

One afternoon at a bakery in NYC, one of my professors (now a mentor and friend) encouraged me to apply for a Fulbright research grant. It was not until several years and two application cycles later (the first application cycle I was designated an alternate candidate) that I received the honor of becoming a Fulbright-EDUFI Fellow. In March 2020, when I was awarded my Fulbright research grant, our world was faced with a global pandemic that required the start of my grant in Finland to be delayed.
In the spring of 2021 I began my Fulbright research grant virtually, each day anxiously awaiting a green light for my departure. It took several months and four rescheduled flights before I would arrive in Finland; my first attempt to depart resulted in the decision to remove my luggage from the plane after receiving a call prior to boarding regarding my potential exposure to COVID-19.
While my Fulbright experience was different than I had originally expected, I started my Fulbright Finland grant in the U.S. experiencing the Finnish culture through its people. I received constant support, encouragement, and guidance from my Fulbright host, the Fulbright Finland Foundation, my Fulbright Buddy, and various people I was connected with in Finland that assisted me in navigating my grant remotely.
My new connections in Finland sent me pictures so that I could see the first snow of winter and the beauty of Jyväskylä throughout the winter season. I received text messages and emails sharing words of encouragement and hopeful wishes that my arrival would still be able to happen. I was invited to Zoom calls to ensure I was doing ok, and so that I could see different parts of the country through video streaming. I also received constant communication from the Fulbright Finland Foundation and my Fulbright host, assuring me they were committed to my arrival and would remain as flexible as possible.
I have heard often in the U.S. that Finland is ranked the happiest country in the world. During our orientation the Fulbright Finland Foundation explained that a sense of trust may be correlated with citizen happiness. As adversities kept preventing my arrival abroad, a sense of trust had developed through the people I was connected with in Finland that everything possible would be done to make my arrival a reality.
My Fulbright Finland research grant has connected me with people in Finland, the U.S., and throughout the entire world. I have made new connections, friendships, and memories that will transcend my grant period. Family, friends, mentors, colleagues, Fulbright alumni, and many people I met through this process have provided endless support; this experience would not be possible without their encouragement and assistance. I also offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for this experience and for all of the people that walked with me along this journey (and continue to do so). While I don’t have space in this blog to adequately thank everyone for all they have done for me, I humbly offer my sincerest kiitos.