It also shows what great mentors, professors and supporters I have had as a young adult."

Collegiate experience

• Areas of Study:

  • Graduated in May 2015 from the College of Arts and Sciences with majors in Spanish, political science, Latin American and Latino studies.

• Additional Awards:

  • 2015 David Hershberg Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in Spanish, University of Louisville

Inspired By

Many professors at the University of Louisville have served as vital mentors throughout the process of Fulbright as well as throughout my entire undergraduate career. Dr. Lisa Wagner and Dr. Tricia Gray were extremely helpful and influential throughout my studies of Spanish and politics of Latin America. Additionally Professor Isabel Pereira greatly aided in the development of my Portuguese Language skills and Dr. Rhonda Buchanan, the head of the Latin American and Latino Studies Program, was a consistent and positive supporter of me my entire four years. Her energy and contagious personality gave me the inspiration I needed to try new, adventurous things such as applying for Fulbright or teaching English for a year in Spain. Finally, Dr. Gregory Hutcheson was one of the most insightful, supportive and dedicated professors throughout my Fulbright journey. He constantly went above and beyond to provide advice, critiques, insight, and much more to not only me but many other students throughout the Fulbright application process. I would not be in this position today without his and the rest of my professors’ help and support during my time at UofL.

Hometown information

• Hometown:

  Villa Hills, Kentucky

• High school:

  Notre Dame Academy

• Parents:

  Debbie and Jerry Williams of Villa Hills