ETSU English graduate Aaron Wininger is a Fulbright semifinalist for Bulgaria, inspired by cultural parallels between Appalachia and the Balkans.

Cross-cultural connections are a driving force for Aaron Wininger, an East Tennessee State University alumnus and one of eight semifinalists from the university in this year’s competition for Fulbright awards.

Before graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in English, Wininger applied for the Fulbright/America for Bulgaria Foundation English Teaching Assistant Award after a study abroad experience in the Balkans, where he studied post-war peacebuilding in Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia.

“I loved the culture. There were a lot of similarities in both culture and geography that I noticed between the Balkans and Appalachia,” he said. “It just looked like home. It’s like a bridge between the East and the West, being positioned in Europe, right by the Middle East. I thought it would be a very interesting cultural study, spending time there.”

The Blountville native initially chose ETSU to major in nursing, but soon realized he wanted to major in English and become a secondary education teacher.

“I love the Literature and Language department, and had a lot of great mentors in my time there,” Wininger said. “They were very welcoming, and I love literature.”

Wininger enjoyed his student teaching experiences at Johnson City’s Science Hill High School and Indian Trail Middle School, which helped him gain confidence.

“I learned a great deal,” he said. “When I first came in, I was terribly nervous standing in front of a classroom, which isn’t good for a teacher, but confidence comes with time and teaching stops being so intimidating. And you start to form relationships, and it becomes a lot more comfortable.”

Wininger will begin his career teaching English and language arts this fall. He plans to teach for three or four years, during which he wants to become certified to teach English as a second language. After that, he aims to enter graduate school to study public administration or international development.

“I’m definitely interested in the international sector and working with different countries to bridge gaps,” he said.

An Eagle Scout, Wininger enjoys the outdoors in his spare time – camping, hiking, running and photography – as well as reading.

Visit etsu.edu/global-engagement/prestigious-awards/ to learn about the support ETSU provides to students in applying for national and global competitive scholarships and awards.

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