A Year in the Fulbright Life: Rawe’s Story
A Year in the Fulbright Life, a FulbrightMENA blog series, showcases a handful of Fulbright Foreign Students as they navigate one program year, month by month, from orientation to graduation in the United States.
August 2023
My Fulbright journey in the United States started with my first meeting with the Indiana University (IU) Fulbright Association. Through this enriching exchange experience, I had the opportunity to meet Fulbrighters from all corners of the world. I was also able to share some insights about myself and my homeland, while learning a lot about other students’ traditions. What was most significant was the lasting sense of community and belonging that I experienced, which greatly eased my homesickness.
Now let’s talk about my first day on campus! The Herman B. Wells Library was my first destination on campus. I was eager to see it because I had heard a lot about its extensive collections of resources. As an IU affiliate, I felt privileged because I had access to a plethora of books and articles, which would serve as references in my PhD thesis. Academic resources aside, the Wells Library also offered a quiet and cozy atmosphere that made it the perfect starting point for my research projects.
Besides the library named after him, Herman B. Wells, the former IU president, is also known for his dedication to education and his community. His gesture below is believed to bring good luck and academic success to those who see it.
Besides the campus library, I was also fascinated by the Showalter Fountain, which was designed by our very own Fine Arts Professor, Robert Laurent. This oeuvre was inspired by the birth of Venus — the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
As a climate activist and scholar in environmental humanities, I am committed to remaining informed about events that connect my passion for the environment to my academic research.
As a result, I took the time to attend on-campus events like the “A Journey through the Amazon in Bloomington” session where the Brazilian visual and performance artist and researcher of pre-colonial art and rainforest history, Anita Ekman, was invited as a guest to IU. I was amazed at how Anita wove a beautiful connection between ancient spiritual melodies and moving photographs about the history of the Amazon forest, linking the land, the forest, motherhood to the essence of the female body.
As long as I am surrounded by nature, trees, and water, it feels like home. I was pleasantly surprised by my new apartment in the United States because it reminded me of our family grove in Tunisia.
I cannot help but feel a profound and divine connection to nature. As the sun melted into the horizon at Monroe Lake, it cast its warm rays across the waters. We are indeed part and parcel of nature.
September 2023
In September, I went to my first IU soccer game. I realized that this is more than just a game; it is the spirit of Indiana University, where sports symbolize a source of pride, unity, and memories.
Another one of the big highlights I experienced this month was visiting The Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. This museum is one of the world’s largest collections of African art. As an African myself, I was deeply impressed by the depth and breadth of the exhibition. It reminded me that Africa is a continent of incredible diversity, with many traditions and cultural practices. The African spiritual legacy and mythology I learned about during my museum tour were especially captivating.
As an environmental scholar, I was selected to represent youth in North Africa for a special focus session of the UNICEF executive board meetings in September 2023 titled “An Africa Fit for Children and Young People: What investments are needed for Africa’s human capital?”. The special session covered topics on building a better Africa for the next generation and how to accelerate investment in the region. I also met the Deputy Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations.
After delivering my speech at the Unicef — a heavy responsibility — I decided to reward myself with a day of exploring New York City. Coming out from Grand Central Station, I felt like I had stepped into an American movie from the 60’s. Though I usually find myself moved by natural landscapes, the towering skyscrapers of New York City evoked a different kind of sublime beauty for me. That evening, I was fascinated by the city’s nocturnal charm, taking the ferry from Manhattan to Wall Street and experiencing New York City by night.
October 2023
This year, I had the chance to witness the most colorful and beautiful autumn in Bloomington. It has been years since I have felt the true essence of autumn, as Tunisia, my home, is highly affected by climate change.
In Bloomington, I marveled at the changing colors of the trees, transitioning from vibrant green to pink and warm brown. Each phase of this natural transformation served as a beautiful reminder that nothing lasts forever, and every stage of life has its own unique charm.
December 2023
During winter break, I visited the Dunes National Park with friends from Singapore. Despite the rainy weather, we hiked and biked, embracing the unique winter landscape with leafless trees against the grey sky. It was my first time biking in 10 years. I also learned about the impact of climate change on the animals inhabiting the Dunes. Our hiking leader was Hibiki, my friends’ dog, who enjoyed playing with the Airbnb owner’s pets.
The trail to the south shore of Lake Michigan inspired me to write a few poems, enjoying the soothing silence and fresh air. However, the sight and smell of smoke from a nearby industrial unit were depressing, marring the natural beauty.
On our last day, we headed to Chicago. We visited the University of Chicago and the Christmas market, enjoying the food and a walk along the Chicago River despite the freezing, windy weather.
January 2023
Since December, I eagerly awaited the snow, imagining its touch. Though it used to snow in northwest Tunisia, I never experienced it firsthand. When the first snowflakes fell, I spent hours at my window, watching its gentle fall. It is like falling in love. I was excited to buy snow boots, and I stepped outside to feel the snow. Locals said that it used to snow more before, but things changed due to climate change.
February 2024
I attended the Fulbright Reentry Workshop in Washington, DC. During the event, I reflected on how to invest and build upon my Fulbright journey. Connecting with like-minded individuals from Tunisia was a highlight (very heartwarming).
The discussions with passionate youth from the MENA region filled me with hope. As active youth and researchers, each with their unique perspective, I am certain that we are ready, now more than ever, to take on the challenges ahead and construct a brighter future for our region.
March 2024
My trip to the Rocky Mountains with my Brazilian friend Pam was an epic adventure. We initially hoped to hike near the magical lakes, but they were still frozen. Fortunately, we found other less snowy trails to explore near Boulder Falls.
What made this trip particularly special was that I challenged myself to drive in the mountains. This was a significant personal achievement for me, as I had been unable to drive since a dangerous car accident a year ago.
As we traveled, I noticed striking similarities between Boulder, Colorado, and Zaghouan, Tunisia. Both cities are surrounded by mountains. However, the nature in the United States is on a much grander scale compared to Tunisia, where the landscape is a bit smaller but still stunning.
April 2024
I am grateful that I ended up in Bloomington for my Fulbright Program. For the total eclipse, the town suddenly became a tourist destination, and lodging prices dramatically increased because everyone was heading there. I felt fortunate that I did not have to spend anything to witness it. I chose to watch the eclipse with my best friends to share this special moment with them.
As the eclipse approached, it gradually grew darker and colder. Then, the glorious moment came: the sun turned into a dark spot, casting a vast shadow in the middle of the day. Some people screamed while others were saying their prayers. I felt a sublime mixture of awe and fear. Goosebumps covered my skin as I realized how small I was in the face of the universe’s grandeur.
In that moment, I also felt a profound sense of unity among humanity. Friends and families gathered to enjoy a shared experience, united under the same sky.
In April 2024, I also attended the Fulbright Enrichment Seminar on Sustainability in Seattle.
Stepping into Seattle, I felt like I had leapt into the future! The cityscape, a blend of futuristic architecture and classic charm, left me amazed. I also explored Pike Place Market brimming with fresh produce from farmers and fisheries. The local farmers’ market added a unique touch of authenticity and reminded me of Tunisian markets.
I engaged with thought leaders at the keynote and panel discussions on Building Sustainable Cities. I was particularly impressed by Seattle’s innovative approach to wildlife conservation, namely the Critter Crossings that ensure safe passage for animals across highways. Witnessing over 5,000 animals utilizing these crossings yearly is a testament to the city’s commitment to harmony between technology and nature.
The Bullitt Center was also a highlight of my visit. It is known as the most sustainable building globally, certified as a “living building.” Founded by Dennis Hayes, who spearheaded Earth Day, the center is a hub of innovation, relying on renewable energies and water recycling.
However, conversations during the community service with DNDA NGO representatives and personal observations shed light on the bitter reality faced by marginalized communities who have been pushed to unhealthy environments. Low-income people suffer from the lack of access to clean water and green spaces in industrial areas and this is where climate justice comes into play. Across the globe, it is communities of color, indigenous populations, and low-income individuals bearing the disproportionate impact of climate change.
A significant takeaway was the pivotal role Native American tribes play into conservation efforts, particularly in salmon protection. While there is pride in integration, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by Native communities, including homelessness and limited resources. True climate justice demands more than an admiration of indigenous wisdom, it requires active support and empowerment of indigenous people.
May 2024
My 28th birthday was special. Although it was my first birthday abroad away from my family, my friends organized a surprise at my place. Being overseas is not so bad when I am surrounded by friends. They made my day super memorable with all the fun, laughter, and delicious strawberry cheesecake.
In May, I also had the privilege of taking part in The Climate Solutions Symposium organized by Pennsylvania State University as a core member in the Global Youth Storytelling Lab. I shared my experience in participatory action research in Tunisia as an example of youth led climate action.
As a humanities scholar, I enjoyed the presentations’ blending of climate issues with poetry and other forms of art. Saving the Earth depends on a harmonious combination of science and the humanities, a humanized science. Meeting youth affiliated with the Global Youth Storytelling Lab filled me with hope, as I realized I am not alone in the struggle for climate justice. I felt a profound sense of community, especially after seeing the audience genuinely interested in and moved by our stories from different countries. Sharing our concerns and aspirations softened my sense of climate anxiety.
June 2024
This month was bittersweet. I was excited to go back home but also sad because some of my dear friends were already leaving. I had been thinking about the void they left behind, yet I felt grateful for the beautiful memories we shared together. As international students, we all experienced feelings of homesickness and worked together to build a sense of family in the United States.
I learned a lot from my friends’ cultures, including their food, dress, and religious rituals. I know that our friendship will last forever. We promised to visit each other’s countries in the future.
July 2024
This was the last month of my program, and I felt the urge to spend more time outside, immersing myself in every detail of Bloomington. The squirrels, deer, bunnies, trees, and buildings each held a story. I remember how I first arrived here, a little lost and confused. Now, Bloomington truly became my home away from home.
After three days of bittersweet farewells, I finally said goodbye to my friends and the beautiful city of Bloomington.
The moment the plane landed in Tunisia, my heart, heavy with the sadness of goodbyes, leapt with excitement and delight. While the landscape is drier, it remained beautiful to me. I noticed changes everywhere — my parents were a bit older, and my siblings grew taller and more mature.
This exchange experience changed me as well, in the best possible way. I am eager to share the knowledge and insights I gained in Bloomington with my community here in Tunisia.
Rawe is a 2023 Fulbright Foreign Student from Tunisia. She was a non-degree student in the environmental humanities at Indiana University, Bloomington.
