Fulbright Scholar Program<\/a> is the U.S. government\u2019s flagship international educational and cultural exchange initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding between nations through academic and professional opportunities abroad. Recipients are selected through a highly competitive, merit-based process.<\/p>\n
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Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Bessette said her journey to Virginia Wesleyan began with a Batten Honors College recruitment flyer and encouragement from an admissions counselor that inspired her to compete for the Honors College scholarship competition.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe scholarship that I received is what allowed me to attend college out of state,\u201d Bessette said. \u201cSince then, the Batten Honors College has provided many opportunities that have made me a better student and scholar.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Those opportunities have included a remarkable range of academic and leadership experiences both on and off campus. In addition to studying abroad in Tarragona, Spain, Bessette served as an editor for the Batten Honors College academic journal, participated in Model United Nations, worked as a Spanish peer tutor, and represented the University as a campus ambassador in the enrollment office.<\/p>\n
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She also held leadership positions across campus organizations, serving as president of the Prelaw Society and Spectrum organization, vice president of Sigma Delta Pi, and senator in the Student Government Association. Bessette is also a member of the political science honor society Phi Sigma Alpha and has presented research at the Southern Regional Honors Conference for two consecutive years.<\/p>\n
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Among her many accomplishments, Bessette was also recognized as the recipient of the 2025 Ryan Prize for Excellence in Research.<\/p>\n
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Bessette said several experiences at Virginia Wesleyan proved especially influential in shaping her future goals, particularly her semester abroad in Spain and participation in Model UN.<\/p>\n
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\u201cMy semester abroad allowed me to get a taste of the culture, which I will now be returning to with the Fulbright grant,\u201d she said. \u201cParticipating in Model UN strengthened my desire to study international law and will now connect directly to my Fulbright experience because I will assist with a Model UN class there.\u201d<\/p>\n
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As president of the newly established Prelaw Society, Bessette also focused on expanding opportunities and visibility for students interested in legal careers.<\/p>\n
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\u201cVirginia Wesleyan has pushed me to become a better and more ambitious person,\u201d she said. \u201cI have learned to take on every opportunity that has been offered to me, which was a huge contributing factor in applying for the Fulbright grant.\u201d<\/p>\n
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In Madrid, Bessette will work with students while deepening her understanding of cultural exchange and international diplomacy\u2014experiences she believes will prepare her for a future career in international law.<\/p>\n
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\u201cReceiving Fulbright is one of my greatest achievements,\u201d she said. \u201cIt will allow me to expand my worldview and become more equipped for my future. Madrid is a cultural hub that will allow me to use my skills and interact with many diverse people and perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Following the completion of her Fulbright appointment in 2027, Bessette plans to attend law school with a focus on international and constitutional law. She hopes to eventually work in international law, diplomacy, or with organizations such as the United Nations.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI believe in strong legal institutions and feel that the world is a better place through cross-border cooperation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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Reflecting on her time at Virginia Wesleyan, Bessette credits the support of faculty, mentors, and the Batten Honors College community for helping her pursue ambitious goals.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI am grateful for the support system of professors and faculty who have always cheered me on and supported me in everything I have sought to achieve,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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