AJM Connection - January 2008 

Check out the latest news and photos in the AJM Connection - January 2008. This month features Nora's trips to Bangladesh and Mobile, an update on the AJM Class of 2008, and the *NEW* Sponsor Connection. Check it all out here!

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Nora Visits Mobile to Participate in GMAC Bowl

Immediately upon her return from Bangladesh, Nora boarded a plane headed for Mobile, Alabama, to participate in the GMAC Bowl festivities.

Nora's visit to Mobile started rocky - her flight arrived late and her luggage arrived a day later. Nora didn't let her late luggage damper her spirits. She immediately got busy visiting sponsors, making media appearances, and participating in GMAC activities.

Nora was featured in the GMAC Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown Mobile, made hospital visits at USA Women's and Children's Hopsital, and performed God Bless America at the GMAC Bowl Game. She spoke to and and performed her violin for the Girl Scouts during the "Make It A Hit" Cookie Kick-Off at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and attended the FCA Breakfast and Mayor's Bandquet, both hosted by GMAC. Between her appearances, Nora had lunch with the AJM Foundation Board, gave a special violin performance to employees at Mobile Gas, one of AJM's National Cateogry sponsors, and still fit in some studying time for her final exams.

Nora returned to Harvard after her appearances to prepare for her semester exams.

Nora Makes a Difference Internationally

Nora returned from a visit to Bangladesh where she personally delivered a $1,000 contribution to the Dhaka Community Center for the victims of Cyclone Sidr. Nora and her sister have raised money for the victims by selling henna tattoos to college students at Harvard. They plan to continue the fundraiser each semester at Harvard.

During her trip to Bangladesh, Nora made media appearances and school visits, sharing words of encouragement and promising her continued support for the country. "I am blessed to have this opportunity to raise awareness about the poverty of Bangladesh, especially now that the country has been devastated by the storm," Nora says. She plans to use her newfound fame among the Bengali people to share her message of hope and to encourage them to continue working to better Bangladesh despite their hardships.

Nora's visit to Bangladesh received large amounts of media coverage in Bangladesh, as she was escorted by two bodyguards during her visit. Nevertheless, Nora had the opportunity to meet Dr. Muhammad Yumus (picture right), 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and founder of Grameen Bank, who is a Harvard graduate, and participated in the inauguration of the Bright Star Children Home in Gopalganj.

Nora is planning to visit Bangladesh again this summer to continue her support of the country's recovery efforts.