There was one part of the Fulbright Scholar application that was easy for Annabelle Sukin. Under “countries of interest” she wrote in Laos, a small Southeast Asian country of her ancestors.
Sukin ‘23 was recently selected for the 2025-26 Fulbright cycle and will leave for Laos in early September. The Fulbright program is one of the United States’ key initiatives for promoting international education and intercultural exchange. Fulbright scholars teach, study, research, and exchange ideas abroad, with the goal of returning to the U.S. to share their experiences and promote mutual understanding and peaceful ties between nations.
Sukin’s mother immigrated to the United States from Laos as a young girl. Raised by her mother as a single parent, Sukin and her brother also lived with their grandparents who primarily spoke Hmong. Her strong ties to Laos make the opportunity to work there through the Fulbright program even more meaningful.
“My mom was recently talking to me about this, and she said: ‘All the stars are aligning for you to go to Laos, not only for you and your personal journey, but for all people and the international world,’” Sukin said. She is eager to learn more about the Hmong people and her own family’s story and points out that Hmong people are becoming more well known through 2024 Olympic gymnast Sunni Lee. Especially in the current climate, Sukin identifies how crucial it is to continue to promote cross-cultural exchange and awareness of different communities around the world.
She credits her experience at SPU as being highly influential in her journey to Fulbright. When she was a freshman, a former staff member in SPU’s Center for Career and Calling told her about the Fulbright program and it immediately piqued her interest. She studied abroad in Spain during her sophomore year through the Institute for International Education, and that trip fueled her passion for international affairs and relations.
Because of Seattle Pacific’s size and close-knit community, Sukin excelled in the classroom. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List, and was a recipient of the David McKenna Leadership Scholarship. She also participated in the Honors program and presented research focused on the removal of affirmative action policy frameworks enacted by the decision in the 2022 Supreme Court case, The Students for Fair Admissions Inc. vs The Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College. Beyond the classroom, Sukin became a well-respected leader and committed herself to serving other students, which included helping launch new cultural club fundraising ideas, supporting multicultural students, and coordinating campus events that helped facilitate community.
“I think SPU gave me everything that I needed,“ Sukin said. “My professors supported me through every single endeavor. Every year I was at SPU I did something new in the community.”
At SPU, almost 43% of Fulbright-sponsored applicants over the past three years have been selected for the program — more than double the national average.
“Fulbright is one of the toughest programs to get into, accepting only about 20% of U.S. applicants for an award,” said Katlin Barr, assistant director for Learning Support Services and SPU’s primary Fulbright advisor. “Annabelle’s selection shows just how exceptional she is. Her hard work, leadership, and deep care for others make her a perfect fit for this opportunity — and a true reflection of SPU’s mission to engage the culture and change the world.”
Sukin will pursue an English teaching assistantship in Laos alongside work with the American Embassy as a cultural ambassador. She is also hoping to get involved with the VivNcuas (Sisterhood) organization, a local nonprofit that helps women and young girls pursue professional development.
“Part of my purpose in pursuing this opportunity is that I have experience living in underserved educational communities,” Sukin said. “My mom, my family, and good mentors have supported me, and I’ve been able to expand upon my education. I think it’s only right to give back to the students in a country my family immigrated from.”
Barr is honored to have worked with Sukin and recognizes this unique chance for her to work in Laos. “I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to work with Annabelle throughout the application process. Not only is she capable of succeeding wherever she chooses to spend her energy, but her kindness, compassion, and service-driven purpose make her a truly special and inspiring person to be around,” Barr said.
Sukin expressed her gratitude for the opportunities, faith, and support that shaped her path to Fulbright. “My time at SPU and my journey with Fulbright all happened through divine timing, and none of this would have happened if I hadn’t trusted the process and had the support of SPU and my family behind me.”
