Jacob Bradford

Until starting my academic career at UW-Madison, I called Greenfield, a suburb of Milwaukee, my home and was raised my father, who helped foster the values and aspirations that I now try to live everyday. I began my undergraduate studies in the fall of 2014 and graduated with a B.A. in 2018. While studying German Studies and Political Science at UW-Madison, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a year in Freiburg, Germany, which profoundly affected my path after college. Since graduation, I have been working at an IT company in Germany on the Dutch border, working with people all over Europe. I have the opportunity to not only speak German all day, but explore French, Polish, and other languages and cultures, something that has interested me my whole life. Professional Goals: I hope to stay permanently in Germany and continue working here. The ability to explore new cultures, languages, identities, and places truly fascinates me. Vision of the Future: My vision for the future is to apply my linguistic and cultural passions and skills to further deepen my own integration and share in the growing integration and understanding in Germany and throughout Europe and with the many diverse groups of peoples living here. Scholarship Impact: I don’t believe that I would be here in Germany or would have had the ability to study at UW-Madison, especially a year in Freiburg, if I wasn’t given this generous scholarship. Even though my father did his best to provide for our family as a single parent, I independently financed my education. Fortunately, because of this scholarship, I could afford to attend UW-Madison and focus more on my studies and succeeding rather than the financial aspect. Many doors have been opened for me because of this scholarship. I believe that the Arndt Family Scholarship is my opportunity to be successful in my life and make a positive impact upon the world and my family and I are still very grateful for this.