Terry’s Heartfelt Letter Speaks to the Jordanian People

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Terry Tucker (PhD, RN, instructor of Nursing) is a 2015-Core U.S.Fulbright Scholar to Jordan. She selected the University of Jordan a host for her scholarship experience for the JU's outstanding international reputation. Terry Tucker and husband David Tucker have been in Jordan since September of 2015. Since she and David arrived to Jordan from sunny California-USA, she has been actively and passionately involved in tremendous work that serves the Nursing students, Nursing Faculty, and the Jordanian community. As the scholarship terms approaching completion in January 2016, Terry Tucker wanted to share these heartfelt and warm words with the Jordanians:

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When Dr. Fathieh asked me to write a paragraph about my experience in Jordan I had a difficult time deciding what to share. My goal in Jordan was to use every moment to help others. When not teaching my wonderful students at the University of Jordan, or helping the outstanding professors by editing research manuscripts, I taught elsewhere or worked for free in medical clinics. I explored your beautiful country, from Irbid in the north to Aqaba in the south. My husband and I toured Ajlun, Zarqa, Karak, Dana, Shawback, Petra, and more. I gained weight from the delicious mansef, tabuli, zatar, falafel, humus, and other tasty delights (kenafe). But, more significantly, we met you, the most remarkable people. You took a country devoid of oil money yet created a country rich in education. You live in a country with little water yet you grew a garden of peace and a world of tolerance. You inherited a region of chaos and unkindness yet you remain generous and kind. My favorite Jordan experience is when my husband returned to my office from the campus grill, his eyes wide with wonder. "You will never believe what happened!" he exclaimed. "I dropped my bag and ten different people ran forward to help pick up the items!" We sat and marveled at you, you people of Jordan, who have experienced such hardship yet remain so gracious and kind. This was my experience in beautiful, generous Jordan, and I will cherish it forever. Thank you.

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(Dr. Terry provides a free medical clinic for Bedouin women-South Jordan)

(Dr. Terry was asked to lecture at Jubilee High School-Amman)

(Dr. Terry and her doctoral nursing students-JU, Amman )

Nadin M. Abdel Razeq