Two Creighton students awarded prestigious Fulbright scholarships

Benjamin Kinkor

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Kinkor is a Des Moines, Iowa native, who will graduate this May with majors in biology and Spanish/Hispanic studies. During his Fulbright year, Kinkor will be an English teaching assistant at an Ecuadorian university.  

He says, “This chance to live in another place, learn from the people there and support those who are learning English is an incredible opportunity. Selfishly as a Biology major, all the outdoor opportunities Ecuador provides are very exciting as well!”

Striving toward a future in the medical field, Kinkor notes, “cross-cultural exchange and understanding is paramount in providing the best care for every type of person and situation. By having this year abroad, I hope that my communication skills and intentionality in interacting with people from backgrounds different from my own will be strengthened significantly.” 

“Samantha Senda-Cook, PhD, Ryan Spangler, PhD, and Carin Appleget, PhD were all paramount in empowering me to apply for the award and in encouraging me to take the time needed to express myself coherently in the application process,” says Kinkor. “Creighton's enriching cross-cultural opportunities, such as the Encuentro Dominicano Program and the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice, have both influenced my life irrevocably. I feel humbled and honored to have been a part of such a great community.” 

Kate Hessman

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Hessman is a senior psychology major and business minor from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During her Fulbright year, Hessman will be an English teaching assistant within a local secondary school in the Czech Republic. Additionally, she will work within the community through supplementary projects to further explore the local culture and lifestyle.

“I believe cultural immersion thrives off of the ability to form connections with others,” says Hessman. “I am looking forward to creating relationships with those in the Czech Republic and the opportunity to live abroad.” 

When looking to her future career plans, Hessman believes this experience will further develop her social relationships and cultural applications. “My hope is that my time working within the Czech Republic will broaden my perspective and challenge me to understand the world more deeply.” 

Hessman says this opportunity came to fruition thanks to the guidance of Creighton faculty members throughout the application process. “I strongly believe that your success is a reflection of the people who help you to get there and for me Creighton is that mirroring image.” 

Interested in applying to be a Fulbright Student? Reach out to Creighton's Fulbright Program Advisor, Samantha Senda-Cook, PhD, for more information.