From Inspiration to Application: My Fulbright Story

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , embarking on a boiling July afternoon, with the mission to attend the Fulbright Award ceremony at the USA embassy in Lisbon . As always, I'm prepared with a good dose of determination, a sprinkle of anticipation, and a talent for unexpected adventures. Brace yourself for a tale of twists, turns, and a mystery involving not just one, but two known doors, and a possible secret one!   Stepping into the embassy grounds, I was struck by a rush of familiarity. I had been here before, after all. Confidently, I marched towards what I believed to be the "main" entrance, ready to claim my seat at the prestigious event. A firm “ knock on the door” , a brief exchange with the guard, and a quizzical look from him sent a shiver of doubt down my spine. To my surprise, I had knocked on the wrong door – the wrong entrance .   But wait, rewind. Let me provide some context. In my mind, every embassy has a singular main entrance, plus a hush-hush, exc...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , navigating the virtual world with a screen filled with little squares, reminiscent of those COVID-era video calls we've all become familiar with. But this time, it wasn't just another online meeting - it was a pre-departure Zoom gathering for Fulbright winners, a chance to connect with fellow awardees and immerse in essential advice. In this digital rendezvous, an array of tips and insights were shared, from the essentials of visa procedures to the intricate workings of the embassy. However, the meeting was more than just a checklist of tasks; it was an opportunity to dive into the Fulbright network , a virtual space full of experienced alumni who could guide us through the journey ahead.    Amidst the advice, some practical gems shone through. We were nudged to send our flight itineraries to our university contacts - a small yet crucial step in ensuring a smooth landing. As I wrote down notes, one thought emerged: "Organize your tr...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , caught in the unusual dilemma of contemplating Christmas gifts in the month of June . As my Fulbright journey approaches, a unique challenge presents itself - I will be away from home, family, and friends during the festive season. While my return date falls just a few days before Christmas, the limited time available leaves me with the realization that I won't have the luxury of buying presents upon my arrival. And so, the quest to prepare for the holiday season takes on a new urgency.   As the summer sun casts its warm glow, I find myself immersed in thoughts of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joy of gift-giving. It may seem premature to be planning for Christmas while the world is still enjoying in the glow of summer, but for me, it has become a necessity. With each passing day, the countdown to my departure grows shorter, and the need to secure Christmas presents becomes more pressing.   In this race against time, I em...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , standing at the crossroads of emotions as good news arrives. Let me take you on a journey through those unforgettable moments when the universe decided to bestow upon me the gift of good news.   It was a chilly December morning when my phone rang. Little did I know that the call would mark a turning point in my career. As I picked up the phone, a voice on the other end said the words that seemed almost surreal. I had won the L'Oréal Award . For a moment, I wondered if it was all an elaborate prank. But then, to confirm the authenticity of the call, I asked the person to mention the name of my project – a detail only I knew . As the words rolled off their tongue, the reality sank in. I had indeed won the L'Oréal Award. It was a moment of pure joy, like unwrapping an earlier Christmas gift that would forever hold a special place in my heart. That phone call became an unforgettable memory, imprinted in the tapestry of my life as one of the h...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , navigating the intricate realm of personal statements, fuelled by ambition, self-reflection, and a touch of uncertainty. Let me take you on a journey through the process of crafting a Fulbright personal statement  that complements my CV and delves deeper into the essence of who I am.   "My name is Carina, a Junior Researcher at the Biospectroscopy and Interfaces Research Group in IST, and I have a Barbie Scientist as my travel companion, spreading the message of empowerment for women in STEM. Also, I am a master's student in Political Science in ISCTE. Therefore, I do not know if I am always stepping out of my comfort zone or just expanding it."   With this unique introduction, I set the stage for a personal statement that captures not only my academic journey but also the myriad experiences that have shaped me into the researcher and advocate I am today. It is a balance, ensuring that my personal statement adds value and provi...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher, embarking on a nerve-wracking journey through the Fulbright interview . With a mind filled with scientific activities and a touch of anxiety, I stood at the threshold of a new experience. Allow me to rewind and share the tale of that key moment. The interview came just over two months after I had submitted my application, and it was a brief encounter lasting no more than 10 minutes , conducted over a Zoom meeting. I must confess, I had no idea what to expect. You see, I am familiar to being evaluated based on my scientific knowledge and ideas. However, the Fulbright project I had proposed was entirely new territory for me, and the details were not as fresh in my memory as I would have liked.   To prepare myself, I immersed myself in the project once again. I explored mitigation strategies, studied several approaches, and covered my workspace with a colorful array of post-it notes, ensuring I wouldn't forget any crucial details. You see, worki...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , driven by passion and a firm spirit, navigating the uncharted territory of a Diversity Assay . Now, let's be honest; this was uncharted waters for me. Writing about oneself is a complex task, as we all have our unique paths in science and our individual struggles. I wanted to avoid sounding like I was complaining or seeking sympathy, for that's not who I am. Nevertheless, crafting this document became a reflective exercise that took up a significant portion of my application time. I had never written a Diversity Assay before, and uncertainty materialized over me like a persistent shadow. I began with just a sentence or two per day, carefully contemplating my journey, how I perceived it from an external standpoint, and what truly inspired me. Piece by piece, the puzzle started to take shape. The document became a window into my innermost thoughts and experiences, a testament to the person I have become.   Growing up in a poor neighborhood...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, racing against time, fuelled by determination and a touch of uncertainty. Let me be honest; I may have exaggerated a bit in my previous post. While I did have some additional time to prepare for the Fulbright application, an approaching paper deadline added an element of risk to the equation. But, as I scheduled a Zoom meeting with the potential host, I had a clear project idea in mind - a topic that I had already been immersed in and comfortable with due to my ongoing work. However, during our conversation, the host expressed a different interest.   Host: "That is a good idea, and we could do it, but I am not particularly interested. My recent research is about…etc., if you could find a way to merge your research interests with mine..." Me: "Ok, I can do it."   But deep down, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled within me:   "How on earth am I going to write a project proposal in just five days?"   In that moment, I k...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, a computer screen, a cup of tea by her side, and a determined look in her eyes. It's that moment when I immerse myself in the intricate world of the Fulbright application process. Before even typing a single word, I embark on a journey of careful preparation. Armed with a trusty pen and a notebook by my side, I carefully study every line of the “Instructions for Completing the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application” on my computer screen. It's a unique blend of technology and the timeless glamour of pen and paper ! But that's just the beginning. To truly understand the landscape of this journey, I cover the archives, researching the paths of previous successful Fulbright scholars. This exploration offers a valuable window into their research projects, backgrounds, and career stages. It helps me gain a clearer understanding of the diverse experiences and achievements that have paved the way for these accomplished individua...

Picture this: a 38-year-old with a restless spirit, an insatiable thirst for adventure, and a burning question in mind  -  what more can I do? Yes, I know, age is just a number, but it got me thinking. Shouldn't life be a perpetual quest for new experiences , opportunities , and personal growth ? Much like Bridget Jones serenading herself with   “ All by Myself ”,   there are moments when I find myself all alone in the lab, surrounded by test tubes and   RB flasks . And at the end of a long week, I often unwind with a well-deserved glass of gin and tonic, pondering the mysteries of academia and the excitement that lies ahead . Bridget Jones may have sought love and self-discovery, but for me, it's the pursuit of knowledge , cultural exchange , and a Fulbright grant that ignite my journey.   Behind my decision to apply for a Fulbright grant lies a mix of motivations and reflections on the academic landscape. One driving force is the need to enhance my CV w...