A Year in the Fulbright Life: Yousra’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

September was a month of firsts for me! I finally arrived for my Fulbright year at the Chicago Airport, en route to Oregon.

Something I was able to try upon arriving was using the bus system. Back home, we don’t use buses, so it was something new for me to try out.

Something else I experienced was hiking for the first time ever! I was able to explore my new home state of Oregon.

November 2021

In November, most of my time consisted of studying, studying, and more studying! I found that I could study almost anywhere — including in Starbucks and even outside waiting for a train! I tried to focus on achieving my goals and studying diligently no matter what.

During Thanksgiving break, I took a trip to New York City for the first time! I enjoyed going to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and feeding the birds outside.

December 2021

For my winter break, I decided to travel to Houston, Texas all the way from Portland. Ispent one day hiking to the summit of Enchanted Rock, a site with natural rock formations in central Texas. Afterwards I visited the small town of Wimberley and had a great time seeing the sites there too!

January 2022

To me, starting a new year in the United States as a Fulbrighter is an extraordinary event in itself! I am stepping forward towards my goals, and I feel more committed to making 2022 a meaningful year.

Yousra is a 2021 Fulbright student from Gaza. She is studying Engineering at Portland State University.

Follow updates from Yousra 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 Yousra does this year!