Congratulations to Bryce Drager, a recipient of the prestigious U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship and the Denny & Thelma Yasuhara Scholarship! This scholarship will support him as he attends Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) for a full academic year.
The Gilman Scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded to a diverse group of students to help them gain the professional skills, language abilities, and knowledge of the world needed for successful careers. Bryce, a passionate first-generation student from Spokane Valley, is a Psychology major at EWU, with a graduation year of 2027. His journey at EWU began in the Social Work program with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. However, he was inspired to switch to Psychology after learning about the breadth of research opportunities available, particularly after meeting a psychologist in Japan who integrated Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies into his therapeutic practice. This experience sparked Bryce’s passion for combining mental healthcare with his interest in foreign languages and cultures.
In addition to the Gilman, Bryce was awarded the Denny & Thelma Yasuhara Scholarship. This scholarship honors high school graduates from the Inland Northwest who have demonstrated good citizenship, community involvement, and an appreciation for Japanese culture. Bryce’s commitment to both his local community and his academic goals, combined with his passion for Japanese culture, made him a perfect fit for this honor. His long-term goals include learning more about East Asian psychology, and this scholarship will help him pursue that interest while gaining an authentic understanding of his research topic.
The process of applying for the Gilman Scholarship was a significant journey in itself for Bryce. He reflected that it wasn’t just about receiving the award, but about the application process itself, which helped him clarify what he wanted to gain from studying abroad. Bryce, who is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, had a clear vision for his research. While his current project is focused on culturally adapted psychotherapies from China, he hopes to conduct similar research into culturally relevant psychotherapies during his time in Japan. He attributes his success to the support of his mentors, specifically Morganne Elkins from the Global Studies office and Cori Jaeger from the McNair Scholars program, who encouraged him to have the confidence to submit his applications.
Bryce’s decision to pursue both a McNair research project and an international study abroad experience is not a common one, but it demonstrates his drive to distinguish himself for future graduate programs and employers. His courage and determination serve as an inspiration to other students who may want to pursue similar opportunities.
