Story and photos by Meghan McAuliffe —ON SATURDAY, OCT. 31, the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program welcomed incoming Fulbright students, scholars, and alumni for its annual orientation at the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago.
The orientation provided an opportunity for the new cohort of incoming Fulbrighters to meet peers who will serve as mentors, connect with the broader Chicago Fulbright community, and learn more about the resources available to support their experience while navigating American culture and systems.
The program began with introductions, giving attendees the opportunity to share their home countries, universities, and academic and professional backgrounds. Fulbright Chicago board members Meghan McAuliffe and Marilyn Susman, who lead the mentoring initiative, discussed the program’s mission and vision while sharing their enthusiasm for supporting the newly arrived participants. They outlined upcoming activities and reviewed the Mentoring Program Handbook, which offers essential guidance for newcomers.
A highlight of the morning was hearing from Fulbright alumni Sylvia Atsalis and Michael Schlesinger. Atsalis shared valuable insights on building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, while Schlesinger encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, explore Chicago, and embrace the opportunities available during their grant year.
Following the session, participants continued getting to know one another over lunch at the Exchequer Restaurant & Pub, located two blocks from the library. The informal gathering provided extra time for mentors and mentees to connect, exchange experiences, and begin relationships that will continue throughout the academic year.
The Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program is excited to welcome this year’s participants and looks forward to bringing the community together through upcoming events and activities. We wish all of our incoming Fulbrighters a wonderful and memorable year in Chicago!
