Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Journalism Major Reach Dream of Becoming a Travel Writer

This November, 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 Kelsie Aparicio, who thanks to the Wanda A. Belzung Scholarship, is one step closer to her dream of working in publishing and becoming a travel writer who founds a blog that showcases women’s travel.

Wanda A. Belzung Scholarship

Name: Kelsie Aparicio
Hometown: Arcadia, Oklahoma
Graduation: 2026
Major(s)/Minor(s): Majoring in Advertising and Public Relations and minoring in Journalism and Strategic Media and Global Studies

Activities and Interests: In my spare time, I love to read. I feel like reading has become less common today, but it is one of my favorite things to be able to dive into different worlds and view the writing. I also love to travel and being able to mix my major and minors with blog writing and photography.

Career Aspirations: My future career aspirations are to one day work on the publicity team for a book publishing company or start a successful travel blog that showcases women’s travel.

In her own words:

Dear Mrs. Condren,

I am so thankful to be selected as the 2025–2026 recipient of the Wanda A. Belzung Scholarship.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support of students like me in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. This award means a lot to me and encourages me to keep working hard toward my goals.

I’m currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas, majoring in advertising and public relations with minors in journalism and strategic media, and global studies. I’m entering my senior year this fall.

I’ve always loved reading and storytelling, and one of my future career goals is to work on the publicity team of a book publishing company or build a successful travel blog that combines my love of writing, photography, and culture. 

I’m also passionate about international experiences, I studied abroad in Rome and hope to bring a global perspective to my future career.

This scholarship will help support my ability to take on internships and build professional experience in the future. I won’t need to worry as much about tuition expenses.

I’m grateful for the encouragement this award gives me to continue learning and growing in my field.

Thank you again for your generosity and belief in the potential of students like me. I truly appreciate your investment in my education and future.

Sincerely,


Kelsie Aparicio

For more information about the Wanda A. Belzung Scholarship 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.

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