One of 40. That’s what four Colby seniors are hoping they’ll be on March 15 when the Thomas J. Watson Foundation announces its 2022 fellows.
If granted a prestigious Watson Fellowship, they’ll embark on a global journey that promises to transform the arc of their life.
Colby’s 2022 Watson finalists Mannon Frykholm, Pilar Fuentes, Thomas Haut, and Jordan McClintock were selected by a committee of seven faculty members from a pool of 16 applicants. The finalists go on to compete nationally with candidates representing all 41 of the foundation’s partner colleges.
Only 40 of those national candidates will receive a Watson Fellowship and the $36,000 stipend that accompanies it.
A Watson Fellowship supports graduating seniors to pursue a personal project outside of the United States for one year. The fellowship’s goal is singular: a year of personal insight and perspective that instills confidence and leadership.
Colby has participated in the program since 1971, winning 65 fellowships. Former Watson fellows have studied urban poverty, inclusion and independence for the disabled, childbirth and midwifery in marginalized communities, and conflict resolution.
“Students who apply for a Watson learn a lot about themselves,” said Ben Fallaw, professor of Latin American studies and Colby’s Watson Fellowship liaison. “Many nominees are inspired to do at least part of their project on their own in the future, whether they win or not.”
Frykholm found the process of thinking through her Watson project gratifying. What’s more, she’s impressed that the Watson Foundation “really cares about the development of the person themselves and not the product. It allows students to be curious to ask whatever they want to ask.”
The opportunity to grow attracted McClintock to apply. “What makes it a really beautiful thing is that a Watson is meant to be a learning process,” she said. “It’s meant to be a journey.”
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