New Beginnings in Wisconsin: A Fulbright Journey
I have recently embarked on a transformative journey from Lebanon to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My passion for biomedical engineering and the belief that technology should be used to provide equal opportunities to those with disabilities led me here.
Before my academic adventure in Wisconsin began, I had the privilege of spending three weeks in Florida with other Fulbright Students and Scholars from around the world. Those weeks were more than just a Pre-Academic Program; they were a cultural exchange that prepared me for the United States and showed me the value that international students bring to an institution. Despite our diverse backgrounds, I found that we shared similar values and cultures, making us a tight-knit family of over 35 Fulbright Students and Scholars.
For instance, my Greek friend, Nikolaos, introduced me to a national war dance strikingly similar to the Lebanese Dabke. My Paraguayan friend, Nana, also enjoyed drinking Mate using a bombilla — a practice I also knew from Lebanon- and I discovered that my Indonesian friend, Navi, and Malaysian friend, Harith, shared my sense of humor. These encounters reinforced the idea that, despite our different countries, we have more in common than we might think.
After I bid farewell to the warm and inviting environment at the University of Central Florida, I had to adjust to being alone in a new place, navigating the unknown. Fortunately, I spotted fellow Badgers (the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s mascot) wearing the UW logo at the airport. Among them was Dean Steve Swanson of the Pharmacy Department, who kindly offered me a ride to my new home.
Adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming, but having a taste of Za’atar, a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend often used in sandwiches with olive oil and cucumber, from Lebanon made it more familiar. During orientation week, I made friends like TingTing, a UW graduate student who gave me a ride to campus since I wasn’t familiar with the bus system. I also helped her family settle in nearby and we enjoyed some great food together, making more friends along the way.
One of the highlights of my early days in Madison was participating in the annual UW Dash and Bash. Graduate students run a distance equivalent to their upcoming years of studies in miles, “earning” their degrees at the finish line. It was during this event that I received my “master’s degree” and met Bucky the Badger, along with great friends Nolan, Brandon, Abby, and Katie. Given that UW-Madison is a D1-ranked sports school, we naturally discussed American football and the upcoming first game of the season. Katie was kind enough to offer me her ticket to the game, and that’s how I attended my first live American football game in the record-breaking heat at Camp Randall Stadium. I was immersed in the excitement of the game, from jingling keys before a kickoff to watching the mascot go wild after a victory.
As this semester begins, I’m uncertain about what awaits me, particularly considering Madison’s unforgiving winters. However, I feel prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead, thanks to the friendships I’ve made and the support of the Badger community. Here’s to a great adventure at UW-Madison! On Wisconsin!
This blog was written in September 2023 after Adnan’s first few months in the United States.
Adnan is a 2023 Fulbright Student from Lebanon. He studied biomedical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
