A Year in the Fulbright Life: Yassmine’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.
September 2021
I recently went on a trip to Washington D.C. and really enjoyed taking pictures in some of the best places I’ve seen, including the site with all of the state flags of the United States. I felt honored to be walking around and meeting new people in the U.S. capital!
One night, I was invited to dinner at the Capitol Hill Club, where I had the chance to see three congressmen! I was over the moon to see congressmen in person and be greeted by them too! Of course, I didn’t miss the chance to tell them that I am a Fulbright student from Lebanon. They were so nice and welcoming, and I’m excited to see more congress people at the National Student Leadership Forum at the end of October!
I also had a chance to go to a wedding! It was elegant and simple, but it was definitely very different from the ones back home! Because it wasn’t as crowded, it was easier to talk to everyone and enjoy the celebration. The wedding took place in a cabin in the middle of the forest, which felt completely unreal to me. I felt like I was in a movie, which I loved!
I also had the chance to say good-bye to my professor Tom before he moves to North Carolina. He is such an amazing soul. He’s thoughtful, caring, and would always gives me the best advice. He even would ask me about my family and friends back home too. I learned so much from him and he even said that he was impressed with how quickly my writing skills have improved. I will miss him so much!
October 2021
On my birthday, my wonderful professor treated me to the special drink of the month on campus, a pumpkin chai latte! It really was amazing.
It was a great experience to go apple picking during fall break. The apples were delicious, and I had so much fun with my friends!
I went to take some fall pictures on campus.
This weekend, I attended the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. It was so great to be able to meet future leaders and current Congressmen. Staying in the Hyatt Regency Hotel and getting to discuss the influence of leadership, faith, and values on Friday through Sunday was very inspiring.
I also visited the Shenandoah National Park and took in the incredible views!
February 2022
I went to Ascend Camp with the National Student Leadership Forum for their winter weekend event. It was my first time ever attending camp, and it truly was one of the best weekends of my life. Not only was the location great, but the entire ambiance and company made my time there so special. I loved every minute of it! I had the chance to meet some wonderful new friends, congressmen, and the wife of a former congressman. I also tried some new activities like horseback riding and making s’mores over a bonfire. I even had the chance to teach my new friends some Arabic words and tell them about Lebanon
Yassmine is a 2020 Fulbright student from Lebanon. She is studying Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University.
Follow updates from Yassmine 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 Yassmine does this year!
