In the past, this was done in person. That must have been great - getting to meet other people planning similar exciting things, feeling the group buzz, being inspired. I've talked with Fulbrighters from past years who have spoken of the very special connections that developed in the training sessions before they posted to wherever they were heading.
Yep, in person training must have been awesome, but that's not what's happening tomorrow.
It's a sign of the times, no doubt. Both the technical times ("we can") and the budgetary times ("we must.") Our training is going to be virtual. The Fulbright Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation (VPDO) is what they're calling it. It provides essential administrative details pertaining to Fulbright grants, as well as practical information and resources to prepare for living in our host countries and region. It includes a large amount of information about what to do, how to prepare. Lots of forms and descriptions and admonitions in a great portal. It's fun to anticipate as I click around it.
Tomorrow, we have our first online discussion during a webinar. I'm really excited to hear all about what's in store! Excited for the opportunity to connect with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), sponsor of the Fulbright Program. To hear about the program. To learn about what needs to be done - what shots we need, how to get our visas in order, and how to prepare for the opportunity of our lives. And that's going to be wonderful.
Yes, I wish that we could all meet together. I know that the ECA folks, as well as the folks from the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) which administers the programs, all wish this too. There is, after all, something to be said for being real, not virtual. But it's terrific it is happening!
I'm also really lucky. I know that my Program Officer is an amazing young woman - and I'm quite keen to meet her in person. I'm hoping that can happen when I am back in Washington, D.C. for the User Experience Professionals Association meetings. And then, it will be really Real. And then, as the old Skin Horse in the children's tale, "The Velveteen Rabbit, " observed.
"Once you are Real, you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."(And you can't really become only virtual again either.)
So I'm looking forward to our training tomorrow - virtual though it may be. And I look forward to the time that it all becomes really Real too.
And I'm so glad to have so many friends and colleagues - who are all Real - joining me virtually for this journey.
