By Kerry Steinhofer
Over the past near-three decades, Centre College has provided more than 50 Fulbright scholars, and the tradition continues with Oyinkansola Aderoba ’18 (Columbia, Tennessee), who received the only Fulbright Scholarship to be an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Honduras.
As an international studies major with a minor in politics, Aderoba is interested in foreign service, diplomacy and international politics.
“I believe that the Fulbright Scholarship is an effective method of soft diplomacy, and I wanted to take part in a program that will let me connect with the community I am in while being able to see the way the U.S. strengthens its relationships with other countries,” she said.
For 10 months, Aderoba will be working as an ETA at the Binational Center (BNC) affiliated with the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa.
“I look forward to being back in Latin America and all the things I know I will learn from the experience,” she added. “There are so many things left to learn.”
While in Honduras, she hopes to improve her Spanish, develop relationships and learn more about how decisions made by the U.S. effect those living in the country on a personal level.
“I hope to understand perspectives that I am unable to see because of the privilege I have of being a citizen of the U.S.,” she said.
Ever since Aderoba came to campus in 2014, she said she’s had professors who have encouraged her in ways unknown to them. She cannot express her gratitude enough to every faculty and staff member who has pushed her when she didn’t know how to push herself.
“This means a lot to me,” she added. “I did not decide to apply until late July, because I did not think I would qualify.
“To know that there were several committees and organizations nationally and internationally that saw my application and chose me to take the only ETA award in Honduras is still unbelievable.
“I am incredibly honored to join the group of Fulbright alumni who have gone on to do incredible things in our world,” she continued. “I hope I will be able to live up to that legacy.”