Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Double Major Reach Goal of Directing and Working in a Park or Museum

This January, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible. 

Meet Alyssa Martinez, who thanks to the Barbara and Harry Shadden Theatre Award, is one step closer to her dream of working in theatre as a director or working in a state park or museum.

Barbara and Harry Shadden Theatre Award Recipient Alyssa Martinez

Name: Alyssa Martinez
Hometown: Cypress, TX
Graduation: 2024
Major(s)/Minor(s): Majoring in Theatre Performance and Anthropology

 Activities/Interests: I love everything about theatre and spend a lot of time focusing on directing and dancing. I’ve directed a few shows and enjoy creating art to put onstage, but I also love joining an ensemble and putting on a dance. Outside of theatre, I enjoy hiking and learning about the Earth and doing yoga.

Career Aspirations: I have a lot of interests, but I would love to either work in the theatre field and become a director or use my anthropology degree to be able to work in a state park or in a museum.

In her own words:

Dear Barbara Shadden,

Thank you so much for supporting the Barbara and Harry Shadden Theatre Award, I am so very grateful to receive it this upcoming year. I was notified this morning and could not be more overjoyed.

I graduated from Bridgeland High school in May of 2020 and am now a sophomore theatre and anthropology double major in Fulbright College. I hope to attend grad school after my undergrad for either my theatre or anthropological pursuit and grow to help others through what I learn.

I have been working to pay for my education and a place to live in Fayetteville, and this scholarship really takes a weight off of my shoulders when it comes to monetary stress. Being able to pursue a craft like theatre during the pandemic has caused a lot of stress thinking about the future and having this scholarship has helped calm my worries.

Thank you again for giving to Fulbright College and helping me pursue my education. I could not express how grateful I am for the opportunity!

Thank you,

Alyssa Martinez

For more information about the Barbara and Harry Shadden Theatre Award or to make a gift to support the college’s students, faculty, or staff, please contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.