We met Itto on July 10, 2017, when she arrived from Morocco to begin her orientation here in Fayetteville, Arkansas after being selected as a Fulbright Student to attend the University of Arkansas. A Mongolian friend, also a Fulbrighter, had been given the task of picking her up at the airport, but he was out of town at the time and my husband agreed to pick her up.
We were drawn to Itto immediately, as she is pleasant and respectful, and copes with her blindness with quiet determination. She quickly had to find and learn how to use a computer, a phone, a Braille reader, an iPad, all at the same time as she had never before had such devices.
Itto frequently won people over, especially those who may have treated her dismissively or rudely. At first, she might react with anger or irritation, but would get over it and offer help to them, and even eventually become a friend or confidante.
Itto has helped us understand Morocco from an insider’s perspective. She has seen how people with disabilities struggle and she hopes in some way to contribute to improving quality of life and advocating for the rights of those with disabilities in her community.
Itto has loved our grandchildren. She has a huge affection for babies and small children, and they quickly feel safe with her. She has joined family meals, trips to visit other cities, and loves experiencing new places. We took Itto to Bikes, Blues and BBQ, the big motorcycle festival in Fayetteville in September. She also participated in Cane Hill Festival, a rural experience of country food, dance and civil-war era songs and recitations by the Heritage Kids that our granddaughters participate in.
Attending this past summer’s Fulbright orientation with Itto on a panel helped me to appreciate how the organization urges their members to rise to a high level of diplomacy with humility and how this affects them over the 2 plus years they study in America. I believe the opportunity Itto is receiving to study in America has given her the platform to speak and show others that no obstacle is insurmountable. Itto has a “can do” attitude almost all the time. We think highly of her and are much richer for it. Not only us, but many other students and families have been drawn to help her, and then to love her.
Evelyn and her husband, Bronson met Itto when she moved to Fayetteville as a Fulbrighter to study at the University of Arkansas. Itto is from Morocco and is working towards her Master’s in Journalism.
