Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA)

I graduated from the University of Washington in 2024 with a degree in Global and Regional Studies from the Jackson School of International Studies. During my time at UW, I developed a strong academic and personal interest in the Persian-speaking world. I studied Persian for two years and was an active participant in the campus Persian community, attending cultural events and connecting with students from Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. These experiences sparked a deep interest in Central Asia and inspired me to seek opportunities to engage with the region more directly.

One of the most meaningful leadership roles I held on campus was as an officer in the Jackson School Student Association, where I helped organize the school’s first formal gala. The event welcomed diplomats, U.S. State Department officials, and representatives from foreign consulates, giving me a firsthand look at the value of public diplomacy and cultural exchange. It also reinforced my desire to pursue a career in foreign service. Outside of academics, I worked as an investigative aide for a Washington State agency and as an aircraft charter specialist at Kenmore Air.

Applying to the Fulbright ETA Program in Tajikistan felt like a natural step forward. I was drawn to the country’s shared linguistic and cultural heritage with Iran, as well as its unique role within Central Asia. Through this program, I hope to deepen my language skills, build meaningful relationships in the local community, and gain insight into the region’s challenges and opportunities. When I return, I aim to apply these experiences to a future career in foreign service, working to strengthen understanding between the U.S. and the wider Persian-speaking world.