Psychology and Spanish major earns national foreign language scholarship

A USCA student double majoring in psychology and Spanish has earned a scholarship from Alpha Mu Gamma, the national collegiate foreign language honor society. 

August Beltrán received the organization’s Maria Goddard Scholarship. The $1,000 award goes to students who demonstrate the power of foreign language beyond the classroom. In her application, Beltrán highlighted how Spanish and psychology can help increase understanding of and support for migrant communities.  

“Receiving this award is a reminder that learning a language is also about connecting with culture and people beyond what you already know,” said Beltrán, from Windsor, South Carolina. 

“It means challenging our own ethnocentrism to develop as a community. Marginalized communities like the immigrant community face various kinds of obstacles, including stigma when talking about mental health. I want to ensure that the community is comfortable with receiving and asking for help.” 

She says the award, along with other scholarships she’s received, will help defray the cost of her education during her senior year at USCA. 

“This helps lessen the financial burden and ensures I can fully focus on my educational goals. Furthermore, I plan to cover the registration of a conference on language learning and language education that is taking place at USCA in the spring of 2027. I plan to both present and learn more about how language programs in the Southeast of the United States are innovating and reshaping their efforts to contribute to the education of the future leaders of this region and to strengthen the workforce.” 

She says the conference offers the “perfect opportunity” to engage with other perspectives on why learning languages is important.  

Once she graduates in May 2027, Beltrán plans to go abroad to earn her master’s and doctorate degrees. 

“After studying abroad in Spain last summer, I have been inspired to pursue my master’s overseas. My experience abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my internalized ethnocentrism, and helped me further improve my Spanish,” she said.  

“My dream job would be focusing on international research for marginalized communities, especially the Hispanic community. My main goal would be to foster people's sense of autonomy, so they have the skills to improve and also fuel their communities.” 

Beltrán dove right into her studies and campus life, serving in many organizations. She even founded an organization: Diversity Advocates. 

“I chose USCA because of its close-knit community. I have met amazing people on campus who are always willing to go above and beyond to support me.” 

 August Beltrán’s USCA experience 

• Student Government Association, diversity and inclusion chair 

• Hispanic Student Association, secretary and social media coordinator  

• Student Life, search committee member for international programs director  

• Psychology Research Lab, undergraduate research assistant 

• Study Abroad in Spain  

• Omicron Beta Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, founding member, event organizer and promotional materials coordinator  

• Diversity Advocates, president and founder 

• Student Government Association, global studies and multicultural engagement representative  

• Certificate in Spanish for the Clinical Encounter  

• Human and Civil Rights Champion Award  

• Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, awarded by the Department of State 

• College of Science and Engineering Travel Award  

• USCA Study Abroad Scholarship  

• Dean’s List  

• USCA Institutional Culture Program Fund 

• Ann W. and Robert M. Lewis Scholarship  

• Watson Brown Scholarship  

“August is a model student, always inquisitive, curious and eager to learn about how Spanish has been, is, and will be, critical in shaping society,” said her faculty mentor Dr. Ángel M. Rañales.  

“She comes from a background where education is highly valued as a tool for success and a meaningful life, and she has been involved and has taken intentional decisions to excel as a student and as an individual. She has always been eager to enhance her classroom experiences through a wide range of opportunities. She has received numerous awards and scholarships, and she understands that her college journey extends beyond classroom time.”  

Beltrán anticipates using her dual degree to help vulnerable populations better communicate about their mental health.   

“I have also volunteered as a medical interpreter at a clinic that primarily serves undocumented people and people with lower socioeconomic status. Through this experience, I have seen the vulnerability of people due to language barriers and other factors,” she said. “One of the patients who stood out to me spoke about the mental health issues she was enduring. It was impactful to see someone talk about mental health since it was always greatly stigmatized.  

“As an interpreter, I bridged the language gap between the patient and the provider. This gave me insight into what I could provide for people through language and cultural competence as a future psychologist.”

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