Miguel's Teaching and Travel blog; Russia, Morocco, Senegal: 02/27/15

NVCC-Loudoun Workforce Initiative

Part my reason for coming to Russia again is that our NVCC Loudoun Workforce colleagues, Keila, Nick, and Cathy have been working tirelessly at developing an on-line class in English conversation for Russian students at SVRIA. It was ready for a trial run with the entire English faculty here, led by my colleague, Galina at SVRIA, taught by Cathy. We had been planning on Thursday evening here in Russia, Thursday AM in Signal Hill. Our "massive" snowfall in Virginia ruined our plans. We'll have to reschedule without me attending the pilot in Russia, but I am confident that all parties are prepared. The Russians had been looking at the DC area snowfall on-line with some confusion---this type of precip doesn't cause much of a hiccup here. Most Russian students are still on flu quarantine here but everyone else comes to work.

My very own certificate for teaching in the program.

Graduation Ceremony of BUS ADMIN prgrm

Students are called by name and get a solemn congratulations from Dr. Viktor Chaeplyaev, a photo is taken. They are all smiles.

Student work product

These students all wrote a short business plan in about 4 days. Amazing. 99% turned in a paper. They drew pictures, developed sophisticated market segments, wrote real mission statements. They were original and passionate about their ideas. Uplifting.

Graduation

Today was graduation for the students in the International Business Administration program. A very scripted event with certificates for everyone, speeches by the Direktor and teachers. These kids are so brave. they deserve this pomp and circumstance. The Direktor is a kind and serious man, very formal, from my understanding a very intelligent, humble man. His speech is very thoughtful, soft, and reflective. I like him. He goes out of his way to acknowledge me time and time again. He received me in his office earlier in the week and we have a warm, respectful relationship. He is very aware of the importance of international relationships and I believe he respects Natalia' s office and those efforts very much.
There are two new people in the office now---Julia is on maternity leave---a very kind and friendly young woman named Olga----and a great young man, Dmitri, whose enthusiasm is infectious. It is an office that brims with efficiency, they all work very hard, yet a collegiality exists that is just wonderful. Their Fulbright English teacher, Courtney also has a desk there. I think we all get along famously. I am still uncomfortable with all the fuss made over me----seriously---I'm a fleeting celebrity(ack!) and they do all the heavy lifting---teaching, translating, organizing, cajoling, meeting deadlines. They are my heroes and I am proud to know all of them.

Ice

Today was the worst day for walking that I've seen yet in Russia. We had about 1/16 inch of frozen rain and snow pellets in the morning and the temp never got above 20 F. Prospekt Kirova, the wonderful mile long pedestrian corridor in the center of the city is usually a joy to walk on. Today it was a rink.... just a little film of nastiness on all the large cement tiles. Many of the sidewalks in the last week had started to become manageable---city workers chipping away with large iron picks at the layers of black ice that form daily. Today was not good. I saw more Russians fall today than the entire time I've been here. Usually they are masters at the quick recovery--a little slip---then a regain of footing. Today they went down like sacks of potatoes. An old lady fell in front of me on Moskovskaya...sat down real hard. I moved to give her a hand and she looked me like I was a Martian----just slowly dragged herself up. Another woman on Kirova in front of me, on the phone, went down hard with an oooof. Lay there for a moment, got up, and kept talking. Younger folks, when they fall, laugh like banshees. I feel for all of them. I've not hit the ground yet but I expect it.