A Year in the Fulbright Life, a FulbrightMENA blog series, showcases a handful of Fulbright Foreign Students as they navigate one program year, month by month, from orientation to graduation in the United States.
February 2023
This month, I had an incredible time attending the Fulbright Foreign Student Enrichment Seminar 2023 in Nashville! It was amazing to meet engaging peers and gain valuable insights from professionals in the music industry.
The Fulbright Student Enrichment Seminar 2023 in Nashville.
Participating in community service by packing over 3,980 meals for those in need through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee was truly rewarding and aligned with the core values of the Fulbright Program.
Community service at the Enrichment Seminar.
Community service at the Enrichment Seminar (2)
The site visits and cultural immersion experiences gave me a better understanding of the vibrant culture in Nashville, a city that has become a thriving center for music. This seminar only left me more excited to engage with my Fulbright network.
May 2023
This summer has been filled with excitement as I focused on completing my graduation requirements for my upcoming August graduation.
Amidst all this preparation, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati alongside a wonderful group from the nonprofit BridgeUSA. This experience allowed me to forge connections with volunteers from different backgrounds, including exchange researchers from Cincinnati’s Children Hospital.
Volunteering at the Flying Pig Marathon.
Our main task during the marathon was to assist runners in reaching their starting lines. What made this experience even more remarkable was the early meeting time set for 4:00 AM.
Marathon Start.
I found myself captivated by the breathtaking views of the starting point, including the stadium and buildings by the Ohio River at sunrise. Despite the early hour and subsequent heavy rain, the city burst to life with electric energy from everyone from runners to supporters. This experience has deepened my appreciation for my host city and its vibrant community.
Ohio River at night.
Leen is a 2022 Fulbrighter from Jordan. She studies Engineering and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Cincinnati.
