A Year in the Fulbright Life: Dina’s Story

For the next year, Fulbright MENA will be showcasing a handful of students as they study in the United States with their new series, A Year in the Fulbright Life. Each month, spotlighted students will share an update as they continue on their Fulbright journey.

July 2019

I took these pictures on the first few days after arriving at Syracuse University for my pre-academic program. I met many new people from all over the world and got the chance to discover this beautiful university.

Syracuse University took us to a Barbecue restaurant for dinner and it was my first time tasting American BBQ. I also got the chance to see people square dancing.

I also had the chance to explore Syracuse and get to know the rich history this city has.

Our program also took us to visit Green Lake and enjoy the beautiful weather in such a peaceful place.

I even had the chance to visit Alexandria Bay, and took a boat to go to Heart Island. I visited the castle, and I loved it.

Sharon, an American host mom, hosted three of us Fulbrighters to have dinner at her house. We enjoyed the breath taking beautiful area around her house since it was in the countryside, as well the unforgettable traditional American food.

This was our last trip with the pre-academic program at Syracuse University. As they say, we save the best for the last. This trip was to Niagara Falls, and I was speechless seeing these waterfalls as no words can describe the picture.

As part of our academic program we had to present at a poster session. It is the first time I created, published and presented a poster. It was about women’s empowerment in the Middle East, and I’m so proud to present it as my pre-academic project.

August 2019

I attended a gathering held at Ohio University which was a welcome picnic for new Fulbrighters. We had the chance to meet with previous Fulbrighters that are in the university and talk with them about their experiences.

I felt both pride and joy about being among these amazing people as it is a great opportunity. So thank you, Fulbright.

When I walked across the Ohio River for the first time, I thought: “I must take a picture here at this breathtaking scene. I can’t believe I will keep seeing it for the next two years”.

This river is a marked place in Athens and with all these beautiful ducks around it, it is a picture that you must take!

October 2019

This month, I took a self-defense course at my university, where I’ve been learning martial arts. I’ve learned some useful movements for the future.

I also went hiking at Ash cave and saw the beautiful color changes for autumn. It is a breathtaking view.

November 2019

I took a cooking class to improve my skills. When I first came here, I had never cooked because my mom used to. So, I decided to take some classes which have been a lot of fun.

I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with some friends and relatives. It was my first time experiencing it, and, as Americans say, it is a food festival. Also, I enjoyed some Arabic food.

I visited Washington D.C. in November 2019, and I had a tour of the Congress and saw the amazing Washington Monument that was built in honor of George Washington.

I attended a Gala dinner at Ohio University with other Fulbrighters from Iraq and Armenia, where several professors were awarded for their efforts.

One of my favorite memories this month was the International Dinner at Ohio University , and I enjoyed food from all over the world. Moreover, I watched some dances and great performances.

December 2019

Ohio University took us to Cincinnati before final exams. It was my first-time experiencing zoo lights which is when the zoo is decorated with holiday lights. It was stunning and I was speechless in front of this beauty.

It was my first Christmas away from my family. To get into the holiday spirit, I decided to visit the German holiday festival Frankenmuth in Michigan which is full of decorations. It was an amazing place that I want to visit over and over.

March 2020

I’m enjoying the spring in Athens, Ohio, especially the blooming trees. At the same time, it is the safest activity to do in this situation, so I’ve been enjoying long walks to look at them.

January 2021

Although this is a tough time in the United States and the world because of the pandemic, I followed the safety rules and took the courage to travel to visit Universal Studios and Disney World.

I also had the chance to visit Miami Beach and Key West in Florida, places I wanted to see before I finished my Fulbright experience.

I feel so excited about my last semester, yet very sad that my Fulbright journey is coming to an end. This was one of the best experiences I had. I’ve grown so much in two years, not only on the educational level but on the personal level also.

April 2021

This month I went hiking! This is something I’ve grown to really love in the United States. It’s great to explore natural beauty. I also had s’mores for the first time and they were delicious!

Dina is a first-year Fulbright student from the West Bank. She is studying International Development Studies at Ohio University.

Follow updates from Dina and other Fulbright students on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Check back here every month for more updates on the blog and Medium Series to see what Dina does this year!