Claire Hungar

My time in Romania was filled with so many memories and moments that it would be impossible to share them all. Romania is a complicated country. Admittedly, Romania as a nation is still coming to terms with (and trying to overcome) its past, its prejudices, and its poverty. Yet despite these struggles, the Romanian people I met were overwhelmingly kind, enthusiastic, and hopeful. So when I think about Romania, what I remember is not the problems but rather the light: the passionate love for old traditions, the solemn sanctity of a cathedral, and the cozy (but large) Sunday lunches with the entire family. Two moments stand out to me as best exemplifying that light that I found to shine in Romania.

When I was working as a teacher at Universitatea Stefan cel Mare in Suceava, I was invited to speak about American culture to a group of middle and high school students in a neighboring village. I was prepared to deliver some interesting and relevant remarks to try to hold the interest of about 100 kids. Instead, I found myself addressing a group of students who were thoughtful, well-spoken, mature, and engaged. I spent over an hour answering their questions about topics ranging from education accessibility to my favorite Romanian food to religious liberty. They asked me questions that sometimes stumped me, and I was impressed by the fact that they clearly were thinking about issues both in their country and abroad and how to improve. The hour passed far too quickly and I could have spent all day with them. It was such an encouraging and rewarding experience and one I had not anticipated in coming to Romania.

While my visit to the high school helped show me how this younger generation was already invested in their country and futures, another experience exemplifies the love and support I felt from the Romanians who surrounded me. In early March, I was coming back from a weekend visit to my brother who was living in Budapest, Hungary. At the border crossing, my entire bus was instructed to get off and wait for further instruction. We waited. And waited some more. It was nearing midnight by the time we were informed that some passengers had been traveling from Italy (then a Covid-19 hotspot) and as a result, we were all to undergone medical screening and would be required to quarantine at home for the next two weeks. It was almost one in the morning when I got to my apartment, tired and concerned.

Those two weeks could have been a source of stress and anxiety for me (especially because my birthday took place in that period). Instead, I had never felt more loved and supported. Colleagues at my university in Arad brought me groceries and treats and made sure I was well taken care of. Friends in the area left me meals outside my door and called me frequently to keep me company. And on my birthday the Fulbright Commission sent me a beautiful bouquet. While of course the pandemic did lead to many sorrows and complications (including, sadly, the early termination of the Fulbright program), I was overwhelmed not by the negatives but by the positive feelings of love and community. I will remember this time not in terms of cancelled trips or missed opportunities but rather the chance I had to see my colleagues and friends come together even when we were physically apart.

Although my Fulbright cohort underwent an experience that is (hopefully) unlike any other, I loved my time in Romania and learned so much. I am so grateful to the Fulbright Program and the Romanian Commission for this incredible opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my life.