Andrea Mitchell Receives Fulbright to Teach in Latvia
CHICAGO (June 24, 2015) — A third North Park University graduate from the 2015 class has received a Fulbright award, bringing the University’s total to 15 students and three faculty members who have earned the honor over the last seven years. Andrea Mitchell, an elementary education major from Austin, Texas, will travel to Latvia this fall to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in either a university setting or as part of the community with younger students.
“No matter where I am, whether that’s getting the opportunity to teach in Latvia or after the Fulbright, North Park has given me tools to meet people where they’re at, to care for the 'whole person,' Mitchell said. “That is a life of significance and service, and it’s an honor to have been given much to serve with.”
While at North Park, Mitchell worked in the admissions office and in the Writing Center. Her elementary education focus was in music, and she also earned a minor in history and an English as a Second Language endorsement.
“It’s the people who have most shaped me at North Park,” Mitchell added. “Yes, I got an education. But I also was challenged to be a young adult who follows and seeks after Christ with all that I have.”
After serving in Latvia, Mitchell plans to return to Chicago to teach at the elementary or middle school level.
“Andrea's wit, intelligence, and depth of analysis will enable her to be a very effective English teaching assistant in Latvia,” said Dr. Angelyn Balodimas-Bartolomei, professor of education at North Park. “She has greatly researched into the customs, language, and life of the country. It has been said that a powerful teacher displays several of the same characteristics of a great actor or actress. Andrea's zeal makes her do just this. She will mesmerize her students while teaching them about our language and country.”
Earlier this spring, Natalie Wilson and Kate Asnicar were awarded Fulbright awards for English Teaching Assistantships in Ecuador and Malaysia, respectively. Read more about them and their service to young people around the world.
The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
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