{pre-departure} new beginnings

Every year, my birthday falls amidst the last few weeks of heat before the temperature drops, the leaves start to change, and another school year begins. Due to its timing, my birthday has come to be more than just a celebration of another year of life. This day is often filled with meaningful goodbyes and preparation for a new adventure. On my 18th birthday two years ago, I hopped in a car with my parents and drove across the country for my first year of college at Mount Holyoke. Tomorrow, I will board a plane and leave the United States to begin my study abroad journey in Rabat, Morocco for the fall semester.

Connected by a family friend, I had a phone meeting with Sam Kaplan, the former U.S. Ambassador of Morocco in mid-July. He and his wife recently returned to the States, resuming their life in Downtown Minneapolis. It was a brief call; I told Kaplan what and where I would be studying, and he gave me a few tips and tricks to use in my travels. I didn't think I would get the chance to meet him in person.

Mount Holyoke alumna, and dear friend Holly managed to get my roommate and I invites to a fundraiser gala for MN Congressman Keith Ellison. The event was hosted at the Kaplan's beautiful riverside home, which was filled with tasteful Moroccan pottery. Framed images of the Kaplans alongside presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and President Obama were scattered along bookshelves and upon coffee tables. It was a wonderful evening of networking and hors d'oeuvres. Mr. Kaplan was a kind and generous host, directing us towards the congressman the moment he arrived. Already inspired by Ellison's political platform, our in-person conversation only confirmed my belief that he is an outstanding advocate for the people of Minneapolis.

{Healey and I with Kaplan}

{Healey and I with Ellison}

As we stood to take this photo with Ellison, Healey crouched down to match our heights. Keith stopped her mid-bend and said, "What are you doing? Don't bend down to take a picture. Never do anything to make yourself smaller. Ever see a man crouch down in a picture? No!" First Muslim to be elected to Congress, first African-American House representative from MN, brilliant feminist -- needless to say, we love this man.

I also got a chance to meet with Gail Rosenblum, columnist for the featured section of the Star Tribune. I wanted to talk to her about maintaining the authenticity of someone else's narrative while still using my own distinct voice. I know that as a Western student, writing about women's health issues in an Eastern Islamic nation will bring its own set of challenges. I want to avoid othering the women I write about and side-step the pit known as the "white savior complex." As both Gail and my high school English teacher Lindsey Schiffler have told me, awareness is my biggest asset. I don't want to save anyone or expose anything. I just want to tell a story; a story not often told.

We had great conversation over coffee, along with two high school students interested in journalism. Gail then gave us a tour of the newsroom and introduced us to a few colleagues not out on assignment. I'll be applying for a position as a paid intern at the downtown office next summer, and may be writing a piece for Star Trib while I'm abroad.

One of my required summer readings for Morocco was Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Laila Lalami. A collection of brief narrative vignettes, the read was quick. The book follows a group of Moroccans illegally traveling across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. It is separated into before and after chapters, detailing each individual's reason for emigration and what happens to them once they are off of the boat. I breezed through it in just a few hours, unable to put it down. Lalami crafts a beautiful tale about the resiliency of the human spirit and the commitment to survive. This text, along with the other required readings prior to my departure, gave me valuable insight on the major social, political, and economic issues Morocco currently faces.

I know there is only so much I can do to prepare myself for my time abroad. Right now, everything I know about Moroccan history, culture, language, and politics has been attained through books, online research, and conversation. As this preparatory knowledge interacts with my actual experience in Morocco, my perspective is bound to change. I, and this knowledge I take with me, will transform. I embark on this journey with an open heart and a curious mind.

I am constantly taken aback by my good fortune. This summer has been such a blessing, proving to me that the future holds so much promise. I owe every opportunity to my friends and family, whose connections, love, and support have brought me this far.