KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 26, 2019

Journalism major Kendall Chamberlain is experiencing Northern Ireland’s literature and culture

Kennesaw State University sophomore Kendall Chamberlain is studying in Northern Ireland for four weeks after being chosen for the prestigious Fulbright Summer Institute program.

Chamberlain, a President’s Emerging Global Scholars (PEGS) student in KSU’s Honors College, is part of the Summer Institute’s Irish Studies track, focusing on Northern Ireland’s literature and culture. Studying at Queen's University Belfast, she is learning about Northern Ireland’s political, economic and cultural relationships within the United Kingdom, and with the Republic of Ireland and the world.

“This program is giving me the opportunity to be immersed in another country and its culture while meeting other amazing individuals from all over the world,” Chamberlain said. “As a journalism major, I am particularly excited to see first-hand the power of literature and art as a tool for social and political transformation and its place at the center of Northern Irish culture.”

Michelle Miles, Kennesaw State’s director of national and international scholarships and fellowships, encouraged Chamberlain to pursue the Fulbright Summer Institute and assisted her in applying for it. The Summer Institute is part of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission’s work to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Participants are selected through a rigorous application and interview process that factors not only academic excellence but also a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, and a plan for the student to give back to his or her home country upon returning.

Last year, Chamberlain was one of two students chosen to represent Georgia in the United States Senate Youth Program, spending a week in Washington, D.C., and experiencing the federal government in action. She is an active member of Phi Mu sorority and also volunteers as an advocate for pediatric cancer awareness after having lost her best friend to the disease.

“I feel indescribably blessed to have received a place on the Fulbright summer program,” Chamberlain said.

– Paul Floeckher

Photo submitted

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.