Half-way Point Summary

1. The Accidental Celebrity Moment

Who knew Fulbright fame would come with fans? While strolling down the road, I was spotted by a group of giggling students who waved like they’d just seen Beyoncé—then asked for a selfie. I hadn’t even had coffee yet. Rockstar status: unlocked.

2. The Air-Conditioned Illusion

Before arriving, I was told classrooms had AC, internet, and screens. Reality? Forty students, zero AC, 98°F, 93% humidity, and prayer chants drifting through the windows like a spiritual remix. Still, the students were enthusiastic, and I sweat through it with grace (and possibly heat exhaustion).

3. Teaching with a Side of Humility (and Soup)

On Thursday, I led a sensory creative writing class—ironically while experiencing all five senses at once: heat, noise, humidity, the sound of my own voice echoing over chants, and the smell of my shirt sticking to my back. The students? Thrilled. Me? Medium rare.

4. The Three-Guard Island Mission

I was escorted to Muna Island by three university-assigned grad student bodyguards (who, let’s be honest, made me feel like royalty). We did community service, talked AI at a local high school, and I got the VIP island tour from students proud to show me their homeland. Cultural exchange meets island adventure.

5. The Sticker Regret

I met some adorable local kids who would’ve loved the stickers I forgot to bring. Rookie move. I’m now committed to never leaving the house without backup stickers—it’s the universal language of goodwill.