A Year in the Fulbright Life: Wafa’s Story

A Year in the Fulbright Life showcases selected Fulbright MENA participants’ program year, month by month, in the United States.

August 2024

August was a vibrant and rewarding month, blending personal, academic, and cultural experiences. It began with a rejuvenating trip to Morocco, where I connected with family, gathered research for my final project on Marrakesh, Morocco’s palm groves, and prepared for the semester ahead. Upon returning to College Station, Texas, I immersed myself in campus life, promoting the Office of Academic Supplemental Instruction Services (OASIS) at the International Global Welcome Party hosted by Texas A&M University (TAMU), catching up with friends over frisbee and brunch, and sharing cultural perspectives with Fulbrighters. In just two weeks, I participated in events hosted by the Institute for Scientific Computation, OASIS, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) International, TAMU’s American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the Fulbright Program, striking a dynamic balance between academics and extracurriculars.

September 2024

September was a month of academic focus and enriching experiences. Amidst deadlines and hours spent working on my final project with my advisor, I found joy in moments of relaxation, like attending Time4Chai, where I played board games and tried Bollywood dancing. A one-day trip to Waco, Texas with RUF International was a standout experience, featuring visits to the Cameron Park Zoo, Magnolia Market at the Silos, and Baylor University, along with social games and bowling victories. Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with Taiwanese friends added a cultural dimension, sharing mooncakes and Moroccan tea while enjoying a fun card game. I also joined a 2D animation club, diving into a personal project to design a character inspired by Heina, a Moroccan fairytale heroine, which allowed me to exercise creativity and cultural pride. This month encapsulated the blend of hard work and meaningful connections that defined my journey.

October 2024

October was a month of meaningful experiences, culminating in the realization of a childhood dream. As part of a four-day mid-term break in Los Angeles, California, I embraced the iconic sights of the West Coast, from the Griffith Observatory to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and finally experienced Disneyland’s magic. Nervous but excited, I navigated this solo-planned adventure, forming friendships with people from around the world and building confidence along the way. Back in College Station, Texas, I immersed myself in campus life and traditional U.S. culture, attending the Brazos Horse Show, a Halloween event, and most meaningfully, presenting about Moroccan culture at TAMU’s Arab Club’s Culture Night. Sharing my heritage in a traditional caftan made the night unforgettable, wrapping up a month of exploration, pride, and gratitude.

November 2024

November was a month of diligent academic focus intertwined with vibrant cultural and social moments. My master’s project required intense effort, from crafting interview questions and survey forms to navigating the complex Institutional Review Board authorization process for ethical research. Completing the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative training and earning the certification underscored the responsibility researchers bear in safeguarding participants’ well-being.

Amidst these challenges, I found time for enriching activities, like winning best character impersonation at a Halloween Superhero-themed party as Whizzo Girl. I also enjoyed the lively international dance party during International Educational Week, learning dances from East Swing to traditional Chinese styles. I experienced an essential U.S. holiday while celebrating Thanksgiving by attending a heartwarming and gratitude-filled dinner hosted by a local church. A TAMU football watch party with OASIS members and decorating a Christmas tree added festive joy to the month. Balancing academics with moments of celebration and connection, November was a time of growth, reflection, and gratitude for the friendships and experiences shaping my journey.

February 2025

February was a transformative month marked by emotional ups and downs, meaningful connections, and personal growth. From the challenges of intense workloads and mental struggles to joyful moments shared with friends, the month offered valuable lessons in balance. A major highlight was attending the 2025 Fulbright Reentry Workshop, hosted by Amideast in Washington, DC, where I connected with inspiring peers, engaged in enriching discussions, and explored the city for the first time. Upon returning to College Station, Texas, I showcased my artwork in a talent show, volunteered in ecological restoration at Schob Nature Preserve, and took steps toward my career by attending the Career Fair and beginning the job application process. Despite its intensity, February became a powerful period of reflection, learning, and renewed motivation.

March 2025

March unfolded with a calm, reflective rhythm shaped by the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. While balancing the demands of preparing for my final project presentation, I devoted time to worship, mosque gatherings, and meaningful social moments, like outdoor Iftar at Aggie Park and Ramadan banquets with friends from various backgrounds. The highlight of the month was successfully defending my final project on the restoration of the Marrakesh Palm Grove, a proud and emotional milestone made even more special by the support of close friends. Amid academic intensity, I also found peace in solo walks, sketching in nature, and preparing for Eid, which ended the month on a joyful and celebratory note.

April 2025

April was a vibrant and unforgettable month filled with cultural discovery, personal milestones, and unexpected challenges. One of the most exciting moments was attending my first prom, a dream-like experience that brought the magic of U.S. traditions to life alongside close friends. I also enjoyed exploring Indian culture at the lively Time4Chai event and testing my problem-solving skills in an Escape Room adventure. A major highlight was my induction into the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society, recognizing my academic excellence in architecture. Despite the joy, the month also brought challenges, including a painful toothache and the stress of finals, but even these hurdles came with moments of resilience and kindness from others. April became a rich chapter of celebration, connection, and growth.

May 2025

May was a powerful month of endings, celebrations, and emotional goodbyes. It began with intense work on my ASLA Student Awards submission, a challenging yet rewarding process that brought late nights, creativity, and collaboration. Amid the pressure, I found joy in small moments — organizing a surprise birthday party, playing basketball, and attending a baseball game. The true highlight came with graduation: walking the stage in traditional Moroccan attire, cheered on by friends and watched from afar by family, was an unforgettable milestone. A final trip to New Orleans and Orange Beach offered the perfect blend of adventure and closure. Saying goodbye to my closest friends was deeply emotional, but it marked not an end, only the beginning of a lifelong bond and a new chapter ahead.

My Fulbright experience was transformative both professionally and personally. It deepened my expertise in landscape architecture and ecological restoration through my research on the Marrakesh Palm Grove, allowing me to integrate traditional Moroccan systems with contemporary design approaches. Personally, it expanded my worldview, built my confidence, and gave me the opportunity to form deep cross-cultural friendships that continue to shape my journey.

During my time in the United States, I shared Moroccan culture with my host community through intercultural Iftar gatherings, artwork showcases, and daily conversations that fostered mutual understanding. My final project also sparked interest in the cultural and ecological significance of North African landscapes. One of the most meaningful outcomes has been seeing these connections grow beyond the Program — one of my closest American friends recently visited me in Morocco, a reflection of the lasting bonds and mutual impact created through Fulbright.

Wafa is a 2023 Fulbright Foreign Student Alumna from Morocco. She studied landscape architecture at Texas A&M University.