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.
October Highlights from Fulbright ETA in Constanța
Besides her teaching activities at Ovidius University of Constanța, Catherine Johnson, now in her second year as a Fulbright ETA, continues her series of engaging events at both the university and the American Corner in Constanța.
In October, she led three events for high schoolers at the American Corner. On October 8, students from the International Computer High School of Constanța gathered there to celebrate World Space Week. After learning about the history of space exploration, students explored the basic principles of aerodynamics by building their own paper rockets.
Further engaging high school students, Catherine led a career development workshop for students from Cambridge School of Constanța on October 15. The session focused on three main application components—resumes, personal statements, and interviews—with an emphasis on the application process for admission to U.S. colleges and universities. During the workshop, students brainstormed personal statement topics and conducted mock interviews with their classmates.
In recognition of United Nations Day, students from “Constantin Brătescu” National Pedagogical College visited the American Corner on October 23 to learn about UN’s purpose, structure, and achievements. Students then recreated the flags of various UN members after researching the history of their accession to the UN and the symbolism of their flags.
Catherine has also resumed the creative writing club for university students and has even more enriching initiatives in the making for students at Ovidius University in Constanța.