Washington graduated this year from
the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S.
degree in Biological Sciences (Magna
Cum Laude), a minor in Spanish, a minor
in Chemistry, a certificate in European
Studies, and a certificate in American Sign
Language. Last year, she submitted an
application to the U.S. Fulbright Scholar
program with the hope of being awarded a
grant to conduct research in Spain to help
further her education.
“There was a very small chance of
getting the scholarship, but I decided to
go for it anyway. I’m so thrilled with the
outcome and it definitely proves you never
know who might say yes,” she says.
Washington will be joining the
flagship international educational
exchange program sponsored by the U.S.
government, which has included many
distinguished figures around the world.
Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges,
ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs and university presidents
as well as leading journalists, artists, scientists and teachers.
They include 59 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners,
71 MacArthur Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom
recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and
nonprofit sectors. Since its inception in 1946, more than 380,000
“Fulbrighters” have participated in the program.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Washington will spend nine months,
until June 2019, in Madrid, Spain, conducting research.
“Spain is the only Spanish-speaking member nation of the
European Union of the Deaf, an organization that recognizes
and supports deaf communities across European nations,
which makes it ideal for research that combines my experiences
of Spanish deaf culture and deaf education,” she says. “I have
conducted similar research in the United States and the United
Kingdom. The Fulbright award allows me to further prepare
for a career serving deaf and Spanish-speaking populations as a
medical professional.”
Upon completion of her Fulbright experience, Washington
plans to apply to medical school, where she’s considering
specialties such as ENT, OB/GYN or pediatrician.
“You have to have a strong heart to be a pediatric doctor, so it’s
something I have to think about,” she notes. “I just know I want
to make a difference in young people’s lives.”
During her spare time, Washington volunteers with various
organizations including the Children’s Hospital SALUD PARA
NIÑOS (Spanish children’s clinic) program and the University of
Pittsburgh chapter of the Imagination Project. The Imagination
Project coordinates visits to children in health care settings
by college students who play the roles of princesses and
superheroes. Washington spreads cheer to pediatric patients as
Princess Tiana.
“The honor of winning the Fulbright Scholarship confirms
my ability to push my limits and I’d give the same advice to any
young person wanting to pursue their dreams,” Washington
says. “Never be afraid of rejection. Throw yourself into your
passions and make it happen.” ■
“There was a very small chance
of getting the scholarship, but I
decided to go for it anyway. I’m
so thrilled with the outcome and
it definitely proves you never
know who might say yes.”
MOON TOWNSHIP
❘
WINTER 2018
11