Roxanna Hajjafar, a May 2009 Belmont University graduate with a double major in German and political science, recently received the honor of a Fulbright scholarship to Vienna, Austria where she will serve as an English Teaching Assistant. A native Nashvillian, Hajjafar was raised in a Persian-American household which kindled her interest in foreign cultures.
While attending Belmont, Hajjafar studied abroad in Dresden, Germany and was involved in the Belmont Democrats, the German Club (president from 2006-08), the Max-Kade German House and the James Madison Society. She hopes to one day secure a position as a Foreign Service Officer.
“I am looking forward to being again immersed in the European way of life,” Hajjafar said, “where people enjoy and appreciate the small things and make time ‘to stop and smell the roses,’ as cliché as it might sound. I have a passion for and a deep interest in other cultures and enjoy traveling to foreign places. This experience will prepare me for a future position where I can serve my country by fostering an understanding between the U.S. and other countries.”
In addition to further developing her language skills, Hajjafar hopes to expand her knowledge of the various cultures of the German-speaking peoples. After attending a week-long training session in September, she will teach from Oct. 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010 at two different schools, one a secondary school specializing in business and the other a secondary school specializing in fashion and art.
