For Missouri State University spring 2014 graduate Niki Kennedy, a Fulbright award is not only a prestigious honor, it’s also a chance to follow two passions at once.

“I’ve studied abroad twice in Germany and a chance to work there for a whole year just seemed like a dream come true,” Kennedy said. “For me, receiving a Fulbright grant is an achievement that means I can fully follow my passion of learning German culture and improving my German speaking skills. As the first college graduate in my family, I feel like the Fulbright grant proves that hard work and passion will always be rewarded.”

A passion for German culture

The Marionville, Mo., native, who majored in German and English literature, is one of more than 1,800 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2014-15 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She will spend her year in Hamburg, Germany, teaching English and American culture to German high school students.

“For me, receiving a Fulbright grant is an achievement that means I can fully follow my passion of learning German culture and improving my German speaking skills,” said Kennedy.

A passion for working with youth

For Kennedy, the Fulbright grant also allows her follow her second passion: working with youth.

“My time working with Harmony House through my sorority Alpha Chi Omega helped me find a strong passion to help my community. Volunteering helped me learn that I have always been passionate about reaching out and working with endangered youth,” said Kennedy. “My Fulbright year will give me an opportunity to help my global community by working with German teenagers, among other things.”

Kennedy plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis to work on a master’s in social work, with an emphasis on international social work, once her Fulbright year concludes.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential.