Julia Ferguson is a double major in Geology and Theatre (Costume Design) and will have one more year at Illinois State University, though she will be spending the fall semester studying in Sweden. Julia is interested in a career in political ecology, and wants to bridge the gap between citizen concerns and policymakers. Her favorite experience related to her major and career interests have been her geology field trips. They have given her a broader view of the issues outside the classroom. This summer she will be going on a field camp in Wyoming for six weeks. She also has been involved in Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) where she has “connected with other environmentalists on campus.”
Julia learned about the Udall Scholarship from Becky Mentzer, scholarship advisor in Honors, and felt the application process helped her realize her passion. She had to write about her professional aspirations and what strengthened her commitment to the environment, which helped her focus even more on her career goals. She is excited to be able to spend a weekend in Tucson, AZ in August with all the other Udall Scholars from around the country, and is looking forward to the experience of being with others who are all working toward a similar purpose. She believes the Udall Foundation’s confidence in her translates to more self-confidence in her plans for the future. She also realistically knows that the Udall Scholar designation on future internship and graduate school applications will be helpful.
Julia’s advice to students seeking to complete major scholarship applications is to “allow your personality to show;” she sensed an expectation for you to be yourself when responding to the questions.