Just as Fordham announced it was a top producer of Fulbright Students for the second year in a row, Marisa Iglesias, Ph.D., associate director of the Office of Fellowship Advising, was busy preparing the next cohort of fellowship applicants. Her office shepherds students through the application process for 10 core programs, including Fulbright, Gilman, Truman, Goldwater, Udall, and more.
“We want people to know that we are here for every student,” said Iglesias. As part of this welcoming effort, her office recently rebranded itself to the Office of Fellowship Advising from the Office of Prestigious Fellowships. “The awards are prestigious, but above all we want students to know we are accessible.”
Below she shares the advice she gives students and the bold move that led her to Fordham.
Getting the Word Out About Fellowships
“The coaching process starts before we even have a student sitting in front of us,” said Iglesias. “We do outreach everywhere we can, to let students know that they can be a strong applicant. It’s not just for 4.0 students. They just have to find the right fit for them.”
To spread the word, Iglesias and Lorna Ronald, Ph.D., the director of the Office of Fellowship Advising, go to classrooms and partner with programs such as the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program, the Center for Community Engaged Learning, and the Higher Education Opportunity Program. They also collaborate with faculty to recruit students and hold mock interviews.
“We’re a small but really supportive team,” said Iglesias.
Combating Imposter Syndrome
“We all have imposter syndrome, no matter how strong a performer we are,” said Iglesias.
She encourages students to acknowledge that feeling, and then think, “What tools do I have to get past those things?” She says that looks different for everyone.
“Part of our approach is just being good listeners, creating a space for people to feel like they can talk about their vulnerabilities.”
Learnings from Yoga
As a certified yoga instructor who teaches yoga and meditation at an addiction recovery nonprofit, Iglesias applies her practice to her work. “Yoga ultimately is about learning to tune in and listen to yourself.”
This is easier said than done, especially for students. “When you’re in a competitive atmosphere, it’s very easy to get caught up in someone else’s goals because you think you need to be walking a particular path.” She encourages them to center in on what they really want.
Writing Advice That Pays Off
Iglesias, a Cuban American and first-generation college graduate, holds a Ph.D. in English and formerly taught literature and writing at the University of South Florida. Her top advice for students writing their personal essays? Be genuine.
“If someone else can include the same sentence in their essay, avoid including it. People remember stories. It’s the personal details that let readers connect and visualize the applicant.”
Taking a Leap
After her daughter graduated high school, Iglesias decided to move with her partner back to New York City, where she had lived in her twenties. It was a big leap without a job lined up.
“Many people leave New York to go to Florida, but I always wanted to return, and the time felt right.” She taught writing at Fordham and then learned of an opening in the fellowship office. “I applied, and I fell in love with the work. I am able to get to know students, to hear about the cool things that they’re doing, and to help them reach their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Students who are interested in applying for fellowships can research current opportunities and deadlines and reach out to the Office of Fellowship Advising.
