Finding Hope in Fulbright

Message from Executive Director Belinda Theriault

Dear grantees, alumni and friends,

Education matters. Experience matters. Having people in positions of responsibility who have learned the ropes, demonstrated competence, and who are respected in their field, matters. This being said, a degree is not always a measure of a well-educated person. Narrow education that only encompasses technical expertise is not sufficient. A comprehensive education, where students learn how to grapple with ethical questions, to think critically, to see things from different perspectives and engage constructively with others, is an essential part of any well-rounded education. Further, someone who has spent time developing skills outside of a formal classroom can also bring a lot to the table. In particular, those who possess and preserve indigenous knowledge add much to our comprehension of the world. Thankfully, these elements all lie at the core of the Fulbright Program.

In our current world, knowledge and rationality seem increasingly undervalued, as does science. It is in some circles considered elitist to demand that people in sensitive positions have credentials that qualify them for the jobs they are handed. Verifiable measures and standards are shunned by some in favor of opinions that have no basis in fact. The concepts of responsibility and accountability seem to be somewhat eroded, notwithstanding the human advances of the last decades. But let us not despair. There is still room for optimism. There is light amongst the darkness.

One of the lights for which we can be thankful is Fulbright. It is still bringing a little more knowledge, reason and compassion to the world. May the Fulbright Program continue to flourish and provide us with hope for a better future through our dedicated, inspiring, magnificent grantees.

All of us at Fulbright Iceland wish you a holiday season filled with light and a new year that exceeds expectations!