Photo by Justin D. Knight

NAME
Kelly McCray

AGE
21

HOMETOWN
Decatur, Georgia

MAJORS
English and Greek

WHY THE FULBRIGHT?
I chose Fulbright because I believe it is a wonderful opportunity to see and explore another country. I also wanted full immersion in another culture, and the Fulbright program provides that.

WHY THAILAND?
I chose Thailand because I wanted to live in a culture very different from my own. Ironically, looking back I realize much of what appealed to me most about Thailand, namely its reputation for hospitality and family and community-oriented culture, bore similarities to my own hometown, despite major superficial differences. I also hope to learn firsthand about human rights issues in Thailand.

WHAT WILL YOU PURSUE?
I am doing an English Teaching Assistantship.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
For me, the Fulbright award means new people, new places, a new language, new food, new opportunities, as well as knowledge and discovery. The purpose of the program is to foster positive relationships among different countries and cultures, and that's what I hope to do.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Through a career in the Foreign Service, I have found my niche. As a Foreign Service Officer, I will be able to develop my reading and writing skills, utilize my ability to learn languages easily, and work with communities all over the world.