There are only three women to both become a Fulbright Scholar and pursue a master’s degree in sport business. Soad Younis is one of them.
After taking a two-year gap following her undergraduate physical education degree from Wingate University to focus on preparing for her Fulbright interview, working in a cardiac rehabilitation center and coaching soccer in her home country of Israel, Younis began her education at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) in 2019. She is preparing to graduate in May 2021.
The Fulbright Program was created with the purpose of improving cultural exchange in the United States. It has been recognized as one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in the world since its inception in 1946 and over 8,000 grants are handed out annually by the federal government.
Younis had heard about the scholarship but never knew its significance in the U.S.
“I just went for it, I did my best to get my acceptance,” she said. “I didn’t realize how big of a deal it is. I look at myself as talented as many other STHM students!”
As an STHM Fulbright student, Younis serves as an STHM ambassador and representative for the Master of Science in Sport Business at committee meetings.
The Palestinian living in Israel misses being on Temple’s campus during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. In fact, her time at STHM has affected her emotionally.
“The first word I was struck with was family,” Younis said. “Although my uncle lives an hour away from me, I felt like I had a family on campus. With my classmates, with my teachers, my advisors. It’s different. I don’t know how to explain it! Everyone wants to know who I am and what my goals are, why I’m here and how they can help me. It definitely feels like a family.”
Although her being a Fulbright Scholar has given her connections with people all over the world – being a scholar is a lifetime label, after all – her most valuable insights have come from STHM and Fox School of Business professors.
“They are willing to help you and guide you through your career path,” she said.
Younis plans to work with FIFA, the international soccer association, through Israel’s national soccer league, upon graduation. From 2018 to 2019, she was also the coach for the Netanya Soccer Organization.
Not one to raise herself on a pedestal, the striker-turned-center back has also played soccer for her entire life and in recent years was the captain as well of Netanya and the only Arab on the team.
After she graduates from STHM with her master’s degree in May, Younis plans to continue her studies and pursue a P.h.D after succeeding in her career.
She’s fully embraced living in the United States through both her education and relationships and is looking forward to the next chapter of her life.
“The best part of being here in the U.S. is making new friends and connecting with professionals. Both help me develop myself personally and professionally,” she says.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Sport Business.