Wendling named Fulbright Scholar

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Lauren Wendling

Roachdale resident and DePauw senior Lauren A. Wendling has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Scholarship. Wendling is the daughter of Drew and Dee Wendling of Roachdale. She was the valedictorian for the 2005 graduating class from North Putnam High School and is one of only two DePauw seniors to receive a Fulbright Award for the coming year.

This grant allows Wendling to travel to South Korea during the upcoming academic year through an English Teaching Assistantship. While in South Korea she plans to work with students hoping to increase mutual understanding through education and cultural exchange.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest American international exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.

While at DePauw, Wendling was a religious studies major with a philosophy minor. She is both an honor scholar and Bonner Scholar and tutored local second graders for the past four years.

She spent three weeks in Costa Rica on a service project aiding Eco-Teach, an environmental organization that promotes sustainability and education. She plans to pursue a master's degree in religious studies and become an educator.

"My background in religious and philosophical studies, coupled with my passion for education and service work, will aid my cultural transition into South Korea, and allow me to convey to my students and community members the importance of education and social responsibility," states Wendling in her Fulbright application.

She also noted how her work with students in the area of education allowed her to discover a passion for working with youth.

"I derive a great joy creating the desire for education within students and helping them to fulfill their dreams," she noted.

Wendling believes her studies in religion and philosophy have widened her cultural horizons and helped her develop the tools she needs to be a socially conscious citizen.

Wendling had high praise for DePauw University following her graduation from the school.

"My passion for education and time at DePauw has allowed me to cultivate a rich and diverse academic experience that I will continually build upon," she said.

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