On the Edge of Something New

In just a few days, I’ll board a plane that will carry me across the Atlantic—and into a chapter I’ve been dreaming about for months. As a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research fellow, I’m headed to Morocco to explore how we can better support and empower girls in STEM education. It still feels surreal to write those words. This is not just a trip; it’s a chance to listen, learn, and connect with educators and students in a country rich in culture, resilience, and innovation.

Preparing for this journey hasn’t been just about passports and packing lists—though yes, I’ve triple-checked both. It’s been about reflecting on what it means to be a learner again. I’ve been diving into research about Morocco’s education system, gender equity initiatives, and the everyday realities of students and teachers there. I’ve connected with mentors, scribbled ideas into notebooks, and imagined what it will feel like to walk into my first classroom visit as both an outsider and a guest with something to offer—and so much more to learn.

I carry with me questions, hopes, and a deep sense of gratitude. I’m excited to meet educators who are doing incredible work, to sit in classrooms, to listen to students, and to bring those stories home. I hope this journey helps me grow not just as a teacher, but as someone committed to creating more equitable and meaningful experiences for all learners—whether in Morocco, in Maine, or somewhere in between.

The view from the window of an airplane, showing the wing of the plane and clouds.