SUSI - Name of New Bonds by Aazadi Fateh, Pakistan

By Aazadi Burfat
SUSI 2012 Scholar

SUSI ... half an year ago this title was nothing else for me but a name of some fellowship. When I heard about my nomination in SUSI I got so excited and happy, but all I could think of SUSI before actually being a part of SUSI was just academics, media visits and study. When I arrived in Columbus July 5, 2012, the warm and friendly welcome by Prof. Yusuf Kalyango, Sally Ann and of course Camilo made me feel so secure and home. The next morning, I was the first to arrive for introductions in the University Courtyard lounge and met Prof. Aimee. The very first impression of her was so caring and helpful. Then Prof. Mary, Jean Marie, Jim, Lindsay, and  Ashley, all Scripps colleagues. They did a great job in breaking our hesitation and formal covers with their attitude and care. In Pakistan, we think developed world people always remain self-centered and they never care about others, but this idea was proved wrong when I entered the world of SUSI.

The first week was all about introductions and orientations. Eighteen of us from different cultures and languages mostly interacted in smiles and formal sentences only. I remember Prof. Mary mentioned in our earlier classes that we are so quiet, but there would be a time when she'll be asking us to stop talking and pay attention. Her statement seemed a fantasy at that time, because we all were so different from each other and so strange. But in only a couple more days, she proved to be right. We discovered our bonds of friendship and frankness very soon.. In class, the van, computer labs or Walmart, we started chatting and approaching one another. And now we talk, joke and share everything like family. This is a very intense study and travel plan, and our little jokes, fun and sharing, and most of all being together all the time is something that adds a very beautiful color to those routines.

From my apartment mates Ibaa and Trang, to Karla, Huei Lan, Guoping, Taimoor, Rachael, Dana, Suren, Silvia, Sasha (Alexander), Aysha, Divine, Wilberforce, Murad, Hugo, and Alexandre, I feel a very different affiliation with all of them. We have our little secrets and joys in or out of the class, and we act like students and even kids sometimes.

There was a tremendous situation at West Inn Tower Sundial restaurant in Atlanta, when, after dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Eli (News Director, CNN), in a very formal environment, suddenly Sasha and Suren asked us to join their chantings, asking Prof. Yusuf to postpone the Conflict Resolution Assignment deadline. We all joined them happily. In that time, we were not like professors, doctors, journalists or scholars, we were group of a class asking our teacher something naughty. That is a very sweet memory for me. The journey of SUSI is half passed, and after sharing laughter, smiles, love, fun and sometimes tears, I can tell this is going to be the most unique bond of relations. I feel so lucky to have it. I am sure the remaining sixteen days will get us more close and add more beautiful memories with all these sweet people around.

Now, SUSI is the name of memories, and friends for me :) !!