\u201cInitially, I hesitated. Fulbright had always seemed incredibly competitive, and I knew the application process would be demanding. Eventually, I decided to meet with Chapman\u2019s Fulbright advisor, Dr. John Hunter, to better understand what applying would entail,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nMonths 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 \u2026 then came another waiting period.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn April 9, I was notified that I had received alternate status \u2014 a result that left me suspended somewhere between hope and uncertainty, but finally, on May 6 at exactly 10:06 a.m., everything changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
While at her mom\u2019s house, Alarcon received the email notification. After months of uncertainty, she had officially been named a Fulbright finalist.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe emotions hit all at once \u2014 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,\u201d said Alarcon.<\/p>\n
Returning to Spain<\/b><\/h3>\n
This September, Alarcon will begin her Fulbright grant as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in La Rioja, Spain.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cfeels incredibly full circle.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 and still hopes to pursue \u2014 involves volunteering with a local NGO focused on combating human trafficking.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy interest in this work began while writing my senior thesis and deepened through prevention-focused work during one of my internships. Spain\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Beyond academics and advocacy, she is also excited to reconnect with the cultural influences that shaped her youth.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also look forward to exchanging perspectives with students about how traditions evolve differently across countries and cultures.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nAlarcon Credits Chapman for Success<\/h3>\n
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\u2019s and Dean\u2019s lists for her excellent academic performance. Off campus, she was named HOPE\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Alarcon credits Chapman University and Wilkinson College with preparing her for this next chapter.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond the support I received during the application process, the experiences I had as an undergraduate \u2014 studying abroad, working in the President\u2019s Office, and serving in executive leadership roles within student organizations \u2014 challenged me to grow personally and professionally in ways that gave me confidence stepping into this opportunity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, I hope to be the mentor I once needed \u2014 someone who encourages students to ask questions, embrace new experiences, and feel proud of who they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Watch her Fulbright video and tribute to her Grandfather.<\/p>\n
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