Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
Winter Holidays Celebration, December 2018
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission organized its Winter Holidays Celebration on December 13 & 14. The event started with a reception organized at Casa Oamenilor de Știință, where the impressive group of U.S. Fulbright grantees met and interacted with representatives of the U.S. Embassy – among others present, Public Affairs Officer Merry Miller and Cultural Affairs Officer Scott Reese –, of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fulbright Board of Directors, as well as Romanian alumni and friends of the program in a large number. The evening program included Christmas Carols interpreted by a group of professionals.
On the second day of the event, the group of American Fulbrighters visited the Parliament Building, Cotroceni Museum and in the evening participated in a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum. The grantees had a chance to learn more about Romania’s past and more recent history, and about its rich cultural traditions.
The two-days event was an excellent opportunity to discuss with the twenty-one grantees plus dependents about their experience during their first months in Romania, about their academic activities and adjustment to the new environment, as well as about their perspectives and plans for the 2nd semester.