A Year in the Fulbright Life: Omnia G.’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.

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September 2017

“Recently I volunteered at the Heart of Ghent 10k race in Norfolk, Virginia. Ghent is a very beautiful city and I always see people run here, but in this race, they ran for charity. One of the charities helps homeless children in Kenya. It was very fun, and I met a group of very nice Americans who I volunteered with. My favorite moment was when a runner would say thank you for the water that I gave out, even though she was exhausted from the race. It was such a nice day, and I loved being able to spend more time in my American community.”

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October 2017

One of my American friends, Taylor, recently took me to get ice cream at Coldstone so I could try homemade American ice cream! I’ve gone past the store a million times but never noticed the ice cream shop. Taylor has been a really great friend since I arrived. She introduces me to American culture, clarifies what I miss due to differences, and is also deeply interested in different cultures. I’m lucky to have such a great friend who helps take care of me when I need it!

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November 2017

This month our program went on a field trip to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond. It was a two-hour drive, but the laboratories were amazing and definitely worth it. At the lab, they run experiments on bioterrorism, chemical weapons, food adulteration, and newborn screening. I really enjoyed my time with my classmates at the lab learning all about the work they do there.

“I went to the Hampton Roads Reptile Expo with my friend Taylor, where spiders, snakes, worms, and frogs were all on display. I saw plenty of snakes with gorgeous colors. Because of this experience, I was able to overcome my fear of animals and reptiles and even held a lizard! It was amazing.

December 2017

This semester I asked for a rotation in Dr. Anca Dobrian’s lab to gain hands-on experience working on endothelial cells! I learned a lot and met such wonderful people in this lab. Dr. Dobrain is an excellent primary investigator and Bronson, her Ph.D. candidate, was an amazing instructor. By the end of the semester, Dr. Dobrian invited the lab students and techs to dinner at a Greek restaurant. Many of the meals had Middle Eastern and Egyptian elements, and it was the perfect end to a tedious semester.

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Omnia is from Egypt and is studying Biotechnology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA.

Follow updates from Omnia 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 Omnia does this year!

You can view other Fulbright Life stories here: https://medium.com/@FulbrightMENA/

Three Weeks in San Diego: Perfect Prep for the Fulbright Student Experience

Fulbright student Soumaya whale watching in San Diego

My Fulbright journey began with a Fulbright Pre-academic Program at San Diego State University, which was a three-week orientation designed to expose Fulbrighters to academia in the United States and teach them about American culture. During the program, I was able to meet many talented and exceptional Fulbrighters from all over the world, including students from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa. Another Fulbright student and I also had the opportunity to stay with an American host family for a weekend. They took us around their beautiful city, and we attended a San Diego Symphony concert by the beach where we listened to the Star Wars and Jaws theme songs. We even had a picnic with friends while we listened to the music. That was such an exciting and unforgettable day!

The lecturers in the pre-academic program covered a variety of subjects: communication, economy and many other topics. The most interesting aspect of the lectures was that I learned so much from each participant’s own experiences.

For example, I found out that people react differently to the same situation based on their background and cultures. Additionally, I liked the discussions that we had afterward, and also how professors encouraged us to ask questions and be curious.

Group sight-seeing selfie during Fulbright Pre-Academic Program in San Diego

San Diego was such an amazing city. Through our Fulbright Pre-academic Program we visited the US Midway Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. We also went to a baseball game and our team won! Most importantly, we took part in a volunteer activity that allowed us to give back to the local community and to be engaged.

When I reflect on my three weeks spent in San Diego, I realize that it taught me what it means to be citizen of the world, and also to embrace differences. I believe in a better world where differences are not stigmatized but regarded as riches.

“I believe in a better world where differences are not stigmatized but regarded as riches.” –Fulbright Student Soumaya

I want to thank our amazing program organizer, Theresa, for her great support that made this experience so enjoyable and fulfilling. Last but not least, I want thank the Fulbright Program for allowing me to take part in this unique adventure, and for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and to study in the United States.

Soumaya is from Tunisia and is pursuing a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University.