District 6290–
What a rollercoaster the last few months have been! After being stuck in the United States for most of my second semester in Integrated Water Resource Management, I made it back to Germany in July to complete my exams at the Cologne Institute of Technology and get ready to leave for Jordan in September. I was supposed to spend my third semester in Amman attending the German Jordanian University as part of my specialization on the Middle East and Northern Africa. After initially delaying our departure, it was eventually decided that the exchange semester posed too high of a risk. Jordan’s lockdown in March was extreme with all borders and travel immediately suspended and the University determined they would be unable to get us out if something similar was to happen this fall. However, I am hopeful that a smaller excursion will be possible towards the end of the semester to meet with the professors and have the opportunity to complete some of my research in the field as well as implement my project.
As everyone is currently experiencing, life in the time of COVID is uncertain. I am fortunate to be in Cologne and have the ability to attend lectures from both the German Jordanian University and the Cologne Institute of Technology, though some are online. Professors, coordinators, and Rotarians have been so understanding and helpful as this unprecedented situation is navigated. I am so thankful that I’ve been able to virtually meet my Rotarians here and get in contact with the Rotaract members in Cologne and Bonn. I am hopeful I will be able to meet with them in person soon, but currently regulations in Cologne do not allow for that. Hopefully the next report will be in a less restricted times and will allows for updates and pictures! Thank you all for your continued support. I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy!