What is your favorite part about working at the Fulbright Association?

My favorite part is speaking with all the Fulbrighters. My role is quite front facing. If you call the office, I’m the one you get. I manage a lot of the emails that go out to the public and that kind of thing. One-on-one communications and something that is shared amongst all Fulbrighters; they love to talk about their experience. Given that I’m not an alum, I love to live vicariously through their stories. It feels like I get to learn about a new place or culture everyday.

Why is Fulbright Association’s mission important to you?

In a world that is increasingly divided, it’s important to stay reflective on the values of globalism; global exchange is a major reason for that. I think when we look too internal to ourselves as a country and we don’t look beyond ourselves, we lose a lot of potentially valuable lessons and experiences. I think global exchange is more important now than ever.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I just moved to New York City. I have never lived there before, so exploring the city has been a big pastime for me in the past couple months. Museums, trying new cuisines at restaurants. There is no better place to do that than New York, as it is a very global city. I have a lot of hobbies, so I am always taking a class or trying to get some new skills. I am also always getting on a plane and traveling which is exciting. I get a little stir crazy if I am in the same place too long.

What is the most memorable experience you had at the Fulbright Association?

Last year’s Fulbright Prize Ceremony honoring Bono was a really big moment. My parents are from Ireland, so U2 was incredibly important to me and my upbringing. I grew up following Bono’s career; his music has always really resonated with me and he has always been someone I’ve admired and been interested in. The feeling in the room that night was special. We were really just coming out of the pandemic at the time, and everyone was still very wary of their surroundings and to be in a space where so many people gathered. That was first time since the pandemic began that I had seen that kind of room with so many different people.

Fiona Breslin (left) and Christine Oswald (right) pose at the 2022 Fulbright Prize Ceremony in April 2023.