Top photo caption: Jelani Cotton, pictured in an undated photo, is a first-generation college student at the Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Ind., and the institution’s first Fulbright Scholar. Jelani is a senior majoring in Business with minors in Spanish and Marketing. OSV News photo/Peter Ringenberg, courtesy Holy Cross College
By Charles Camosy, OSV News
Jelani Cotton is a trailblazer in more ways than one as a first-generation college student at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana, an entrepreneur and the college’s first Fulbright Scholar. He spoke recently with OSV News’ Charles Camosy about how he has been formed for this prestigious international exchange program through Catholic education, hard work and a supportive community.
– Charles Camosy: Congratulations on being Holy Cross College’s first Fulbright scholar! What an honor. How are you feeling about all of this?
– Jelani Cotton: My initial feeling was disbelief because it was a very strenuous application process that I completed in a short amount of time, compared to other applicants who had months of preparation with institutional support that Holy Cross did not yet have since I am the first applicant.
Shortly after, I felt a sense of gratitude to God. Teaching English in Spain has been something I dreamed about for years, and to see my vision turn into a reality is very humbling. I have worked very hard throughout my college journey to get to this point.
I have felt burned out and hopeless many times due to a busy schedule and workload, but God continues to open doors for me and show me that I am following the path that he has intended for me. I am extremely proud of myself for having the ambition to apply to this prestigious program and the determination to follow through with the process despite the challenges and doubt.
Being the first student in Holy Cross College history to be a Fulbright Scholar confirms that everything is paying off, and I am meant to be a pioneer that inspires others. I am a first-generation college student, so it has been difficult to navigate this journey, but I am proud to pave the way for myself and the younger generation in my family, college and community. I am grateful for the support of Holy Cross College throughout this process and overall academic journey.
I am confident I will succeed in this next step in life because of my ability to adapt and the kind heart I continue to lead with. God has a purpose for me, and I will continue to fulfill that. Overall, this honor reflects the support, mentorship and community that have poured into me through my time at Holy Cross College and the years prior
– Camosy: Where will you be headed and what will you be doing there?
– Cotton: In September, I will be traveling to Asturias, Spain, to live there for a full academic year. During my time there I will serve as an English teaching assistant working across two schools.
I am excited to foster a classroom environment built on trust and encouragement, where my students feel seen, supported and confident. This role also requires a great deal of initiative and responsibility as I will engage in the school and local community, working on projects and activities to enhance the formation of my students. Beyond the classroom, I look forward to traveling throughout Spain and immersing myself in new environments to deepen my cultural and global perspective.
– Camosy: Can you say something about your personal journey that led you to choose a Catholic education at Holy Cross College?
– Cotton: I was drawn to Holy Cross College because of its commitment to forming the whole person, not just focusing on developing their students intellectually, but shaping both the mind and heart.
As a Christian, I value an environment where faith, service and personal growth are at the core. When I toured the college during my senior year of high school, I saw a small, faith-driven community that deeply cares about their students and classes that have an emphasis on contributing to the common good. I saw that Holy Cross was unlike other colleges and universities. I loved the close relations between students and faculty, portraying a community where everyone was welcomed, seen and belonged.
They educate students to become global citizens with the competency to see and the courage to act. Holy Cross stands very close to their four pillars: citizen, leader, disciple and scholar. They aspire to form virtuous leaders that have compassion for everyone, despite their background, education, religion or socioeconomic status.
I saw that Holy Cross’ values aligned with mine: to treat everyone as God intended, as we would treat our brothers and sisters. This resonates with me deeply because I want to be a force for good and a voice for the voiceless, and Holy Cross College has definitely strengthened this.
– Camosy: How did a Catholic education – one at Holy Cross College, specifically – help shape our journey toward winning this prestigious award?
– Cotton: My experience at Holy Cross College shaped my journey toward the Fulbright by challenging me to think beyond my own success, achievements and desires – to have a focus on my vocation.
I have been pushed to reflect on who I am and who I want to become in accordance with the purpose that God has for me. In the classroom, we don’t solely focus on learning, but the why. Through my courses and professors, I aspire to be a servant leader that puts others before myself.
Going to Spain, although I am excited to explore more of God’s beautiful creation and travel, that’s not it – I am taking my “why” into account. I want to have a greater understanding of Spanish culture, help advance knowledge, inspire my students, represent my country, make lasting connections and set an example for those that follow behind me to know that there are no limits to their success.
Holy Cross encourages service and through this, I was consistently encouraged to engage with my community and consider the broader impact of my decisions. Whether mentoring students or contributing to research on poverty, I began to see my work as a way to serve others, not just build a resume. That mindset carried directly into my Fulbright application.
This is not just an academic opportunity but a chance to represent something greater than myself. Holy Cross gave me both the confidence and the moral foundation to pursue that path with intention.
Charles Camosy teaches moral theology and bioethics at The Catholic University of America in Washington.
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