Whether teaching English in Kyrgyzstan, conducting medical research in Australia, studying politics in Turkey, or analyzing languages in Portugal, six Brigham Young University graduates will make new connections around the world as 2025 Fulbright scholars. These students exemplify the values of global citizenship, service, and academic excellence.
The Fulbright Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing graduate studies, research, or teaching English abroad. Over the next few weeks, we’ll spotlight four of the Fulbright recipients to illustrate how their life paths and BYU experiences shaped them, what inspired their applications, and where they hope to make a difference.
Next up is Peter Demars, recipient of the Fulbright Portugal Study Award.
Peter Demars has always found languages interesting. Before receiving his bachelor’s in linguistics and Portuguese from BYU’s College of Humanities in 2024, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Curitiba, Brazil for several months. After returning home due to the COVID pandemic, Demars was reassigned to Boston, Massachusetts for the remainder of his mission speaking Portuguese. Demars’ mission experiences helped to prepare him for the Fulbright Scholarship.
Demars applied for the Fulbright in hopes of completing a graduate degree in translation studies. After completing a study abroad in Portugal in the summer of 2022, Demars felt the best place to apply to graduate school was in a Portuguese-speaking country. He admits the hardest, yet most meaningful part of the application process was finding his “why.”
“It was so instrumental in me deciding what I want to do by looking and saying, this is what my life would look like. This is what my motivations would be,” Demars said. “And it was taking the time to wrestle that down and put it on paper to help me with it.”
As Demars searched for his “why,” he reflected on his mission. In Boston, many of the people he met were immigrants facing enormous challenges. Demars heard several heartbreaking stories from such humble people, which sparked his desire to help people not only spiritually, but also temporally and legally. From those experiences, Demars discovered an interest in immigration law, realizing over time his mission had planted the seeds of two lasting passions.
Although immigration law was always in the back of his mind, translation studies had long been Demars’ dream. During his time at BYU, he had the unique opportunity to work as one of the first Portuguese translators for BYU speeches. His experience deepened his love for translation and strengthened his desire to apply for the Fulbright.
As time went on, Demars found himself torn between law school or Portugal. Wanting to give each option a fair chance, he poured effort into both. Demars received the news of receiving the Fulbright and being accepted into BYU law school. After much consideration, Demars decided to attend BYU law school. Although he is not accepting the Fulbright, he is grateful for the time and effort he spent on his application.
“Any honest good effort you put into something is never wasted,” Demars said. “The Lord loves effort, and as I put in that effort, I grew. I grew so much from my Fulbright application, and it really helped me, even though I'm not doing it. You walk in faith, you put in the effort, and you think, ‘Begin with the end in mind.’”
Demars cherishes his time at BYU and the values it represents. He is grateful for how his education has shaped him, not only academically, but in his desire to serve others. Demars knew pursing a graduate degree was the best way he could help people.
“The reason I went to BYU was because it was expected,” Demars said, “but the reason I stayed, and the reason I love it is because it stands for helping people get an education and bringing them closer to Jesus Christ.”
Demars’ journey shows that even when plans take unexpected turns, the effort and growth from chasing a dream are never wasted. His passion for language and his commitment to serving others continue to guide him as he begins his next chapter in law school.
Join us next week as we spotlight our third Fulbright recipient.
The Fulbright application opens every April. To learn more about the Fulbright Scholarship, contact the National Scholarships and Prestigious Fellowships Office.