Nikki Keating '25 secures a Fulbright scholarship for English teaching responsibilities
In an exciting turn of events, an ambitious individual is set to embark on a life-changing journey as a Fulbright scholar in Kenya, starting January 2026. This journey is a culmination of their passion for Afro-diasporic culture and history, nurtured by their experiences at Oberlin College and the guidance of Associate Professor Alicia Smith-Tran.
The individual's career aspirations lie in becoming an Africana Studies professor, with a focus on education from a radical perspective. They plan to pass on their knowledge and teach, a passion that has been evident in their work at Oberlin College, both in ExCo and PAL classes.
The Fulbright scholarship in Kenya aligns perfectly with the individual's post-college life and career goals. Oberlin College, with its rich academic environment, has been instrumental in influencing the individual to pursue the Fulbright scholarship.
During the nine-month English Teaching Assistantship, the individual will be teaching English and helping students develop various skills, such as resume building and writing. But it's not just academics; the individual is particularly excited to teach students about journalism and potentially start a newspaper at the school.
The Fulbright program is not just an opportunity for the individual to teach, but also to learn and grow. They value travel and believe that the program will help build their worldly experiences. In preparation for this new adventure, the individual places great emphasis on rest and preparation, following the advice of their mentor, Associate Professor Alicia Smith-Tran.
While there may not be a direct search result specifically about a Fulbright scholar teaching English in Kenya with a journalism focus, influenced by Oberlin College, and following mentor advice, there are parallels to be drawn. For instance, Owen McClain, a graduate of Ohio University, will teach English and U.S. culture in Kenya, having a background in Global Studies, African Studies, and Islamic Studies, similar to the individual's aspirations.
Maxwell Burton, a journalism graduate, currently teaching English in Taiwan, provides an example of a Fulbright scholar with a journalism background. Although not in Kenya or directly related to Oberlin College, his experience offers insights into the possibilities of a journalism-focused Fulbright scholar.
In summary, while there may not be a public profile that matches all the given criteria, the Fulbright program offers opportunities for individuals with similar aspirations. The individual encourages others to seek advice from their faculty mentors, as they have, and to embrace the transformative experiences that opportunities like the Fulbright scholarship can offer.
The individual's pursuit of the Fulbright scholarship in Kenya aligns not only with academic growth but also personal development, given the focus on Journalism and self-development through worldly experiences. As they embark on teaching English and potentially starting a newspaper at the school, they aim for education-and-self-development that facilitates personal-growth, following the path of others such as Owen McClain and Maxwell Burton, Fulbright scholars with journalism backgrounds.
