Fellows' Reflections: Neely Egan

I have two weeks left in my fellowship. Two weeks?! Of course, everyone was right when they said time will fly, because it does really feel like I arrived in Tunisia two weeks ago. But then I’m wonderfully overwhelmed by how much has happened in my time here.

First things first, my job. Teaching has been a beautifully difficult experience for me. I have the pleasure of teaching preschoolers and middle schoolers – so basically the age groups known for being sometimes… strenuous. In all honesty, I never knew my patience, of which I pride myself on having a lot, could be pushed as much as it was with my students.

However, coupled with that realization, I never knew how much joy my classes could bring me. There are few words that can explain what happens in your heart when a child speaks a full English sentence by themselves for the first time. There are few words that can explain the kind of smile that come across your face when a three-year-old runs and gives you a big hug and a flower. There are few words that can explain the pride that flows when a student writes an essay with ZERO grammatical mistakes. Though I won’t be pursuing teaching after this year, I will cherish forever what this year and my classes have taught me.

Secondly, Tunisia – what a fabulous home I have found here. For almost every experience and relationship I have had here, I am grateful. Even those moments that did not go my way, I hope that I have come out of them with a greater sense of resilience. All in all, I wouldn’t be able to say any bad words about this place. The country is beautiful and full of adventure, while the people are kind and jovial. Though I studied International Politics in college, and though I was sure that I wanted to move to the MENA region, there was always a part of me that did not know if I could do it. Thankfully, the MENAR Fellowship, ClubAnglais, and Tunisia have allowed me the chance to prove to myself that I can do it. In fact, even though my contract ends in two weeks, you’ll be able to find me here in Tunisia for the foreseeable future!