Samuel Glenn, a 2007 Centerville graduate, has a unique opportunity to teach English in Vsetin, Czech Republic, for the 2014-15 school year. He’s had plenty of experience in that subject. He taught English to international students while earning a master’s degree at the University of Dayton. Glenn is the 17th U.D. student to earn a Fulbright award.
“I was really excited to learn I had won the Fulbright. I really felt that my friends, family and teachers were able to share that success. In many ways, they were even happier than I was,” said Glenn. “I’ve always wanted to spend an extended period of time in another country and, at 25 years old, it’s the perfect moment and opportunity.”
It’s a long application process; he applied last October. Glenn will start his teaching assistantship in late August. He traveled to London while he was an undergrad student at The Ohio State University, but he’s never been to mainland Europe. Glenn credits many people for his current success.
“My favorite teachers were the ones that challenged me while also serving as a friend and mentor — from my high school journalism teacher at Centerville, Traci Hale Brown, to my professors at U.D.: Bryan Bardine, Albino Carrillo and Rebecca Potter,” said Glenn. “My parents were always supportive, even when I chose English, a major that isn’t always seen as the most lucrative.”
Glenn plans on also teaching the students about American culture while also getting immersed in their ways of life. He’s also hoping to start an English-language book club for Vsetin residents.
“It’ll be a fun way for me to share my favorite books and teach English outside of the classroom,” said Glenn, who plans to apply to graduate schools to earn a master of fine arts in creative writing. “It’s possible that I’ll be the first American they have ever met. I have the opportunity to set a good example … and prove that Americans are indeed interested in other cultures.”
The Fulbright program operates in more than 155 counties as the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.
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Contact this contributing writer at PamDillon@woh.rr.com.