Fulbright recipients 2013: Ashley Brunk

An English major and education studies minor, Ashley Brunk ’13 of Phoenix, Ariz., received a Fulbright English Teacher Assistantship for work in Malaysia.

Brunk’s passion for literacy and comparative pedagogy translated into a capacity for teaching that she will put to the test abroad. Tutoring at Bates and in high school — especially working with an English language learner — has stoked her fascination with education.

“I saw firsthand that learning a new language is a unique struggle, with both intellectual and emotional challenges — but one that leads to real achievement and rewards,” she says. “I’ve learned to differentiate my teaching methods and to understand students’ individual needs and strengths.”

After her year abroad, Brunk plans to “pursue graduate studies in childhood and adolescent literacy, emphasizing different approaches to teaching languages.” She’d eventually like to become a reading specialist for children learning English as an additional language and children with learning disabilities.