Natalie Majidzadeh, a second-year international studies major, has been selected to receive a Critical Language Scholarship to study intensive Arabic for summer 2019. The Critical Language Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by American Councils for International Education. It is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. Natalie will be studying in Morocco. Below is her essay which details the significance of this award. Congratulations, Natalie! 

"My last name has always been an unavoidable trademark of my heritage.  Majidzadeh. Maa-jihd-zah-day. It took me five years to spell it, eight years to pronounce it, and nineteen to have a true understanding of what it means.  I grew up distant from my Iranian background, always feeling a separation but never knowing why. Through conversation with my grandparents I was able to put our family story into a new context.  When my grandparents immigrated to the United States they began to let go of their native language, Farsi, and slowly worked through the challenges that come with being new Americans. Learning about their stories of Iran and their difficulties finding footing in a new home helped create a drive to close the gaps in my own understanding.  I want to learn the languages, histories, and politics of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia to one day work through policy, advocacy, and service to help new Americans adjust to an unfamiliar setting without feeling a pressure to let go of their heritage.

During college, I have already taken steps to pursuing my goals starting with my commitment to studying Arabic.  Through my curricular education, I have not only had the opportunity to take two years of language instruction, but I have taken culturally-based courses as well.  In my Arab culture courses, I have been introduced to the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, the film of Tamer el Said, and the histories of the Arab world. In this respect, I have had a more holistic learning experience.

Extracurricularly, I take part in activities that have helped build a stronger foundation of knowledge.  I attend movies, panels, and discussions held by the Arab Student Union, the Near Eastern Languages and Cultures department, and the International Affairs Scholars to improve my understanding on social issues.  I work in the Office of Risk Management where I research the safety and cultural considerations to take when studying abroad in the Arab world. I also mentor Arabic-speaking students through Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), a non-profit dedicated to helping new Americans feel adjusted and supported within Columbus.

Due to the opportunities I have had in Columbus, I have become a better language learner and community member; however, I am ready for the next steps in my educational experience.  The cultural immersion and rigorous workload offered by CLS is unparalleled. Being a part of CLS will strengthen my language skills both inside and outside the classroom by allowing me to experience life entirely in Arabic.  Intensive lectures will strengthen my vocabulary and grammatical comprehension. Meetings with a language partner will help me navigate conversation naturally and without hesitance. Experiencing Moroccan culture and history first-hand will completely redefine my cognizance.  The lessons I learn will carry with me as I continue to pursue Arabic at Ohio State and work toward my aspiration of creating a more welcoming community for all."