BOONE—Miranda Grimmer, a graduate student at Appalachian State University, has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program semifinalist for the 2016-17 academic year. Semifinalists are applicants who have been recommended by the National Screening Committee.

Grimmer is pursuing a master’s degree in music therapy at Appalachian. She applied for a Fulbright English teaching assistantship in South Korea in part to develop multicultural skills that will assist her in her future work as a music therapist.

“As the United States grows in diversity with over 16 percent of the population born in a foreign country, it is essential that all professionals develop multicultural skills,” Grimmer wrote in her statement of purpose submitted to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. “It is especially important that music therapists working in mental health, schools and beyond to possess cultural empathy. Although, colleges are working towards developing programs that include cultural experiences, knowledge in this area is still lacking. By living, working and experiencing the unique culture of South Korea, I will be more prepared to work with a diverse clientele.”

When not in the classroom, Grimmer said she would like to volunteer at children’s hospitals or orphanages in South Korea.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program awards approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Semifinalists will learn between March and June if they have received a Fulbright grant to work in their requested host country.

Grimmer will earn her master’s degree in music therapy in May. She has completed the equivalency program in music therapy at Appalachian and is a board certified music therapist.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis on violin from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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