Lawrence Today magazine, Fall 2003
Mandy Halpin’s burgeoning interest in the Arabic language and human rights issues is about to get some up-close and personal attention.
Halpin, who graduated in June with a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in religious studies, is one of 1,125 American students who were recently awarded grants by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to study and conduct research in 140 countries. She was selected as a 2003-04 Fulbright Scholar from among more than 5,000 applicants.
The first five weeks of her stay will be spent living with a host family in Fez, where she will study Arabic at the Arabic Language Institute. Following that, she will move to the capital city of Rabat to begin working with Moroccan-based non-governmental organizations involved with human rights issues.
Already active in social justice and human rights issues — she has worked extensively with the Lawrence campus chapter of Amnesty International — Halpin discovered an interest in Islam and the Arab world while completing her religious studies major.
With a Muslim majority, a predominantly Arabic-speaking population, an expansive history of cross-cultural interactions, and a government that has shown increased sensitivity to human rights issues, she says that Morocco provides a near-perfect culture in which to pursue her interests.
“Morocco is a place where I can experience a rich Islamic culture, learn Arabic while communicating in French, and explore questions of social justice and human rights,” she adds.
“As a student of world religions, the whole intricate web of faith, justice, and society intrigues me, and I am looking forward to exploring those connections in Morocco.
“Moroccans are striving to change their society. I am interested in seeing how groups navigate the waters of social justice in that context. How are they doing it and what do they want to see happen?”
Following her year abroad, Halpin plans to return to the United States to continue Arabic studies and to speak, write, and work with nonprofit organizations on the topics of Islamic civilizations and life in the Muslim world. Her long-range plans include pursuit of a Ph.D. in North African and Middle Eastern studies.