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Political Science Major OSU Nominee for Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships

June 17, 2014

Political Science Major OSU Nominee for Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships

Erin McAuliffe.

Erin McAuliffe, a fourth year political science major, has been nominated as a candidate for the 2014 Rhodes and Marshall Scholarship competitions. McAuliffe has had quite a successful career during her time at Ohio State. She conducted honors research on Burma, interned for the German parliament, and will be moving to Thailand after graduation to work as an intern for the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPA) Burma. After her internship, Erin will begin working as an English Teaching Assistant as a 2014 Thailand Fulbright recipient.

The Rhodes and Marshall Scholarship competitions are highly competitive. The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Each year 32 young Americans are selected as Rhodes Scholars, through a decentralized process representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. These students are selected for 2-3 years of study at the University of Oxford. OSU typically nominates 1-3 students for the competition. Learn about the Rhodes process

Erin with Elephant in ThailandThe Marshall Scholarship is awarded to 30-40 exceptional students, providing them with the opportunity to study for 2-3 years at any university in the United Kingdom. Scholars are selected on the basis of distinction of intellect (3.7+ GPA) and character, potential to significantly contribute to society, strong motivation, and seriousness of purpose. OSU typically nominates 1-3 students for this competition as well. To learn more about the Marshall Scholarship please visit this site

She explains her excitement for her new adventures and her nomination for the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships below:

 “This summer I will be interning for the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Burma. The organization is located in Mae Sot, Thailand, on the Thai-Burmese border and is run entirely by former Burmese political prisoners. The organization works for the release of all political prisoners inside Burma as well as the improvement of prison conditions in the country. My main duties will consist of creating the monthly chronology report and analytical summaries on the key developments of prison conditions and the status of prisoners. Additionally, I will assist with the creation of new prisoner profiles as well as editing and updating former profiles.

Erin McAuliffe in Thailand

 

Following completion of the internship this summer, I will embark on a Fulbright year as an ETA (English Teaching Assistant) in Thailand. I will be conducting English conversation classes in a high school in Chiang Saen, one of the northern most districts of Thailand. Chiang Saen is a small, but historically important town of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It is also infamously known as the district that is home to the golden triangle, the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos on the Mekong and Ruak rivers. After having lived in Thailand for a semester of study abroad during my sophomore year, I am thrilled to be going back. In addition to teaching, I am hoping to learn more of the traditional dances of the north, as well as hopefully learn how to play one of the traditional stringed instruments. My favorite thing about Thailand is definitely the people. Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles,” and the people are by far the friendliest, kind-heated, and warming people you will ever meet.

Erin McAuliffe in Thailand
I'm really honored to have been selected as OSU's nominee for the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships. I'm learning a lot about myself and my future research and career goals as I work through the application process. I'm thankful for all of the faculty in both the German and Political Science departments who have personally connected with me and pushed me to my academic limits. The trust and faith they showed me in encouraging me to apply has helped me to believe in myself. The biggest thanks and appreciation I owe is definitely to Dr. Liddle, my advisor. I'm incredible thankful to have had someone who not only cares in seeing that I succeed in my research project, but who cares in seeing that I succeed in all aspects of my academic life. From my Fulbright application to my UK nomination application, from my thesis to upcoming grad school applications, Dr. Liddle has provided me endless hours of feedback and guidance, especially in helping me discover my ability and desire to become a future academic.”

The Department is proud of Erin and all of her accomplishments. We wish Erin the best and look forward to following her as she continues her journey in Thailand.