Blythe heads to South Korea as FEA awardee

"I've always been interested in foreign language and traveling to foreign countries. I like academics, too. Studying abroad is the perfect thing for me," Blythe said. "I felt Korea was a strong option for me because I really enjoy the culture and I had already been independently studying the language."

Blythe said she appreciates how the South Korean culture is family-oriented and modest. She's looking forward to making friends, sightseeing and shopping while overseas.

"I would love to see Busan and possibly Jeju Island. I want to see as much as I can in Seoul," she said. "What I like most about shopping is their prices are lower than the U.S., and Koreans are known for their crazy fashion with lots of options."

Blythe is pursuing a degree in chemistry but doesn't want to limit herself. She is considering a doctorate in chemistry but is curious to see if this study abroad will change her mind.

"I feel like we should definitely explore all our interests, and studying abroad is definitely one of mine," she said. "I feel this is going to be a huge eye-opening experience for me. I'll come back a different person having been so independent, seeing a new culture and living in it for three months."

Blythe credits Dr. Patricia Todebush with support and encouragement to make changes in her academic career.

"She's the reason I switched majors from biology to chemistry. She been very supportive and reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to. That's helped a lot," Blythe said. "Dr. Brittany Barron from the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office has also helped me a ton with support with my scholarships and anything else."

Barron described Blythe as "a dedicated and self-disciplined student who consistently works hard at whatever task is in front of her, whether it's her job, her schoolwork or scholarship essays."

"I've been working with Ava since November 2025, and since then, she has applied to five scholarships. I admire how Ava fully embraces the writing process, putting thoughtful effort into each draft and showing growth over time," Barron said. "It has been a pleasure to watch her develop as a writer, and I look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the future."