Sabrina Prestes Oliveira
After moving many times throughout my childhood, I graduated high school in Hawai’i and received my associate degree from Cascadia College. Finishing my undergraduate education has been a challenging and lengthy endeavor, and I couldn’t have done it without the resources and community I found at UW-Bothell, where I’ll be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Data Visualization this year. I’ve had the opportunity to bring data analysis to community-based research through programs like the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship, which supported social and demographic research aimed at helping local non-profit Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI) guide their programs and understand their client base. Getting involved with LETI as well as UWB’s Latino Leadership Initiative, which supported student-led youth mentorship and civic engagement events, helped me find a space where I could contribute meaningfully.
I’ve also worked on campus as a yoga instructor and a program assistant for Community-Engaged Learning and Research, where I’ve helped pair UWB students with community projects as part of their classes. That experience made me aware of the constant need for volunteers in organizations providing educational resources to youth and families, especially those that don’t speak English as their first language. And although I’m proud to be Brazilian, Mexico, where I had the chance to live in for a few years during my teenage years, is probably my favorite country. When I learned about Fulbright, I knew I had to apply. In addition to my role as an English Teaching Assistant, I hope to bring my data and Geographic Information Systems skills to a project mapping local lore, mythologies, and deities. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy writing contemporary fiction novels with aspects of magical realism, where the esoteric meets the modern day-to-day.
Tips
Showing your passion, humility, and enthusiasm for the opportunity is just as important as highlighting formal accomplishments. Tell a story with your application and treat it not only as a career stepping stone, but an opportunity to learn and serve.
