Angelica Evans Selected for Gilman Scholarship
The Department of International Studies would like to congratulate Angelica Evans on being selected for the Gilman Scholarship! Angelica is a junior International Studies and Russian double major from Comanche, Texas. She will be traveling to Russia in the spring to study at Moscow State University of International Relations, though, this will not be her first time visiting Russia. Angelica’s first trip was with Doctors Brett and Olga Cooke for a 10 week course during Summer 2019. During her trip, Angelica was able to not only improve her language skills, but also had a chance to learn more about Russian history, become familiar with Russian culture, and learn how to use public transportation systems. Angelica described the opportunity as a “once in a lifetime experience” which allowed her to gain the knowledge and the confidence she needed to return on her own this coming semester.
Angelica offered some great advice for those who wish to apply for National Fellowship opportunities, and other scholarships in the future. For example, although she applied for the Gilman Scholarship last year, Angelica was not one of the students awarded; yet, she persisted and applied again this year. She thought, “the worst they could say is no.” When asked what she did differently for the second application, Angelica said that she allowed herself more time to work on it. Additionally, she took advantage of the resources offered on campus, such as utilizing the University Writing Center and getting advice from Benjamin Simington, the Program Assistant for National Fellowships and University Scholars. Angelica feels that students often place limitations on themselves and talk themselves out of applying, or are scared of rejection. Nevertheless, Angelica is proof positive that taking chances can be greatly rewarding. The INTS Department is very proud of her and wishes her well in Russia!