Sowing Seeds of Change: Sketches from a Tunisian environmentalist’s Fulbright journey in the American Midwest
Although I am a globetrotter accustomed to visiting different countries, I had never imagined that I could stay away from Tunisia for more than a couple of months. Yet, here I stand, halfway through my Fulbright journey as a visiting scholar at Indiana University-Bloomington.
When I first noticed the call for Fulbright applications on social media, I knew that this opportunity was tailored for me. Working on the application was no simple task as it demanded a meticulous endeavor to ensure that my cover letter was both distinguished and authentic; preparing for TOEFL and GRE tests presented yet another challenge.
Upon arriving at Indiana University in Bloomington, I found myself in a welcoming environment supported by my mentor who was, and still is, willing to guide me through the labyrinth of academic pursuits. The vibrant ambiance of the campus town, along with the abundance of resources provided by Wells Library provided fertile ground for intellectual exploration. Engaging class discussions and regular meetings with mentors and professors, though at times challenging, served as catalysts for personal and academic growth. While I had arrived armed with a structured plan for my PhD thesis, I soon discovered that the research journey is never conclusive. Instead, it is a fluid and iterative process, demanding constant refinement and reevaluation of ideas.
Beyond the confines of academia, I found my lifestyle undergoing a significant transformation, as I delved into the rich tapestry of international cuisine (recipes that I learned from my friends), embraced the discipline of morning jogs in cold weather, and sharpened my skills in time and budget management. I usually devote the weekends to hiking with my friends, immersing myself in the breathtaking landscapes of Bloomington, a place that, with each passing day, began to feel more like a home away from home (I do really miss it when I travel somewhere else).
My recent participation in the Reentry Workshop in DC prompted introspection on how best to invest in this transformative experience. I still remember the question of the Fulbright committee when I was preselected regarding my plans once my program comes to an end. My answer was: “to introduce the approach of environmental humanities in Tunisian Academia.” As a scholar, environmental activist, and a junior climate negotiator in the Tunisian delegation, I have always been concerned about bridging the gap between academic research and civil society activism, both locally and globally. In fact, the urgency posed by the climate crisis compels us to embrace an interdisciplinary approach. Such an approach must incorporate not only science and technology, but also the humanities, including arts and culture. Environmental humanities serve as powerful mediums to disseminate environmental awareness and cultivate ecological citizenship in academia and beyond. Engaging in multiple workshops and connecting with like-minded scholars in environmental humanities has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of how the field is theoretically conceptualized and, more importantly, how theoretical insights are transformed into tangible projects.
Being a Fulbrighter is being both a dreamer and achiever. This experience has instilled in me the value of appreciating and celebrating every step of the journey as a significant achievement, whether it is participation in an academic conference, completing a three-hour hike, or cooking a Tunisian couscous. These victories are testament to personal growth in a completely different environment, one represented in my case by the American Midwest.
Thinking about the friends and mentors I’ve encountered and the adventures I’ve lived, Fulbright is not merely an academic program, but a transformative journey, a fusion of academic pursuit, cultural immersion, and personal development.
Rawe is a 2023 Fulbrighter from Tunisia. She is a non degree student in environmental humanities at Indiana University.
