A Day That Hit Home: Refugees, Religion, and Real-Life Lessons

It was only 9 a.m., but the classroom already felt tense and warm. We were diving into a simulation for class, and my group had been given the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Our mission? To find a way to protect the Rubits, a fictional group of people fleeing religious persecution from the made-up country of Budan.

From the start, I felt personally connected to the assignment. As an immigrant myself, I know how frustrating and scary it is to begin a new life somewhere other than home, especially when you know that if you stay home, it will not be a good environment for you. This simulation for me was not just a class activity, it was a window into a reality that hits close to home for me.

Our groups' job wasn’t easy. We had to negotiate with other groups representing fictional countries and the U.S. Department of State, trying to secure resources, relocation plans, and humanitarian support for the Rubits. But here’s what really got to me: the Rubits didn’t even have a seat at the table. No voice. No say. It made me realize how often, even in real life, people who are suffering the most become just statistics or bargaining chips. After two intense hours of discussion, sometimes heated, sometimes disheartening, we didn’t reach a solution. And that felt frustrating. But maybe that was the point, to show us how complicated and slow real-world diplomacy can be, especially when lives are on the line.

Once the simulation wrapped up, a few of us needed a break. We walked to a little café nearby around 1 p.m., where we got to just breathe for a second, talk about what happened, laugh a bit, and eat some great food. It felt good to process everything with friends who were just as emotionally wrapped up in it. I had some amazing pancakes, and we even got to play a really fun game called Parchis!

Pancakes, Parchis, and More Tea!!!

Around 2:45 pm, it was time to head back to the class for a lecture with Professor Driss Bouyahya. He spoke about religion and politics in Moroccan society, and it was complex, deep, but also super enlightening. What really stuck with me was how diverse religious interpretation can be.

Before coming to Morocco, I had my own generalizations, but just because a country is rooted in a certain faith doesn’t mean everyone practices it the same way, or even agrees on what it means. Some people take things literally, others don’t. Some take parts out of context, some live by it word for word. It made me realize how much nuance there is when religion is woven into society and politics.

Professor Driss Bouyahya passionately speaking about Religion and Politics

After a full day of complex discussions and deep reflection, our host mom surprised us by taking us to a hammam, a traditional Moroccan public bathhouse where people go to cleanse, relax, and socialize. It was my first time experiencing something like this, and I’ll admit, at first, I was a little intimidated. The hammam involves a full-body scrub, exfoliation, a clay mask, and even a massage, all in a steamy, communal environment that’s very different from what I’m used to. But once I let go of the nerves, it became an experience I truly loved and didn’t regret for a second. At the end, they even dressed us in beautiful traditional bridal clothing, which made the whole evening feel incredibly special and memorable. It was such a unique and intimate part of Moroccan culture that I feel lucky to have experienced it!

Me with a traditional bridal dress!

After the hammam, my roommate and I decided to cook a Mexican dinner for our host family: tinga, guacamole, fresh mango, and tiramisu for dessert. It was such a wholesome way to wrap up the day, because we wanted to share a part of our culture, but also thanks to our host family for everything they do.

Tinga Quesadillas, Guacamole, and Mango!

Overall, it was a day filled with intensity, learning, and deep reflection. I didn’t walk away with all the answers, but I did leave with a clearer sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of the challenges so many people face, and even more determination to pursue a career where I can stand up for real people in real crises, not just the fictional ones we simulate in class.

Signing Out,

Joseline Cruz