F&M Stories
English Grad Writes Next Chapter as Anatolia Fellow
With a Franklin & Marshall English degree in hand, Rohail Spear ’24 is ready to write his next chapter.
It starts on a hillside in Thessaloniki, Greece, where Spear will spend 10 months as an Anatolia Fellow.
“I knew that I wanted to do a fellowship right after graduating. It seemed like a perfect bridge between the comfort of college and the independence of the real world,” said Spear, one of nine fellows selected nationally.
Spear will complete an English fellowship at Anatolia Elementary School. With nearly 2,000 Greek and Balkan students, Anatolia’s full campus includes Anatolia High School, Pinewood American International School, and American College of Thessaloniki, where fellows can audit both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Anatolia Fellows teach, advise clubs and plan events. Beyond that, they serve as cultural ambassadors and build meaningful relationships with students.
Learn more about Spear’s next chapter.
"A fellowship seemed like a perfect bridge between the comfort of college and the
independence of the real world."
Rohail Spear ’24
Rohail Spear ’24
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Hometown: Horseheads, N.Y.
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Major: English (creative writing)
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Activities on campus: The College Reporter, Emerging Writers Festival student planner, Roschel College House senate, Squash ACES
What inspired you to apply to the Anatolia Fellowship?
I knew that I wanted to do a fellowship right after graduating. It seemed like a perfect bridge between the comfort of college and the independence of the real world. Although you're working a real job in a different country, you don't have to worry about finances or housing: All of that is taken care of.
I've been interested in teaching and working with kids since I started volunteering at Squash ACES during my sophomore year. I've always loved traveling and thoroughly enjoyed studying abroad in Bath (England) my junior year. Doing a fellowship at Anatolia satisfies both of these interests. Plus, it's in Greece.
What is a day in the life like for an Anatolia Fellow?
I will be assisting an elementary school teacher. I will be able to choose what grade I'll work with, from grades one through six. I can work with multiple grades, so I'll probably choose to work with both younger and older kids for a variety of experiences. Because I'll be assisting a teacher, I will be helping the kids with all subjects.
Why did you choose F&M?
I chose F&M because of its strong creative writing program, small class sizes, proximity to home and academic rigor.
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