“Take yourself out of your comfort zone, and you will learn more about yourself and the world.” I heard that line in a movie once and it stuck with me. Now, as I zipped up my overweight luggage, I realized just how much of my comfort zone I was leaving behind, yet I was still enjoying the journey. Everything felt unfamiliar, sometimes overwhelming, but also exciting. Hitting our sixth state already, I noticed how fast everything moves on this fellowship. New cities, new people, new experiences and yet each moment has its own rhythm if you pay attention.
Our first big city stop was Chicago, and it was breathtaking. The first sight of skyscrapers reaching into the clouds is something I will never forget. Chicago felt overwhelming at first, but full of life. It is the third largest U.S. city. and home to countless media outlets. Yet, everywhere I went, people spoke about how quickly local newspapers are disappearing. I noticed the city’s diversity, with large immigrant communities looking out for one another. What struck me most, though, was how journalism continues to find ways forward, with new initiatives trying to rebuild what has been lost. For me, Chicago was exciting, heavy, and unforgettable.
From Chicago, we flew together as a group to San Francisco. Traveling with the fellows and staff was a completely new experience for me – fun, chaotic; and full of laughter, juggling luggage and sharing stories along the way. San Francisco felt like stepping into a different world. The mix of cultures, the Arab community members I met and the energy of Silicon Valley all stood out. I saw a self-driving car for the first time and realized how technology is shaping lives and stories. At a public forum where I spoke, I felt the city’s curiosity and openness. People wanted to know about the world outside their bubble, and I found myself reflecting on how the American media talks about the Arab world. San Francisco was colorful, innovative and at times overwhelming, but also inspiring.
After San Francisco, we travelled to Phoenix. The city felt completely different. The hot weather, the look of the streets, and even the people made it feel like another country. We visited the Mexican border and learned about the ports and local issues, engaging in deep conversations about migration and life along the border.
One of the most humbling stops came when we visited the Grand Canyon. Standing at the edge, I felt small in front of its endless layers of colorful rock. No photo could capture how vast it really is. For a moment, the noise of travel and schedules disappeared. Nature had me completely silent.
Leaving the warmth of Phoenix behind, we flew north to Alaska, and the change was immediate. The air felt sharper, the landscape wilder, and everything seemed bigger and more remote. Life in Alaska moves at its own pace, shaped by the land and the weather. Every moment was grounding and humbling.
As we hit our sixth week, I can say that each city offered a new flavor and a new lesson. From Chicago’s energy to San Francisco’s innovation, from the quiet power of the Grand Canyon to Alaska’s wide open spaces, I found myself constantly challenged and learning. Being here on this fellowship has been a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable, yes, but also full of moments that will stay with you forever.
