Time was running out for a University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh alumna who applied a third time for a coveted Fulbright Scholarship.
Ariana Blair, a 2021 UWO graduate, earned a prestigious Fulbright
award to work toward a master’s degree in Peace Studies.
“This was going to be my last year of applying,” said Ariana Blair, a 2021 UWO political science graduate who persisted after her hopes were dashed two previous years. “I knew I would need to figure out a future path without this avenue, to achieve my master’s degree.”
Blair, who grew up in the small community of Marathon, Wisconsin, received a magical email letting her know she was named a 2025-26 Fulbright Scholar. Beginning this fall, she’ll study abroad at Tampere University in Finland, as she works toward a Master of Social Sciences degree in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research. Blair’s master’s program is fully funded.
“I had been checking my email for months in anticipation when I received the determination letter. I came across the email and I was in shock,” Blair recalled.
UWO Professor and Fulbright advisor Marianne Johnson, said Blair is part of a very select group. Just 20% of the applicants are chosen, Johnson said.
“It’s amazing,” Blair said of the honor. “I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
Small town start
A first-generation student, Blair began her UWO college journey at a two-year campus at Wausau, about 15 miles from her home. She worked on her general studies before transferring to Oshkosh for its international studies and political science programs. The experience broadened her worldview—there were just 62 students in her graduating high school class. In addition to her international studies major at UWO, she earned a minor and emphasis in political science.
She had hoped to study abroad as an undergraduate but the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring of 2020—she had been accepted at the University of Marburg, Germany, but by the time vaccines became accessible to the public and border restrictions eased, she had already graduated.
Ariana Blair, who persisted and applied a
third time, was thrilled to learn she was
among a select group chosen as
2025-26 Fulbright Scholars.
Several of her UWO instructors inspired her to pursue a career path that she hopes may someday involve the state department and she appreciated their ability to share their lived experiences: Tracy Slagter, instructor and co-advisor of Model U.N.; the late professor James Simmons, who held lively politics classes; and Michael Jasinski, an expert in Russian politics who sometimes explained with the use of memes. Blair recalled how memorably, he would show them a Russian website and explain Russian wording and Russian meme culture.
Her studies as an International Studies major encouraged her to become bilingual in German. She plans to extend her knowledge and appreciation of the German language through continued independent study and by conversing with others fluent in German. She plans to learn about Finnish culture and society and begin language courses in Finnish.
Experiences
Blair was a refugee resettlement case manager in Wausau with the non-governmental organization Ethiopian Community Development Council, known as ECDC. As a reception and placement refugee resettlement case manager, she assisted with their initial three months of adjustment from their arrival at the airport to the time they are self-sufficient with their first job.
Blair also managed specialized programs that extended the three months for eligible clients. She said by learning about the issues concerning economic and humanitarian crises, political unrest and issues affecting specific cultures and groups she served, she has a deeper understanding of the issues certain religious, political and ethnic groups face worldwide.
“Refugee resettlement work is challenging, but equally rewarding,” she said, noting that she saw great strides in the months she worked with each family assignment. “I’d watch how their sufficiency grew, along with their cultural adjustment and English language skills. It was rewarding being able to communicate without interpretation services and celebrate their advancements.”
Blair said her work and the interactions with her UWO classmates provided international exposure and helped broaden her understanding.
Third time’s the charm
Marianne Johnson
Johnson, the Fulbright advisor, said Blair was a semi-finalist the first two times she applied to the Fulbright program.
“I think what made the difference for Ariana this time was her work with refugees—real world experience in support of her application for a master’s degree in Peace Studies.”
Johnson pointed out that Blair intended to study abroad but her plans were derailed by the pandemic, so her Fulbright selection is that much sweeter. Blair is ready to build on her UWO foundation—an experience that helped define her future goals.
“After completing my (master’s) schooling from Tampere University, I will use my study abroad experience and education to pursue a career in the U.S. Department of State as a political officer,” she said, adding that she aspires to work at the State Department concerning Northern European politics, transnational conflict and resolution.
Learn more:
Model United Nations (U.N.) at UWO
Study political science at UWO
Written by Laurie Schlosser
Link to original story: https://www.uwosh.edu/today/127664/determined-uwo-alumna-selected-as-prestigious-fulbright-scholar/