Former TTU scholar-athlete Erica Burnham receives Fulbright Scholarship to Germany
Former rifle standout Erica Burnham awarded a Fullbright scholarship to Germany to teach English as a foreign language.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Erica D. Burnham, a 2009 Tennessee
Tech University graduate who consistently hits her mark with her
goals, was recently awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student scholarship to
Germany to teach English as a foreign language.
Burnham, a former Tennessee Tech rifle team captain who tripled
majored in French, German and history, will be one of some 1,500
who will travel abroad for the 2009-2010 academic year through the
Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
"I think I speak for the university as a whole when I say that we
are very proud to have Erica representing Tennessee Tech," TTU
director of athletics Mark Wilson said.
A native of Tok, Alaska, Burnham was an exemplary student-athlete,
qualifying for nationals in 2007, serving on the Student Athlete
Advisory Committee, and pursuing her education with focus and
self-motivation.
Debbie Barnard, TTU assistant professor of French and Spanish, says
Burnham brought unusual experiences and exceptional talent to the
university when she accepted her athletic scholarship and traveled
from Alaska to Tennessee.
“I’m sure I can safely say she’s the only student
I’ve ever had who knows how to kill and dress a moose,”
said Barnard. “While growing up in Alaska, Erica learned to
play the Celtic harp and started an Irish band that travelled
around the state and even competed; she studied French on her own
because her school didn’t offer it; she taught herself to
knit; and she spent lots and lots of time fishing and hunting with
her family.”
Burnham says she will stay in Saxony, Germany, from this September
until June 2010 to teach English in the classroom about 20 hours
per week while also teaching English outside of a formal
classroom.
“I heard about the Fulbright from Dr. Barnard, and it seemed
like an excellent opportunity to improve my German and spend time
in the country,” said Burnham. “I absolutely recommend
that other students apply for a Fulbright. They should start early
and have their essays reviewed and edited as much as
possible.”
After her Fulbright experience, Burnham plans to attend graduate
school and pursue a doctorate in history.
