Discovering a Passion for Women’s Socio-pPolitical Movements and Guiding Fellowships

Bethany Champlin’s transition from a commercial music major to a history graduate student marked a turning point in her Florida Atlantic journey, as she developed a new interest in uncovering marginalized voices in socio-political movements. Serendipitously, she also empowers fellow students through her role as a graduate teaching assistant in Florida Atlantic University’s Office of Prestigious Fellowships.

Champlin’s academic journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing unexpected opportunities. Originally joining the university as a commercial music major, Champlin’s path took a significant turn as her love for history grew. After changing her major to English, she added history to her studies, a field, she said, that had always fascinated her. "After taking an upper-level history class, I knew I liked the department here," Champlin said. "In my last year of undergraduate studies, I decided I wanted to become a history professor, mostly because of how much I love historical research."

Champlin’s research delves into the lives of marginalized women during the socio-political movements in the 19th and 20th centuries in American History. "The fact that a lot of the topics I look at are really understudied lit a fire in me to prioritize this research in the field," said Champlin. As a graduate student, she continues to expand her expertise by connecting her research interests to her coursework.

Champlin’s journey led her to a unique graduate teaching assistant role with the Office of Prestigious Fellowships, in partnership with the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. "I had worked with the Office of Prestigious Fellowships when I was a Fulbright nominee earlier that year, and when a professor told me about this opportunity, I applied," she said.

In her role, Champlin balances planning, advising, data compilation and helping students navigate the fellowship application process. "It’s a lot of planning and anticipating needs, but I love that I get to do a little of everything," said Champlin, adding that her experience as a fellowship applicant allows her to empathize with students. "I was an undergraduate in Arts and Letters, trying to apply for a fellowship and not necessarily knowing what my options were. It’s nice to open those doors for students like me."

Champlin highlights the significant opportunities that fellowships provide, particularly for students in the Arts and Letters fields. "There's a perception that there isn’t as much funding or prioritization for these areas, but fellowships dismantle that," she said. Although this is her first semester in the Office of Prestigious Fellowships, she’s eager to guide students through the process, particularly graduate students, she said, advising, "Don’t focus on being awarded the fellowship. The process itself is such a great learning experience, and you build skills that apply across any discipline. … Just start writing. Blank documents aren’t conducive to progress — get your thoughts down, and revise from there."

As a Fulbright nominee herself, Champlin said she understands the personal and professional growth that comes from pursuing fellowship opportunities. "The application process taught me how to prepare materials like personal statements, which helped when I applied to graduate programs and will help in the future with job applications and grant writing," she said. Balancing her research, coursework and teaching responsibilities is no small feat, but Champlin said she approaches it with a thoughtful strategy. "I have to prioritize myself before I can expect to do anything else. Sleep, self-care and spending time with friends and family set me up to do my best work," she said. She also finds creative spaces for her research and readings, whether it’s at a public library, a café, or even the beach.

Looking ahead, Champlin said she plans to pursue a career in academia, focusing on continuing her research and supporting students in seeking fellowships and professional opportunities. "Getting the perspective of fellowships in all these different fields is invaluable," she said. "Every student has the potential to achieve great things; sometimes, they just need a little guidance to see the possibilities before them."