A page from my diary (2)

“Ms. Al Maawali,

On behalf of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication …”

 This was the beginning of the first e-mail I got from WSU. I was sitting on the floor of my room in Muscat. My back was leaning on the pink wall of my room. I will never forget that moment as it brought many feelings to my heart. It made me feel that I am about to start
something serious and big. That e-mail made my fingers shake and my hair stand on an end. I started drawing pictures in my mind of how this experience will enrich my knowledge, about how Pullman is look like, about the new friends that I am going to make, the different cultures I am going to meet, and the lessons I am going to learn.

 Then I noticed “Peterson, Jeff to me “ at the top of the e-mail. I wondered a lot about him. How is he look like? How will be our first meeting? What kind of stereotype does he have about the Middle East? And many other question marks started flying above my head.  

 On 17^th of June, we got our first chance to meet Dr. Jeffery. He was there for us, as he always remained, waiting with Dr. David at the airport. We were exhausted, sleepy, excited, sad and happy, but as soon as we met them we got the comfy we needed. As time went by, I saw in Dr. Jeff something I didn’t find in any other teacher in my country. He allowed us to see his casual side. We got the chance to meet his wife and children. He danced in the 4^th of July with us. He was kind enough to devote over a week of his life time just for us and away from his family.

What Dr. Jeffery did for us is unforgettable and will be always thankful for his kindness and effort
with us.  

By: Amira Al Maawali
25 th, July 2011