Isa Alarcon (‘25 Political Science and Sociology). Photo courtesy of Alarcon.

When Wilkinson College alumnus Isa Alarcon (‘25 Political Science and Sociology) graduated from Chapman University last May, she knew she wanted to pursue work rooted in community impact, education, and cultural exchange. What she didn’t know at the time was that less than a year later, she would be preparing to move to Spain as a Fulbright finalist.

Since graduating, Alarcon had moved back home to Santa Barbara and, in September 2025, began an internship with the office of Congressman Salud Carbaja. Around the same time, she accepted a part-time role with United Way of Santa Barbara County as a Community Impact Coordinator, which eventually transitioned into a full-time position.

“United Way’s mission centers around advancing academic achievement, financial security, and community resiliency, and my work has allowed me to contribute directly to programs that support local families,” said Alarcon. “Some of the initiatives I help lead include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation services to community members, as well as Fun in the Sun, a six-week summer enrichment program focused on academic achievement that we are currently planning for this summer. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what meaningful community engagement looks like in practice.”

At the same time, she was navigating the lengthy and often overwhelming process of applying to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The Long Road to Fulbright

Alarcon began her Fulbright application in April 2025 after encouragement from her mentor, Dr. Ann Gordon (Political Science), who believed she would be a strong candidate.

“Initially, I hesitated. Fulbright had always seemed incredibly competitive, and I knew the application process would be demanding. Eventually, I decided to meet with Chapman’s Fulbright advisor, Dr. John Hunter, to better understand what applying would entail,” she said.

Over that summer, she met with Dr. Hunter multiple times each month to revise essays, shape her application, and reflect on her goals. She also connected with Fulbright alumni and staff members who reviewed her materials before submission.

“The level of support I received throughout the process was incredible, and by the time I officially submitted my application on October 6, I felt genuinely proud of the work I had put into it.”

Months later, in January 2026, she received notice that she had been selected as a semifinalist. In February, semifinalists were invited to submit a supplemental one-minute video … then came another waiting period.

“On April 9, I was notified that I had received alternate status — a result that left me suspended somewhere between hope and uncertainty, but finally, on May 6 at exactly 10:06 a.m., everything changed.”

While at her mom’s house, Alarcon received the email notification. After months of uncertainty, she had officially been named a Fulbright finalist.

“The emotions hit all at once — excitement, gratitude, relief, disbelief. Receiving alternate status a month earlier had made it difficult to fully process what could happen, so getting the final decision finally allowed me to breathe. The first people I called were my aunts, who had supported me throughout every stage of the process. They were just as emotional and excited as I was,” said Alarcon.

Returning to Spain

This September, Alarcon will begin her Fulbright grant as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in La Rioja, Spain.

During fall 2023, Alarcon studied abroad in Madrid at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where she studied Political Science and Sociology. Returning to Spain now, in a completely new role, she says, “feels incredibly full circle.”

As an ETA, she will assist in English language classrooms and participate in community engagement opportunities outside of school. One of the projects she has proposed in her Fulbright application — and still hopes to pursue — involves volunteering with a local NGO focused on combating human trafficking.

“My interest in this work began while writing my senior thesis and deepened through prevention-focused work during one of my internships. Spain’s role as both a destination and transit point presents an opportunity to learn from international approaches to prevention and advocacy. I hope to bring some of those perspectives into the classroom by encouraging student-led discussions around issues students care about and how they can engage within their own communities,” she said.

Beyond academics and advocacy, she is also excited to reconnect with the cultural influences that shaped her youth.

Every August, Santa Barbara celebrates Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a tradition that honors Spanish and Mexican heritage through music, dance, and food. Growing up around those celebrations sparked her fascination with flamenco and Spanish culture from a young age. While in Spain, she hopes to take traditional flamenco classes and deepen her understanding of the traditions that inspired her throughout childhood.

“I also look forward to exchanging perspectives with students about how traditions evolve differently across countries and cultures.”

Alarcon Credits Chapman for Success

As a first-generation college student, Alarcon earned many awards and honors both on campus and in the community. At Chapman, she earned Departmental Honors in Sociology, a Chapman Presidential Scholarship, and was named to the Provost’s and Dean’s lists for her excellent academic performance. Off campus, she was named HOPE’s Future Latina History Maker, an award that goes to young Latinas who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and a strong commitment to community service. She was also named Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jr. Woman of Inspiration. Awardees serve as role models for other girls and are celebrated for their potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Alarcon credits Chapman University and Wilkinson College with preparing her for this next chapter.

“Beyond the support I received during the application process, the experiences I had as an undergraduate — studying abroad, working in the President’s Office, and serving in executive leadership roles within student organizations — challenged me to grow personally and professionally in ways that gave me confidence stepping into this opportunity,” she said.

As she prepares to move abroad again, Alarcon keeps coming back to one goal: creating a classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, taking risks, and connecting with others through language.

“Ultimately, I hope to be the mentor I once needed — someone who encourages students to ask questions, embrace new experiences, and feel proud of who they are.”

After her Fulbright assignment, she plans to pursue a career in international human rights, focusing on the prevention and education about human trafficking. Her long-term goal is to work in an agency such as the U.S. Department of State or the FBI, where she can strengthen national security while addressing exploitation on a larger scale.

Watch her Fulbright video and tribute to her Grandfather.

(Pictured in header: Isa Alarcon (‘25 Political Science and Sociology). Photo courtesy of Alarcon.)