This spring, the Jackson School connected with the recipients of our academic scholarships; through these conversations, we discovered their academic passions and learned how these scholarships will play a crucial role in helping them achieve their goals and drive innovation in international studies.
Alice Bruil
Name: Alice Bruil
Degree: B.A. in International Studies
Expected to graduate in: Spring 2025
Hometown: Sumner, Washington
What was your reaction to receiving the Crawford Endowed Scholarship?
I was surprised and excited! When I got the email, I was on my way home from the Zero Project Conference in Vienna and felt very grateful for the support of the Jackson School. Scholarship applications can become a lot to juggle on top of coursework and I felt like my hard work paid off.
How will this award help your goals and career path?
I will be completing my Task Force [“Making Rights Real:” Realizing the right to health for older women and girls with disabilities with instructor Megan McCloskey] in Rome during spring quarter and this award will be very beneficial in helping to cover the costs of a study abroad program. Funding my Task Force will be key in allowing me to form international connections related to human rights and expand my network to Italy. I hope to pursue a career abroad and I expect this Task Force to be instrumental in preparing me for future challenges I expect to encounter. Additionally, I will gain expertise in technical writing and presentation which will prove to be crucial skills as I seek work in multilateral and non-governmental organizations.
What key skills have you learned at the Jackson School that you’ll apply to your career?
Although it sounds simple, one key skill I have learned at the Jackson School is listening. Through research with the International Policy Institute, my Jackson School classes, and Jackson study abroad programs, I have interacted with many different types of communities from internally displaced communities to eco-volunteers to diplomats. I feel that the Jackson School has prepared me to understand anyone despite language barriers, lack of technical knowledge, or imposter syndrome. The cross-cultural skills I have gained can be translated across many fields; however, I plan to use these skills in a career related to humanitarian action.
What advice would you give to students considering applying for academic Jackson School scholarships?
Go for it! You never know exactly what the scholarship committee will be looking for, so don’t let your resume or GPA stop you from trying. At the same time, make sure you are getting involved in the Jackson School community and trying your best in classes. It doesn’t hurt to make connections with your professors to get an impressive letter of recommendation.
