2025 grad Lydia Downs wins prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Thailand
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communication
Lydia Downs ’25, a Master of Arts in Education student at Pacific Lutheran University, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award to serve as an English teaching assistant in Thailand during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Lydia, who previously earned her undergraduate degrees in global studies and English literature at PLU, has long been passionate about education, empathy, and the power of storytelling. In her Fulbright application, she wrote, “As a future educator, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom where every student can succeed. Teaching in Thailand will deepen my commitment to inclusion by expanding my understanding of diverse cultural contexts.”
As a future educator, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom where every student can succeed. Teaching in Thailand will deepen my commitment to inclusion by expanding my understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
“I was inspired to apply for Fulbright by my boss, Bridget Yaden,” Lydia remembers. “She is the co-Director of the Parkland Literacy Center. I knew since my freshman year that I wanted to go overseas after I graduated. I never had the opportunity to study away for a full semester, so I really wanted to take the chance to move abroad.”
Her selection adds to PLU’s strong Fulbright legacy — Lydia is the 104th Lute to be honored by the Fulbright program since its founding. “She has a seriousness of purpose and clear professional teaching goals,” said PLU Associate Provost and Fulbright Program Advisor Dr. Bridget Yaden. “Lydia will be a wonderful representative of the U.S. and will return with experiences that enrich her future classrooms.”
Lydia says Thailand was a natural fit for her Fulbright placement. “My best friend growing up, who feels like my sister, lived in Thailand for 10 years before she moved back to the United States. I was surrounded by Thai culture early on, and I was inspired by the traditions I learned from her family. Additionally, I think it’s a very beautiful area with lots of culture. I’m so excited to learn!”
As featured in her Senior Story, Lydia’s time at PLU has been defined by a deep belief in the power of stories to connect people across differences — a value she will carry with her into this next chapter abroad.
When asked what she’s most looking forward to, Lydia shares, “I am most excited to learn from my students, travel, try the cuisine, go on hikes, and interact with the people and culture.”