Eric Feely is a senior majoring in Middle Eastern Studies, through the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. As a Boren Award Scholarship recipient, Feely hopes to master the art of the Arabic language during his time abroad in Amman, Jordan, beginning Fall 2021. Upon graduation, he hopes to put his knowledge of foreign policy to good use on behalf of U.S. interests in either the public or private sectors.

Where are you from? Tell us about your academic credentials.

I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Fla. In addition to my studies, I was selected to join Phi Kappa Phi an honor society that recognizes student scholars and recommends them for national awards, and Phi Beta Kappa, a scholastic honor society for students in liberal arts and sciences. I also completed an undergraduate certificate in U.S. National Intelligence Studies from FSU’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program.

What brought you to FSU?

I’m originally from Tallahassee and the third generation in my family to attend Florida State. Enrolling at FSU was a no-brainer. Go Noles!

What inspired you to choose your major in Middle Eastern Studies?

I first considered a major in international affairs because of the wide array of courses offered. While looking for classes to fulfill my language requirement, I concluded I wanted to specialize in a language from a specific region, so I ultimately chose to major in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic.

You’re one of three FSU students to be selected for a prestigious Boren Scholarship to study foreign languages abroad in areas that are critical to U.S. national security. How was this experience for you and what are your next steps?

Decisions for Fall 2021 travel will be announced this July, and I am hopeful to begin my studies in Amman, Jordan, at Qasid Arabic Institute. However, Jordan has been hit hard by COVID-19 and its government is issuing curfews and lockdowns for residents. If I’m unable to travel to Jordan, I have the option to study in alternate countries such as Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, or Morocco. At the conclusion of the program, I will work with a Boren adviser to obtain a position in national security in order to fulfill the scholarship’s 12-month federal service requirement.

What is behind your interest in national security? Why is this topic important to you?

My interest started early thanks to my grandfather, a World War II veteran, who retired as a lieutenant commander after serving 30 years in the U.S. Navy. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and have purpose in what I was doing, as well as work alongside a diverse group of intelligent, driven individuals.

What is something people don’t know about studying a discipline in modern languages?

First, learning any language isn’t necessarily easy, but not as hard as you might think. Second, you’re going to get things wrong, but that’s expected and you won’t be alone. Third, unlike most college courses, language classes are small and allow you to develop close relationships with your classmates as you all advance to higher levels.

Are there any faculty or staff that have helped you during your time at FSU?

Dr. Zeina Schlenoff and Dr. Zafer Lababidi, both from the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, have been with me every step of the way and have been critical to my success. I can’t thank them enough for their teachings and guidance.

I also want to give a shoutout to Josh Stanek, associate director at the Office of National Fellowships, who helped me with applications for both the Boren and the Critical Language Scholarship. My selection as a Boren Scholar is due in large part to the support and guidance I had from Mr. Stanek and his colleagues. I’d also like to thank Dr. Claudia Liebeskind, associate professor in the Department of History, as well as Dr. Abby Kinch and Army Col. (Ret.) Robert Duggleby from FSU’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program for helping me apply to various internships over the years.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing schoolwork?

I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, watching movies, and really anything on the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve also worked part-time at a veterinary clinic throughout college because I love dogs.

What are some long-term goals you hope to accomplish after graduation?

After graduation, I’m interested in working with the Department of Defense, the U.S. State Department, the intelligence community, or a foreign policy thinktank focused on the Middle East. My career track will likely determine the direction of my graduate studies but from the discussions I’ve had with supervisors and colleagues, the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University stands out, specifically, the Arab Studies, Security Studies, or Foreign Service programs. I’d also like to work as an intelligence analyst for U.S. Central Command or U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla.

What advice do you have for fellow students?

Take advantage of every opportunity available! If there’s a club, team, certificate, program, scholarship, fellowship, internship, or anything you can be apart of, do it. Make yourself as competitive of an applicant as possible. There will be opportunities you’re not selected for, but learn from your mistakes and use that rejection as fuel. All it takes is one person at one organization to give you a shot before that opportunity snowballs into another.