On June 10, 2023, at 8 in the morning, all of the SUSI scholars gathered and boarded the bus. Our first destination was a gas station surrounded by magnificent Arizona cactuses. With our driver, Ronnie, cautioning us about snakes, we captured…
SUSI 2021: The Long-Awaited Reunion
September 25, 2022 marked the official launch of the in-person component of the 2021 Study of the US Institute on Journalism, Technology and Democracy program. Seventeen scholars from all over the world were finally able to meet each other face…
We Can Do Better Together
Two days left for the SUSI for Scholars 2022 participants to return to their respective countries after five weeks of undergoing various activities at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism of Arizona State University. We started this final week with…
A Borderless World?
“The world is flat.” This statement was made in the early 21st century by Thomas L. Friedman, who argued that globalization makes the world become a level playing field. The “flatteners” he suggested included the collapse of the Berlin Wall…
Remember us the SUSI way!
The past four weeks were very productive, indeed! The melodramas ingrained with action, comedy, thriller, romance, and suspense made every session and activity colorful and exciting. It is no accident that we, the 15 scholars coming from around the world,…
It’s a Party in the USA
Let me just say that I am not a sports person. I thought I should lead off this blog post with that statement. But I also think that this statement is for me first and foremost, and not so much…
Democracy Cannot Thrive Without Responsible Journalism
The emergence of social media platforms has created opportunities for anyone to become a reporter. For many, the traditional role of journalists has come to an end. However, I have begun to realize that despite changes in the media landscape,…
Rodeo Day!
Who could miss it? Not me! I woke up from my sleep at 7:38 AM. We were supposed to leave at 8:00 AM. I don’t know why I slept so long! Alam Asraful, my roommate, knocked at my door. “Louis,…
Vibrant First Fridays in Phoenix
It was the first Friday of the month, and that has a special meaning here in Phoenix. My anticipation was especially high for the opportunity to get to know the Scholars a little more through their personal projects and what…
Wild Forest
“It was an amazing day. We fed wild animals, explored the hidden beauty of the forest and met with some of the native people of Arizona…” No, it didn’t happen like that. This is all my wild imagination. I and…