Story by Logan Jackson
Mizzou sophomore Ashley McGarrah will explore the field of social work this summer at the University of Bristol in England through the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes program. While there, McGarrah will enroll in courses tied to various social issues taught by historians, academics and practitioners.
The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes program provides undergraduate students from the United States with little or no travel experience outside of North America the opportunity to explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university.
“I was unbelievably excited to receive this scholarship,” said McGarrah, a social work major who is also pursuing the Honors College Certificate. “I immediately ran out of my class to call all my family and friends. I am especially excited because I would likely have been unable to study abroad without this opportunity, as it covers the full cost of attendance.”
Along with learning more about Bristol and the United Kingdom in general, McGarrah will enhance her leadership skills and be empowered to build community, transform culture and grow as a changemaker through the program. She’ll meet locals and get involved in a variety of community, civic and arts activities.
“Opportunities like the one awarded to me through Fulbright are extremely important, especially in the field of social work,” McGarrah said. “They serve as a way for me to connect my knowledge, which I have learned in the classroom, with real-life issues and initiatives. At the University of Bristol, I will be especially challenged to learn beyond textbooks and build essential skills like leadership, teamwork and resilience.”
The Fulbright award will serve as another hands-on learning opportunity for McGarrah. She has been active during her time as a Tiger, especially through research. She is currently researching criminogenic risk individuals with traumatic histories, including adults with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system, with Ashley Givens, an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences.
McGarrah also serves as an office aide for the Mizzou Office of Undergraduate Research, where she helped the office with numerous events, such as the Visual Arts Showcase and the Fall and Spring Research Days.
“I’m impressed by Ashley’s attention to the complexities of social problems, her eagerness to wrestle with potential solutions and ambition to engage in meaningful work to serve society,” said Clark Peters, an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences and one of McGarrah’s mentors. “Ashley is an exceptional young person: an excellent student, engaged thinker and passionate about issues of justice.”
McGarrah worked closely with the Office of Global and National Fellowships throughout the application process, specifically with coordinator Lauren Pike.
“Without the help of Lauren, this opportunity would not have been possible,” McGarrah said. “She was essential in making sure my essays were polished and that all my questions were answered.”
Fellowships are life-changing opportunities for students. However, there are sometimes costs involved in competing for these awards. By donating to the Fellowships Student Support Fund, your money will help students pursue these tremendous opportunities regardless of their financial means.