Musa Umar
Fulbright Student from Nigeria
Host: Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
Grant Dates: 2007-2008

A Spirited Fulbright Experience

A songwriter once said, “If you want a brand new world, you got to have brand new people. If you want to have brand new people, you got to have a brand new spirit.” I believe that’s what the Fulbright Program is all about. Changing the world takes brand new people with a brand new spirit.

The first shock I experienced when I arrived in the United States was that I had to repeat myself at least twice to be understood when I spoke English. I also had to listen attentively to people to understand what sounded like a strange version of English. Coming from a country which was a former British colony and where English is an official language, I thought communicating in English wouldn’t be much of a problem.

 
Musa Umar, 2007-2008, Nigeria (center) 

My perspective about the United States and existing stereotypes changed during my pre-academic program. Spending three weeks with Fulbrighters from about 30 countries was a life-changing experience. As we interacted, race, color, ethnicity, language and religion became secondary. I saw people for themselves first before I saw where they came from, their colors, or beliefs. Today, I’m proud to say I have friends, brothers and sisters from all parts of the world who are different races and colors.

My home stay experience, which involved spending a weekend with an American family during the pre-academic program, was wonderful. I stayed with a young couple, Patrick and Sarah Curry and their dog, Mia. I can now say that I have an American family. My perception of American families has seriously changed. Americans can be very hospitable.

I was wrong to have thought that my stay in the United States was going to be all about engaging in my academic work and learning about the United States. I discovered that Americans are very inquisitive and want to learn about other nations and peoples. I am constantly responding to questions about Nigeria (and Africa in general) on different subjects. One important aspect of this experience was the desire of African-Americans I met to know more about their ancestral homeland.

Studying at Georgia State University is an entirely new and worthwhile experience. Not only are there resources and facilities at my disposal, but there are always wonderful people around who make me comfortable. My Advisor, Dr. Cora Presley, is just fantastic. Interacting with American academics has been tremendous. Not only are they honest, but they accept constructive criticism and are willing to learn from others.

My brother, friend and fellow Fulbrighter from Russia, Kostantin Redkin, said, "Fulbrighters are really 'Full brothers' and 'Full sisters.'” I quite agree with him. I believe that the Fulbright Program is building a corps of young leaders who are giving hope to a sometimes hopeless world.

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