Caitlin Lacey ’23 Selected as Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Spain

Caitlin Lacey, ’23 valedictorian who graduated Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors), has been selected to participate in the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program. Initially named an alternate, Lacey has now earned her place in the program. She will teach English in Spain, showing What Great Minds Can Do with her dedication and passion for education and cultural exchange.

Lacey, who hails from Charleston, South Carolina, will be teaching in Oviedo, a town in the Asturias region along the northern coast of Spain, is eager to immerse herself in Spanish culture while contributing to the education of students in the area. "I am extremely excited and incredibly honored to be a Fulbright ETA," Lacey shared. "I can’t wait to become immersed in Spanish culture and to engage with my community, but mostly, I am so excited to teach and interact with bright young minds every day."

During her time at Seton Hall, Lacey was deeply involved in campus life, holding multiple leadership roles and working five different campus jobs, all while excelling academically. Her commitment to service and education continued after graduation when she became an Outreach Manager for South Carolina Student Loan, a nonprofit organization focused on financial education. In this position, Lacey has connected with students and families across the state, providing them with valuable information about financial aid and higher education opportunities.

"An accomplished writer and scholar, who served as a Residence Assistance on campus, a peer mentor and tutor and taught business principles for a summer course at Yale, Caitlin is tremendously well prepared for her role as a teacher of English and American culture in Spain, a country whose environmental policies and culture she is eager to learn more about," said Matt Escobar, Director of Prestigious Fellowships. "She promises to be a perfect match for the challenges and opportunities of the Fulbright program and a model of servant leadership as she represents the university and the U.S. abroad."

Reflecting on her journey from Seton Hall to her upcoming Fulbright experience, Lacey expressed how her time at the university and her post-graduate work have prepared her for this next chapter. "After graduating as the 2023 Valedictorian, I went on to teach Business Fundamentals to high schoolers in a summer program at Yale University. Once that program ended, I began my current position as an Outreach Manager for South Carolina Student Loan, where I’ve had countless opportunities to connect with and impact the lives of others – something that I am greatly looking forward to continuing as a Fulbright ETA."

The Fulbright ETA program will allow Lacey to teach English and provide her with opportunities to assist with other subjects and participate in cultural exchange activities. For Lacey, Fulbright is more than just a teaching assignment; it is a step toward her long-term goal of making a meaningful impact on the world. "My primary goal in life is to work with and help others, and Fulbright is the perfect opportunity to broaden my horizons and apply this goal on an international level," she explained. "There are many things that I believe I’d like to do in my life – travel the world, become a cultural ambassador, and work with global environmentalism agencies – and regardless of what path I choose, I am confident that my time in Spain will open new doors for my future."

Lacey attributes her success to the support from her mentors and the Seton Hall community. "I couldn’t have done it without the continuous support of my loved ones, professors, and mentors. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to savor every moment."

During her time as a Seton Hall student, Lacey also participated in the RISE (Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship and Excellence) program as a first-generation student, where she was often encouraged to pursue her goals while gaining academic, financial, career and personal support from her mentors. "As a scholar in the RISE program, I was fortunate to be a part of Caitlin’s journey at Seton Hall University. From a pandemic laden freshman year to representing the class of 2023 as its valedictorian, Caitlin took full advantage of what this University has to offer," said Brandon Larmore, Director, TRiO Student Support Services and Lacey’s RISE mentor. "However, none of this would’ve been possible if not for Caitlin’s most important quality, her resilience. No matter the situation, she would always continue to work until she was able to find a solution. This commitment inspired many of her peers to push past their limits and always be solution oriented."

As Lacey prepares to embark on this exciting new adventure, Seton Hall University celebrates her achievements and looks forward to the impact she will undoubtedly make as a Fulbright ETA in Spain.

Categories: Education