Classes have started

So, I have only two students at NOVA-Loudoun this fall who are Russian. Both very precocious, likeable, and inquisitive. One came by my office hours for  little help today and said, without smiling, " your office is messy". Hmmmm. I countered with a comment as to how one shouldn't insult your teacher so quickly in the semester. No reaction, just... "but it IS messy".

Nobody has been this up-front about my cluttered office since I started teaching 14 years ago. I don't know what to say next. When the student left, I sarcastically said I would try to straighten up for the next visit.(maybe a little Subotnik is in order)

Wednesday 9/20 first class

I began my real job again today---a section of BUS 100, introduction to business. First day is usually just me talking AT the students, but they are already full of enthusiasm. As usual, I walked away after almost 3 hours feeling as if I am useful. My mood is good. One of my students is a young man from St. Petersburg, Russia, and we had a great time talking about my time there last semester.


I am going to visit my friend and former student Denis in about 1/2 hour---at his new business, the Golden Glove Lounge. He and Patrick, another former student are well on the way to entrepreneurial success. Nothing could make me prouder.


At NVCC we have instituted a new policy: You cannot register for any courses this semester after last night at midnight---you are also dropped almost immediately after you register if you do not pay tuition. Brilliant. There are issues everywhere.


And we are trying to INCREASE enrollment!!!! fancy that.

Observation

So, the  fall semester has started at NVCC. The last few days there have been meetings with faculty, staff, and administration and two large convocations. These events are usually where faculty and staff are recognized in front of their peers for various accomplishments, awards, sabbaticals etc.
 Monday this went on for 4 hours. Tuesday about the same.


NVCC last year had more Fulbright scholars (2) than ANY community college in the country and certainly held their own against most 4 year institutions.


In India, a Fulbright is considered a pinnacle, a huge honor.
In Russia, the mention of a Fulbright is accompanied by much respect. Your sacrifice and hard work are recognized and often exalted.
America----most people don't know what it is and many consider it a glorified "vacation".


Monday and yesterday my college did not mention either of our two Fulbright scholars. Nice. No diva behavior intended here. Neglecting an opportunity to get good Public Relations for the college is a lost opportunity.


Class in 10 minutes. I will be happy, at home, and I think appreciated.

sleep

For the first time since the end of May I slept a full 8 hours last night. I think I may be turning the corner on my "Russian insomnia".

June 30, 2014

I have been home from Saratov, Russia for a little over a month now and am slowly getting back to a normal routine. I've gotten my yard and garden back to respectable shape, Janet and I had a new flagstone patio installed, I've been to two Washington Nationals games, went camping in West Virginia, I ride my bike 10-15 miles per day, saw Tiger Woods at his tournament on Friday, participated in a Webinar for new Russian Fulbrights at the State Department, and so on. I  feel lazy. I feel confused at times. I am having a lot of difficulty sleeping.


Today, Monday, at 1pm is my first class since returning. It is a course I enjoy teaching, BUS 100 and I am curious to see how my teaching will reflect my Russian experience. I am going to try to get some communication going between my NOVA students and those I met in Russia. I will try to write about my experiences here going forward.


Tried to pump some gas the other day after not driving for almost 5 months----took me several minutes to figure out how things worked.


My world is lacking the background of Russian speech. I find that I listen better now---probably from trying so hard to comprehend the language of the last few months.

June 2. Fulbright work since returning home.

A brief update on progress related to my Fulbright grant;


I'll  be meeting with a team of course developers this week, perhaps providing some input for our(NOVA) initiative to provide distance language and culture content to Russian Public Administration students at PAGS.


I shall meet with the college's(NOVA) Global Studies director where we will move forward with signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Stolypin Volga Region Institute of Administration. This agreement includes a goal of regular faculty exchange between our colleges.


This month, I will be participating in a professional development event at the US State Department relating to future Fulbright scholars.


My summer teaching schedule begins in July.


In other news, I shall likely be attending a baseball game very soon. Washington Nationals.

Russian sunset.