Fulbright Family & Friends
Updated: Oct 12
This project and reflection would not be complete if I did not honor and include the best travel mates any traveler could ever have. I could not have dreamed up a better group to experience this grand adventure with.
Team Safi - from our first Zoom meeting back in January, we immediately connected and, dare I say, became siblings of the soul. We texted nearly every day, shared ideas & documents via a shared drive, and video called every 2-3 weeks, which also included our fabulous host teacher Mottalib. When we finally got to Morocco, we were long lost friends, and we arrived at a reunion of sorts.
How well we connected and the efforts we all put into getting to know one another was very clear when we met at JFK for our flight to Casablanca. We ran into each other's open arms and it felt like coming home, and the Safi Selfie was born.
Team Morocco - we all formed immediate bonds and regularly checked in with one another via group text as soon as we left the Global Symposium in D.C. Unfortunately, Tori was unable to attend the symposium due to a health issue, but in true Matthew fashion, he 3D printed a "Little Tori"and that little figurine was at all our functions the entire weekend. The IREX staff is incredible, they were very understanding and allowed me to pick up all the Fulbright swag for Tori and I sent her a carepackage, including notes, so she didn't miss out. "Little Tori" was a willing doppleganger and participant in the Team Morocco shenanigans.
Tori - you inspire me. Your laughter is infectious, your mind brilliant, your spirit so full of love and intrigue. Your knowledge, care for students, and hard work are the qualities every educator should model. Can't wait to explore Maine with you, and show you California. Let's plan a reunion soon.
Matt - you are a force of nature my friend, in the best way possible. You pushed me out of my comfort zone with your adventurousness. Your generosity, passion for science, and spontaneous spirit are electrifying. Can't wait to learn from you in Iceland and introduce my son to the wonders of travel, exploration, and friendships.
Still not a fan of sardines, but I must say the sardine sandwich on our tuk tuk food tour was delish (one and done though) but the beet juice...not so much.
Lisa- your grace, talent, and intentionality bring me peace. You are a true advocate for all fortunate enough to have you in their corner. I am so grateful that we are only 5 hours apart and that we can plan weekend visits. Loved our time in Big Sur this summer and meeting the talented Mr. Fowler.
Sarah - your ease with people, approachability, and warmth are First Lady vibes. Or better yet, Madame President - I'll be your speech writer and campaign manager. :) LOL And also serious. We'll always have the hammam and the cats of Morocco. I'll never listen to that song the same way again.
Alicia - my fairy godmother. Your style, wisdom, generosity, thoughtfulness, and spunk are inspiring! I will treasure that gorgeous handbag forever. Je veux être comme toi quand je serai grande. Looking forward to our French lessons and can't wait to see you in Chicago! Please tell me you got a signed copy of Like Water for Chocolate when you met Laura Esquivel. So jelly!!
Zack - your composure, humor, and knowledge are empowering. I'd love to be a student in your class learning about history, politics, and the world through your experiences and travel. Thank you for bringing me sand from the Sahara and I hope your littles liked the seashells and pebbles from Safi. Can't wait to hear about the Ritland Caravan to London!
Rabi - your passion, grit, and determination are something else! I wish I knew what I wanted and had the strength to go after it at a younger age. I love your independent spirit and love of literature. Looking forward to our continued collaboration. I still owe you the DAMN unit. (IYKYK) LOL
Asmaou - your unguarded confidence, observation and wonder are motivating. You've taught me to slow down and to take time to observe and process; That it's ok to take a self-imposed time-out. We all need and deserve some self care, even if it's a few minutes to breathe quietly.
Shannon - your worldly experiences and patience are uplifting. I'll never forget the way you lead the classroom into song at IDMAJ. You clearly have a heart of gold. Thank you for assisting in the purchase of the XL suitcases at the medina - or I wasn't getting anything home.
Kathleen - your wisdom, intrigue, and advice bring me calm. I appreciate the lessons and advice from your experiences and hearing your stories and recommendations. Hope to explore the galleries of DC with you soon.
Rashel - a knowledgeable, charming and thoughtful soul to call friend. I appreciate our chats and sharing experiences of NY and the classroom. Dinner in Brooklyn next time I'm in NY. :)
Kelsey - you deserve sainthood my friend. Your patience with us is nothing short of miraculous and your willingness to experience, enjoy, and partake in our shenanigans should go in the handbook of "How to Babysit a Cohort on their International Field Experience". I'll help you write the manual, just need Anna's approval. :) LOL :) You have a fabulous voice - thanks for the laughs at karaoke night. Pretty sure that was not the way to avoid drawing attention to ourselves, but I don't think singing with the locals is creating international incidents. I argue that it's creating international relations and diplomatic connections through song and dance.
My deepest gratitude to each of you. This journey has been transformative, not just because of the places we visited, but because of the incredible insight and passion you all brought to every single day.
Collaborating with educators who bring such dynamic global contexts to their students—whether through geopolitical insights or reminders to slow down, pause, and deeply process our environments—has fundamentally shifted how I want to structure my own classroom inquiries. Bringing practices like intentional reflection and real-world global perspectives back to my students ensures that the impact of this journey ripples far beyond myself.
You have taught me to look at the world with fresh eyes, to question my own assumptions, and to find wonder in the small, physical details of our shared environments.
Thank you for your curiosity, your endless support, and for showing me what true global collaboration looks like. I am walking away from this experience a better educator, researcher, and person because of what I learned from all of you.
Je t'aime mes amies. Hatta ntlqaw mn jdid (حتى نتلاقاو من جديد). Vidimo se uskoro.
Comments