Fox Cities News

Ariana Blair, a 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship after three attempts. Blair will use the scholarship to pursue a Master of Social Sciences degree in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research at Tampere University in Finland. Her program is fully funded and will begin this fall.

“This was going to be my last year of applying,” said Ariana Blair, a 2021 UWO political science graduate who persisted after her hopes were dashed two previous years. “I knew I would need to figure out a future path without this avenue, to achieve my master’s degree.”

Blair grew up in Marathon, Wisconsin, and started her college education at UWO’s Wausau campus before transferring to Oshkosh for international studies and political science. She noted that her undergraduate plans to study abroad were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I had been checking my email for months in anticipation when I received the determination letter. I came across the email and I was in shock,” Blair recalled.

According to UWO Professor and Fulbright advisor Marianne Johnson, only about 20% of applicants are selected for Fulbright awards. “It’s amazing,” Blair said of the honor. “I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

As a first-generation student from a small graduating class, Blair credited several UWO instructors with inspiring her career goals. She cited Tracy Slagter, co-advisor of Model U.N.; the late professor James Simmons; and Michael Jasinski as influential figures during her studies.

Her work experience includes serving as a refugee resettlement case manager with the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) in Wausau. In this role, she helped refugees adjust during their first three months in the United States and managed programs extending support for eligible clients.

“Refugee resettlement work is challenging, but equally rewarding,” she said, noting that she saw great strides in the months she worked with each family assignment. “I’d watch how their sufficiency grew, along with their cultural adjustment and English language skills. It was rewarding being able to communicate without interpretation services and celebrate their advancements.”

Johnson noted that Blair’s real-world experience working with refugees strengthened her application for graduate study in peace studies: “I think what made the difference for Ariana this time was her work with refugees—real world experience in support of her application for a master’s degree in Peace Studies.”

Blair plans to use her academic background and international experiences toward a career as a political officer at the U.S. Department of State focusing on Northern European politics and conflict resolution.

“I would definitely recommend UW–Oshkosh,” she said. “The professors are very knowledgeable and many of them have lived experiences. UWO provides a really great foundation—especially for students interested in international studies or political science.”