The Doyle Engaging Difference Program - Georgetown University

Last semester was the first time I had ever stepped foot in the United States. While I was excited about so many things, I also felt a little nervous about not knowing much about the country and its culture. Most of my exposure to the U.S. came from family, friends, and relatives who live there, many of whom aspire to chase the “American dream.” Social media also contributed to shaping my image of the U.S. However, I am fortunate not to know everything because it allowed me the space to absorb and reflect on my experiences.

Since the day I landed in the U.S., I had the opportunity to witness the presidential election unfold before my eyes. In fact, most people who heard I would be in Washington, D.C. that fall were excited to tell me how I’d get to experience the election firsthand. It became clear that the U.S. election is not just a celebrated and important event within the country, but one that captures the attention of the entire world. Whether it was the campaign pamphlets outside houses or the stickers on cars, the expressions of political support were striking. I mostly noticed campaign posters as well as massive social media efforts. I was particularly shocked at how common the use of targeted advertisements was in U.S. political campaigns.

Wherever I went, I encountered advertisements urging me to vote for certain candidates or avoid others. These were even tailored to different religious groups to garner their support and votes. Politics also found its way into academics; in my statistics class, we analyzed pre-polling surveys. This made for a fun addition to the curriculum and allowed us to apply statistical tools and methods to real-life scenarios. After the elections, during the counting period, I could feel the excitement and nervousness of the people around me regarding the results. I attended an election watch party at the Healey Family Student Center (HFSC), where a live broadcast of the results took place. It reminded me of my time back home, when we would gather around the TV and stay glued to the screen during elections in Nepal. While visiting a souvenir shop in D.C., I also noticed how the promotion of candidates extended to merchandise like bottle openers and socks. This made me think about how these items serve as subtle ways of advertising and endorsing candidates.

Another vivid part of my experience was exploring the architecture and history of the places I visited. The architecture often reflected the intersection of religion, society, and culture. I saw some of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals, including Trinity Church near Wall Street in New York City. Founded in 1697, when New York was known as New Amsterdam under Dutch influence, this church’s history was fascinating. I also observed worship services there. In the Georgetown neighborhood, I was captivated by the gothic architecture, from Healy Hall to the Washington National Cathedral. These buildings mesmerized me every time I saw them.

Spending most of my time on campus and in the Georgetown neighborhood, I developed a stronger sense of community there. I realized how wonderfully the community fosters inclusivity. I was thrilled to see student groups representing various religions, providing spaces for everyone to practice their faith and creating platforms for interfaith education and engagement. I remember attending the Garba (a form of Gujarati dance) night and the aarti (a Hindu prayer ritual) organized by the Hindu Student Association. It was heartwarming to see everyone learning the steps and enthusiastically participating in the dance. Over time, I observed how these organizations hosted diverse events throughout the semester. My friend and I often shared how grateful we were for having spaces to pray on campus. She prayed in the mosque, while I visited the Dharmic Center. I started frequenting the Dharmic Center more than I ever imagined. Before coming to the United States, I had a preconceived notion that it had a very secular environment where religious customs were not prominently practiced. But I realized how everyone here found and built their own communities of faith, and that’s all anyone needs.

As I returned to Doha to continue my semester, I reflected on how even spending four months in a place can turn day-to-day activities into habits. And why not? People say it takes just 21 days to form a habit, and I spent almost 120 days there. From waking up early to attend my 8 a.m. French class to grabbing bagels with cream cheese at Leo’s, I miss the morning routine I had developed on the main campus. It still takes me time to accept that I can no longer relax on Copley Lawn during breaks between classes or grab my favorite matcha from Midnight Mug. However, I have collected countless memories, and I hope that when I return to D.C., I can relive some of them!