April 1, 2026

"Choose to be optimistic - it feels better"

The words greet me as I step off the elevator heading to my new room in the bustling, vibrant city that is Casablanca. I still can't believe I have been awarded the great honor of representing the US as a Citizen Diplomat through the Fulbright TGC program. I've been pinching myself since July 2025 when I opened the acceptance email. Even more so since I boarded my flight in Los Angeles heading to Rabat, with a layover in JFK to meet the most amazing group of teachers. I have a very sore arm. :) LOL

It's been a week since departure now, and it seems like I've been in Morocco for weeks, and not just a few days. The activities, lectures, day trips, dinners, and more have been fantastic and so many, that it seems impossible that I've done so much in such a short time.

I'll get into the details when I post images and reflections on each activity, versus grouping all the fabulousness into one daily post. For now, I write WHAT AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY this has been.

From strangers on a screen, to life long friends within an hour of meeting, I am truly having the time of my life.

Learning, teaching, observing, sharing, and absorbing knowledge, love, culture, compassion from my travel mates and this beautiful country is overwhelming in the best way possible. I am forever changed as a teacher, learner, traveler, human.

More to be shared when I find the words to best describe what exactly this change is.