Westmont Magazine Augustinian Scholar Earns a Fulbright Scholarship in Mexico

Emily Mata ’20 has received a Fulbright Scholarship to assist English teachers in Mexico. She’ll also work on a side project volunteering for and researching local groups of artists. “I’m most looking forward to simply being in Mexico, speaking Spanish every day and learning more about the history of wherever I’m placed,” she says.

Fulbright has pushed the program back to January 2021 due to the coronavirus, and the organization may delay the start further. “If schools in Mexico are open when the Fulbright Scholarship begins, I’ll assist different English teachers in their classrooms, doing things like tutoring and running conversation groups,” she says. “I understand, however, that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, and any part of the program could be altered or canceled if that suits the needs of Mexico’s education system.”

After she completes her Fulbright, Emily plans to pursue her passions for art, education and justice. “Long term, I want to work in arts education in a way that centers on students of color,” she says. “I’ll go on to study art history, continue my art-making practice and gain teaching experience.”

An Augustinian Scholar, Emily majored in both studio art and Spanish with a minor in writing. She received the David K. Winter Servant Leadership Award for her work with Intercultural Programs and the Latinx Student Union.