A Year in the Fulbright Life: Vanessa’s Story

I could not have thought of a better way to start and end the last month of 2022 than to put a tiny Christmas tree next to the Lebanese flag in my bedroom to remind me of a small piece of home.

In Madison, WI, I experienced art in three forms through cuisine, museum, and theater. First, I had a delectable fine-dining experience that incorporated local Wisconsin ingredients. Second, I had an immersive experience at the Van Gogh Museum, where paintings and music took me to another world of light, movement, and colors. And finally, I also had the chance to watch a captivating rendition of the play Peter and the Starcatcher at the Mitchell Theater.

Finally, my journey came to a perfect end when I saw deer for the first time! The scene filled my heart with joy. I traveled to another state, Minnesota, where I enjoyed seeing the city of Farmington dressed in white. With the severe storm and the cold weather, I enjoyed staying warm inside and visiting the Lebanese Maronite Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

At the end of the month, we explored Chicago. I visited so many iconic locations: the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary art, the Starbucks Reserve, the Millenium Park tree, The Bean, and Frank Gehry’s Pavilion were breath taking. Looking at Chicago from the signature lounge, I reflected on all the good memories that 2022 held for me. In the light beams of Chicago, I saw hope for a better year to come.