06/13/2023

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University junior Jadyan Watson is spending the summer in Costa Rica.

Watson, a Judsonia native, has been chosen as a Gilman Scholar and is studying abroad in the Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica program, which is led by Dr. Gabriel Horowitz, associate professor of Spanish.

“I am so very grateful to receive this award. Being a recipient of this scholarship will help me achieve my dreams of traveling and being enriched in the Latin American culture in Costa Rica, as well as strengthening my Spanish language skills,” said Watson.

Watson is an honors social work major with minors in Spanish and children’s advocacy studies.

“This study abroad opportunity will allow me to earn credits towards my Spanish language minor and will also help me reach and assist more people in the future when I become a social worker.”

In addition to her studies, she is an A-State cheerleader, a member of Delta Zeta sorority, and a member of the Honors College. She also works on campus as a resident assistant.

The Gilman Scholarship provides funding for those who wish to study abroad who otherwise may not have the opportunity to do so. The scholarship is open to undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply to their study-abroad costs. More than 2,000 students were chosen for the Gilman Scholarship. Students, including Watson, will study or intern in over 80 countries and represent more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States.

Watson’s future plans include earning her master’s in social work and assisting victims of interpersonal violence.

For more details about applying for nationally competitive awards and opportunities, one may contact Jennifer Salo, director of the Emerging Scholars Program, at [email protected].