Lida Waleska Rodriguez Escobar ‘23, a University of St. Thomas psychology alumna with a minor in international studies, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Scholarship. Sponsored by the United States government, Fulbright scholarships are some of the most competitive in the world, with applicants having to be approved by a U.S.-based selection committee as well as the host country selection committee.
Rodriguez Escobar, who first studied in Taiwan through UST’s Mandarin Center while at UST, said the Fulbright ETA will allow her to return to Taiwan to teach English in public schools beginning fall 2026.
She was floored when she found out she was selected.
“My immediate reaction was one of pure joy, and I felt deeply honored, grateful, and extremely excited,” Rodriguez Escobar said. “Although I worked hard throughout the application process, I had been feeling so nervous about the outcome that I constantly kept dreaming of the moment I would open the decision letter.”
Receiving support and encouragement from her mother and many UST faculty and staff, Rodriguez Escobar said this accomplishment is a meaningful validation of her hard work and dedication as a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and as an educator.
“When I told my mother that I had been selected as a Fulbright ETA finalist, she hugged me tightly with tears in her eyes,” Rodriguez Escobar said. “Her reaction made me emotional, and I immediately thought of all the support and encouragement I had received throughout the application process from Dr. Stockton, my recommenders and my mother. This recognition means so much to me given my passion for international studies and my commitment to understanding the world through diverse cultural perspectives.”
Born and raised in Honduras, Rodriguez Escobar moved to the United States in 2015 to pursue higher education. Rodriguez Escobar became a citizen of the United States in 2023. During that same year, as a student at St. Thomas, she studied abroad in Taiwan, immersing herself in the new culture and learning the language. Her UST professors and the Taiwanese people guided her through the experience with ease.
“My time studying Mandarin was very exciting and challenging,” she said. “Mandarin is a beautiful language in which each character has its own unique origin, and I hope to learn more as I once again experience life in Taiwan.
During my stay, I learned local customs and practices. It opened my eyes to other ways of viewing and seeing things in the United States, too. I thought of things I could incorporate into my daily life and teach to my students.”
Even after coming back to the U.S., she realized she desired to return to Taiwan.
“People were kind, patient, and understanding, which motivated me to try to communicate even more and build a good relationship with everyone around me,” she said. “From my students and co-teacher to the woman who sold me spicy chicken at a street food stall every week, all interactions left a lasting impression on me. Those brief conversations inspired me to learn more about Taiwanese culture and played a role in my desire to return to Taiwan.”
Dr. Yao-Yuan Yeh (葉耀元), chair in International Studies and director of the Mandarin Center of the Universities of St. Thomas and Wenzao Ursuline is enthusiastic for Rodriguez Escobar’s next foreign adventure.
“Lida participated in the intensive summer BEST Huayu program at Wenzao Ursuline University of Foreign Languages for eight months via our Mandarin Center at UST,” he said. “As witnessed, Lida’s extraordinary foreign experiences and her dedication to exploring Taiwan further via the Fulbright scholarship has earned her another adventure. Congratulations, Lida!”
As a self-proclaimed introvert, she is excited to continue to come out of her shell by teaching English. Since Fulbright ETAs serve as cultural ambassadors, Rodriguez Escobar hopes to share with her students both the traditions and the diversity that characterize the United States.
“Through fun, age-appropriate activities, I hope to help my students gain a deeper understanding of the many cultures, traditions, and communities that make up our American culture,” she said. “Cultural exchange programs like Fulbright are extremely crucial at this time. Through these programs, students are given the opportunity to let go of cultural biases, prejudice, and appreciate every culture. Representing the United States is important and meaningful to me because I will be representing the country that opened its doors for me to pursue higher education and a professional career.”
She treasured her time at UST and the professors who guided her.
“UST gave me the tools to pursue life-changing opportunities, and I had the privilege of taking several international studies courses with knowledgeable professors with a forward-thinking worldview,” she said. “Dr. Yao-Yuan Yeh, Dr. Stan Hok-Wui Wong, Dr. Ulysses Balderas, Prof. Richard Sindelar, Dr. Hans Stockton and Prof. Hajime Kumahata were important mentors who fostered my passion and curiosity for international studies. Throughout my years at UST, I learned to value understanding people's perspectives from different backgrounds and treating others with empathy and respect. The University equipped me with transferable skills, adaptability, and confidence in my abilities, allowing me to pursue opportunities I may not have initially considered, such as a Fulbright grant! Most importantly, UST has a strong emphasis on being who you truly are and you can use all your innate talents to continue serving others for a greater good.”
Dr. Hans Stockton, associate vice president for Government & International Relations, helped Rodriguez Escobar through the application process.
“Mentoring Lida through the intensive application process was an absolute pleasure,” Dr. Stockton said. “Her recognition by the U.S. Fulbright Program and Taiwan’s Foundation for Scholarly Exchange is well deserved. She will make a wonderful ETA and cultural ambassador for UST and the United States.”
Rodriguez Escobar is UST’s first Fulbright ETA since Helen Shaw MEd '17 MLA '17 in 2018. Shaw is now a U.S. Foreign Service Officer currently serving in Pakistan. Rodriguez Escobar is beyond proud and hopes to inspire other students.
“I hope UST students continue to pursue international opportunities and dream big,” she said. “In Taiwan, I hope to be a reflection of UST’s core values, which are being my best version and serving others with an open heart. I want to reflect the mentorship and encouragement I have been given while I teach abroad. I am aware that it is not just my success but the success of my University, and I am proud of that.”