As an international studies major with a specialization in Middle Eastern studies, history, and Arabic language, Middlebury was the best place to pursue my interests in international travel, U.S.-Middle Eastern relations, and international public policy. I have been very lucky to find some of my best mentors among Middlebury’s faculty and staff, who have inspired me to chase my dreams and follow my intuition.

One of the reasons that I chose Middlebury was its liberal, practical, and intimate learning environment. There is a place for every type of student at Middlebury. Middlebury’s diverse student population taught me about cultures, traditions, and practices that I would not have encountered otherwise.

My junior year, I studied abroad at Middlebury’s first school in the Middle East in Alexandria, Egypt for a year. In Egypt, my language skills quickly improved, as did my awareness of cultural, political, and religious tolerance. My first semester, I lived with an amazing host family and was very fortunate to be treated as another member of their family. They helped me see Egypt through Egyptian eyes, which contributed to my newfound passion for Arabic music and food. For my second semester, I felt confident enough to move in with another Midd student into an apartment of our own, which further improved my language skills. We immediately became more involved in the Egyptian community and lifestyle.

After returning to Middlebury, I realized how Egyptian I had become. Sometimes I don’t remember how to say things in English and am quick to answer in Arabic. To this day I keep in touch with my host family, and never fail to remember and appreciate Middlebury so much more for all the doors that it opened for me.

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