Fulbright Pre-Departure Orientation

Greetings from Washington DC! I traveled a whopping 26 minutes on the metro to come to the Fulbright South East Asia pre-departure orientation--but traveling is not about the distance, its about the destination. Here at our beautiful hotel, approximately 109 scholars, researchers, and ETAs have formed a unique community, where conversations about global migration, health policy, education, women's rights, child trafficking, and the cultural and ecological impacts of climate change (to name a few) yield thoughtful discussions. I am impressed with the openness and warmth of the people here. There is such an immense spirit of joy and excitement for the journeys that we are about to begin...

The picture above consists of the group of six Americans (including myself) that will be traveling to Nepal together, two Nepal ETA alumni (top left), and two program leaders (corners). What amazing people. We are a group that includes creative writers, musicians, special education teachers, ESL teachers, environmentalists, political scientists, and human rights activists. Within minutes of meeting one another, we felt instantly connected; I am confident that we will all build powerful friendships with one another throughout our eight-month adventure.  

It is invigorating to realize that the next time I post to this blog, I will be in the bustling Kathmandu Valley with five new friends that I already deeply value.