Seven years past the sting of rejection from Boston University, Fotouh Khaled AlAwadhi found herself wandering the bustling paths of Commonwealth Avenue, a silent observer as BU students sauntered by, each one igniting a question in her heart: “What do these individuals possess that eluded me?” Fast forward to the present, and that very path has transformed into a triumphant narrative. Not only has she etched her name into the annals of BU by acquiring her bachelor’s degree, but she has also triumphantly defended her master’s thesis at the distinguished Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, earning accolades – and a nomination for the esteemed Ellis Award.
“It’s a wild thought,” she muses, “that I now hold both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BU.” Her pathway from Kuwait to the vibrant streets of Boston was far from linear. Rejection initially clouded her dreams, yet undeterred, AlAwadhi embarked on a semester at BU’s English program followed by a year at UMass Boston before finally securing her place at BU. “Boston was my destination all along, and I was resolute in my pursuit to enter BU.”
But what ignited her passion to delve deeper at Pardee for her master’s? An opportunity to follow her heart. “I cherish the fact that I can see reflections of myself in faculty members who share my background – particularly the women professors – American scholars who resonate with my journey. That was something I never envisioned,” she reveals. Her thesis, titled “Persona Non Grata: Statelessness, Identity and Exclusionary Politics in Kuwait State Building,” dares to tackle the complex and often whispered topic of citizenship policies in Kuwait.
Despite the tempests of skepticism swirling from friends and family about her chosen subject matter, AlAwadhi pressed on. “In Kuwait, many would dismiss it claiming, ‘Oh, we’re all aware of this.’ Yet, there exists a void in scholarly exploration – it’s mostly conventional wisdom. I yearned for this to be ground-breaking research for future inquiries into the nuances of statelessness and citizenship in Kuwait.” Her tireless commitment has borne fruit; her thesis committee, including the eminent Professor Noora Lori, hailed it as “work worthy of PhD-level consideration.”
AlAwadhi’s journey encapsulates more than mere personal success. “While I’ve been fortunate to come from an educated family, I often reflect on our ancestors, who lacked such privileges,” she shares contemplatively. “They endured the trials of Kuwait pre-oil boom, likely envisioning a life far removed from solo travels seeking higher education in the United States for their daughters or granddaughters. This accomplishment represents more than my pursuit; it honors their sacrifices and unfulfilled aspirations, whether they’re still with us or have departed this realm.”
Pardee’s uniquely flexible, interdisciplinary framework empowered AlAwadhi to sculpt her education to reflect her interests. She completed her Master’s in International Affairs with a Diplomacy focus while simultaneously earning a certificate in Muslim Studies, traversing a spectrum of courses, from law to Arabic studies. “The beauty lies in the ability to curate your educational journey as you wish,” she articulates. “Pardee strikes a balance – offering an intimate college experience nestled within a large research university, where everyone feels connected, creating a cozy and nurturing atmosphere.”
However, the journey was fraught with turbulence. Separated by 18 hours from home, AlAwadhi weathered personal storms, including the passing of her grandfather and her father’s stroke just two days prior to her thesis defense. Yet amidst the chaos, the compassionate faculty at Pardee were her pillars of support. “You arrive here, prepared for the heartache of missing major life events—celebrations, farewells—but ultimately, it’s about vision; keeping your sights set on long-term goals.”
Her wisdom for aspiring students transcends mere academic pursuits: “Seize this fleeting moment in your youth amidst the allure of Boston, enriched by the kaleidoscope of cultures at BU. You’ve already accomplished so much to arrive here; don’t retreat into isolation, regardless of life’s trials—lean into the myriad experiences awaiting you, even when the comfort of solitude beckons.”
“The more I learn, the more I realize how little I truly know,” she reflects on her profound academic journey. “Life at Pardee is nothing short of exhilarating; there is always something novel to uncover.” She advocates for the courage to inquire, regardless of how rudimentary the questions may appear: “My success stems from my willingness to pose ‘silly’ questions to everyone around me.”
Now, as she sets her sights on a future with ambitions nestled within Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and perhaps a PhD on the horizon, AlAwadhi carries the enduring mantra from her inaugural day at BU: “I still remember at matriculation, the words emblazoned in purple: ‘You deserve to be here.’ That echoes in my mind whenever imposter syndrome creeps in… Progress is measured by your growth – becoming a better version of yourself each day is what truly counts.”
