An open letter to my friends and family

I hope all is well there in the land of hot dogs and Coca-Cola classic. Tunisia is as pleasant as ever. September has brought with it a very cool sea breeze, more sunshine, some rain, fewer tourists, and some surprises. A couple of weeks ago, I received a query from the CEO of AMIDEAST, via Lee Jennings our country director, as to my interest in full time employment. Naturally, hearing that the former Ambassador to Syria even knows who I am, much less wants to keep me around as more than an intern, was quite an honor. I told Lee I am definitely interested in making a go of it. I have been anticipating word as to what the specifications of this position are precisely. Preparing myself for the possibility of a more or less indefinite stay in Tunisia – at least another year before heading to grad school in Portland– has been an exciting idea. The work here has been immensely rewarding, the staff at AMIDEAST feels almost like family, and the locale is ideal.

Within a week of this news, I received an email from the chair of graduate studies for the Political Science department at PSU asking if I would be interested in a full assistantship paying my tuition and a stipend. The offer is for this academic year only. Meaning I would have to get myself back to Portland to start classes and my new job working with my faculty advisor within three weeks. While my hopes were of receiving such an offer within a year of starting the program, I certainly did not expect it beginning this fall term.

It is, in some ways, “troubling” having to choose between two fantastic options but certainly better than having to choose based on a position of desperation or necessity. As much as I would adore remaining here where I have become very comfortable over the last few months, grad school has been my primary objective for the last year and a half and I can’t turn down a full ride now. I will continue to maintain my relationship with North Africa through research and study and will return sooner or later but hopefully with a MA degree and a deeper understanding of the region.

My ticket back to the States has the 21st printed on it and I will begin classes the following Monday. In between, I’ll meet with my adviser to discuss my duties and responsibilities.

Be on the lookout for out a few more reports before I leave. Thanks to all of you who have been supportive of my time here on the not-so-dark continent. The prodigal son is returning.



-D