|
I am
currently the Residence Director for the James Madison
University Program in Antwerp, Belgium. I am
responsible for all the programmatic and administrative
tasks connected with our residential facility located in
Antwerp. I also travel throughout Europe with our JMU
students each semester as well.
I
accepted this position
for James Madison University on a two year contract. I
arrived in January 2006 not really knowing much about
Belgium or the enormous amount of paperwork involved
with a work visa. It has been a very educational
experience for me.
I
find that my work
focuses
mostly on adjustment issues with regards to our
students. A new group
of students arrive each semester eager to learn more
about Europe and study across the street at The
University of Antwerp. I find that I wear many "hats"
including "mom and dad", policeman, counselor,
friend…and the list goes on.
There
is never a dull moment and I enjoy my work immensely. I
find that my education and experiences at Auburn have
come in handy in my profession and especially far away
in Belgium. I think my Auburn "spirit" shines through a
lot and each group of students that leaves each semester
clearly knows more about Auburn and hopefully a little
more about "Belgium" as well.
I have
one more full year to go here and I find that, even in
Europe, I run across Auburn Alumni and instantly
feel as if I have found an old friend. I think our
connections as Auburn Alumni and Friends are unique
which has made my experience in Belgium even better. |
