Oct 6

Oct 6 Introducing Fall Blogger Amna Al Obaidi

Salam!

My name is Amna Al Obaidi (pronouns she/her/hers) and I am a senior at St. Lawrence University. I am a Psychology and Global Studies major with a minor in Public Health. Although I was born in Iraq, my family and I immigrated to Egypt for four years and then to the United States when I was 6 years old! I am currently writing this from my home in New Jersey but will be going on one of the biggest adventures of my life in a matter of weeks! I am ecstatic to begin my journey abroad.

There are many reasons that I chose to study abroad in Jordan, one of them being the amazing hospitality of Jordanians (as I have visited Jordan once before!) and the incredible Middle Eastern food. My all-time favorite dishes are hummus (I would eat daily if I could), dolma, and bechamel! Although fasolia is a runner-up, as well.

A fun fact about me is that I speak fluent Arabic and it is the primary language spoken in my household. However, I have not received a formal Arabic education since I was in 2nd grade, but I can still read, write, and speak it! I am proud to say that my biggest teachers were the many episodes of Arabic TV series that I have consumed throughout the years.

I am also a planning fanatic, and one of my favorite hobbies is organizing, maintaining a bullet journal, and having a morning and self-care routine! While at school if I am not studying, I am usually working one of my several campus jobs, binge-watching TV shows, or reading.

Academically, I am interested in merging my two degrees in discussing Arab women’s empowerment and mental health. I am currently conducting my senior research project on Iraqi women’s empowerment and mental health while in the diaspora. My research interests include but are not limited to: sustainable development; mental health discourse; and advocacy for women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

That is, it from me for now while I finish packing. And stay tuned as my next blog will be sent from Amman! Now, excuse me while I go dream of the basbousa I will be devouring the moment my plane lands.