An Accidental Job Interview

Most of you are quite familiar with how much I love to travel. I feel most at peace when I am on a plane to a place far, far away from everything I know. The further, the better. I had a plan for a least the next year or so. We started the International Welcome Center and I really wanted to stay with that program for at least two years...but I had an accidental job interview. Seriously. It was not my fault...well, not technically.

Last summer, I applied to present at the TESOL (Teachers to Speakers of Other Languages) conference in Baltimore with one of my colleagues from Iowa. We were hopeful we would get accepted, but people write proposals and don't get accepted. So, I was prepared for the disappointment, but hopeful for an acceptance. Well, we were accepted and invited to present at the conference. My district had agreed to pay for the conference and my plane ticket. I was appreciative of everything the offered because I know finances are strained. Prior to attending the conference, I had signed up to volunteer in the Job and Marketplace area of the conference. This is an area where recruiters from all over the world can accept resumes and conduct on-site interviews with potential candidates. Many institutions utilize this service because the conference attracts many credentialed teachers with years of experience. I had the morning shift on the first day and my job was to make sure that no one went in or out of the interview area except those conducting the interviews. During my shift, I talked with many recruiters that were going in and out to learn more about them and how to assist, if needed. I met two ladies from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey and they asked me to stop by their booth on the convention floor. Well, next thing I know we are talking at the booth and they tell me all about their amazing English program. In fact, the university is an English medium university, which means everything and all programs are in English. I was impressed with the program, but I was especially impressed with the opportunities offered to staff with various levels of experiences and degrees. The ladies asked me to apply if I was interested. I left the booth and went and applied online.

After I applied, I received an email within 10 minutes offering me an on-site interview for the next day. Unfortunately, the interview time they offered was during my presentation. Out of all of the available times, they chose that one! So, I asked for them to reschedule and I was able to participate in the interview a few minutes after my presentation. I was impressed with the depth of their interview questions and the sincerity at which they answered all of my questions. I left the interview totally intrigued and excited about the idea of teaching at Bilkent University.

Then, it happened...I got a contract. Oh crap. I have to tell my family and Ritenour. Could I really go and teach in Turkey? Of course, I could...I've lived in Africa! I can go anywhere. The worst part was telling my parents. They hate that I travel and they always want me here and safe (in their eyes). I told my mom first and her reaction was what I expected.

"But Jamie, you love your job. 


I thought you were happy with the guy you're dating and wanted to settle down. 

What about your salary, your car, your degree? 

Isn't that next to Syria?" 

After answering all of those questions, my mom gently told me it was my job to tell my father and sister. My dad wouldn't even talk to me about it for two weeks! Slowly, he started to ask more questions and listened to my reasons why I wanted to go. My family reminds me very much of the families in Africa. We work together and talk to each other about our plans. Although my parents don't think so, I always consider them in my decisions. They taught me to consider all options and make sure that I do my homework before I accept something. I always have a plan B. My family is close and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Everything else has kind of fallen in place. I resigned from my job that I absolutely love and a district that I have supported for 12 years, which was harder than I thought. I still haven't told most of my students. We have several students graduating next year and I really need to be there for them. One step at a time.

Beautiful Buildings

I have been able to connect with an American (Marlene) who has been teaching at Bilkent for 20 years and loves it. She has nothing but positive things to say. She has already helped me in so many ways. It is strange how you connect with someone just because they are from your country. They know the standard in the U.S. and how that compares to the country in which you are making your transition. It is amazing. They can also give you packing tips, services, etc. to make your transition smoother. Although we have not met yet, I am thankful for Marlene and I know she will be a huge support for me.

Concert Hall

Here are some facts about Bilkent University I've learned so far:

• It was the first private university established in 1984.
• There are 1,000 on staff serving 13,000 students.
• There are FOUR Starbucks on campus!!
• Ranked #1 in Turkey.
• There are gyms and a lap pool on campus!
• Schools colors are red and blue (guess that is different from black and orange!)
• Tuition is nearly $10,000 a year.
• The university has an amazing symphony...guess I will have to dust off my flute.

I am currently waiting for my work visa, which should come in the next two to three weeks. In the meantime, I am teaching summer school for the next five weeks and going to Uganda for a month. Then, it will be back home and time to sell everything and pack. I have lots of things to sell, so I will be posting pictures of those things soon, once my visa is confirmed and I am good to go.

If you are interested in learning more about the program in which I am teaching you can find it at this link. I'll be teaching in the Faculty of English Language.

What I learned today from a parent meeting

I have been teaching for almost 16 years, but I feel like I learn new things every day like I did in a parent meeting today. I am the "lead" ELL teacher at the International Welcome Center of my district, which basically means I am the jack of all trades. I do have an amazing TA, math teacher, counselors, and various other teachers that support the program, but I am in charge of planning it with guidance from administration. It is wonderful to make all of the decisions, but sometimes I miss things, which are often revealed when things come to a head. The students in my program are high school level, currently ages 14-18, and new to the country with limited English proficiency. We have 12 students enrolled and I love every minute with them...mostly! Some days I have more patience than other days, but overall I feel like our program is an amazing support for the newcomers in our district.

Over the past few weeks, we have been worried about one of our students who has been frequently absent and missing homework. He was really struggling and we decided to have a meeting with his mom. We work together with the families to make sure we keep everyone updated on what is happening at school. During the meeting, my student revealed that there are several reasons for why he has been struggling. Apparently, there are things I need to tell all students when they start in our program that are counter to what they are used to in their previous schools. So here is what I will tell them based on our meeting today:

1. No,  we will not beat you if you don't bring in your homework. In fact, we will offer you after school tutoring and make sure you understand everything before moving forward. So, please come to school even when you don't have your homework done.

2. Yes, we want you to ask questions in class. You will not be considered stupid and we will not yell at you for asking even the most minuscule question. In fact, we will praise you for asking questions and we will think you are a good student.

3. Yes, we do need you to show all of your work on the math assignments. I know that you were required to just provide answers to your teachers before, but in our school, you will lose credit if you don't show your work.

So, in the future, I will make sure all of my students know these things so that may be a barrier to success in our program.

My Southern Adventure - Day 2

Today began with a delicious breakfast of fruit and pumpkin french toast with pecan praline syrup and sausage. It felt absolutely decadent. We drank lots of coffee and chatted with another couple who stayed the night too. It so happens that their son also worked in Uganda for 5 years...such a small world.

Although we had plans to go into Savannah and eat lunch at Lady and Sons restaurant, we decided it would be a better use of our time just to stick by the beach and B&B for some relaxation. I absolutely love the beach and I also wanted to pick up some shells for my students. After several hours on the beach, we headed to a little cafe recommended by the B&B owners for some lunch. I had a calzone and Steve had a shrimp po boy. The food was delicious. 

After lunch, we walked back to the B&B to take a nap before the wedding festivities. Everything looked just amazing at the wedding. The ceremony was conducted on a little dock overlooking the water by Jordan's granddaddy and father. It was picturesque and everyone seemed at ease. I love weddings like this because they are much more laid back and cozy. 

One of Paul's friends, Pius, who came all the way from LA to join in the festivities. 

We were trying to pay attention, I promise.

I loved this dog...Abby!

We enjoyed a dinner of salad and soup while sipping on lemonade and apple cider. They also had delicious cakes and used a Ugandan mat to incorporate the traditional ways that Ugandan women feed their husband. They also had music going and people were slowly getting up to dance. We departed the wedding around 8 p.m. to get back to pack since our flight leaves so early tomorrow.I did have a chance to take a long, relaxing bath before heading to bed.

I guess our adventure is over and it is time to get back to real life. All good things must come to an end. Oh well, when I get back tomorrow I get to host my best friend's baby shower. Lots of celebrating this weekend!

My Southern Adventure - Day 1

One of my former students from Uganda was getting married this weekend, so he asked me to attend his wedding in Savannah, Georgia. I booked a flight and a beautiful B&B and asked my guy to go with me on a spur of the moment adventure. I am not too familiar with the south, but I have heard a lot of good thing about Tybee Island, so we decided to stay a few blocks from the beach. I met up with one of the groom’s friends in Atlanta and we happened to be on the same flight into Savannah. Steve picked me up and our new friend Pius hitched a ride with us while he figured out his accommodations (I love Ugandans). After dropping Pius off, we headed to our place (Surf & Song Bed and Breakfast) and crashed for the night. I couldn’t see much of the house when I got here at night, but wow, I was stunned in the daylight. The house is older, built in 1898, but completely renovated and gorgeous. We rented the sand dollar room and it looked just like I saw online. The room was a bit small with a gigantic bed, but the tub was nice and large. 

Sand Dollar Room

The kitchen was overwhelmingly awesome with a large built-in breakfast area in addition to a more formal eating area. The owners told us that this area was completed renovated when they bought the foreclosed property two years ago. Although the kitchen was impressive, it was also very functional. 

We loved these cups!

Breakfast was served between 8:30-9:30, so we headed down about 8:45 after getting in so late. The table was already full, so we headed outside to enjoy breakfast while taking in the beautiful scenery. We got out coffee while Cindy and Ann prepared breakfast. They brought us some sort of fruit parfait with strawberries, blueberries, homemade granola, bananas, and whipped crème. It was divine. They also brought us orange juice, cheesy grits, toast, and an egg quiche with bacon, potatoes, cheese, and spinach. Everything was really delicious. 

After breakfast we ordered bikes to be delivered for the day and took a walk to burn off extra calories. The beach was chocked full of shells, mostly broken, but we did find some cool ones to keep as souvenirs. I love the beach and feel so peaceful when I am by it. There were several people out on the beach and the waves were up slightly. 

all these are shells

We rented bikes from Tim's Beachgear (local plug) and a guy delivered them to us around noon. My favorite part of the bike was the coozie on the center of the handlebars. We asked if you could drink while you ride and the guys told us that it was fine as long as used plastic. I also really liked the basket to hold all of our stuff. I am sure that Joseph would say that I look like a wicked witch riding that bicycle and I am sure he is right. We placed our water, phones, snacks, and a jacket in the basket and took off. It took us a minute to get used to the beach cruisers with pedal brakes and no gears. We are used to technical bikes, so these were like the bikes we rode when we were younger. We biked around the island for a few hours, stopping along the way to walk on the beach and have some drinks. 

My favorite picture of our beach walk is this one of the sign with all of the Beach Rules. Notice the rule about "nudity" and "keg" - Steve was disappointed! It is telling that these have to be included in the rules, but we have heard that things are quite different during tourist season. It was also interesting to see all of the signs about turtles hatching, but it seems we missed the season which just ended.

After biking, we came back to the house and took a relaxing nap. It was definitely a change of pace to nap on a Friday afternoon. After our nap, we got ready and headed to the rehearsal dinner for Jordan and Paul.

The rehearsal dinner and wedding is being held at the same place located on an island over from us. It was about a 15 minute drive. The house was surrounded by stunning scenery and Jordan's family decorated everything so beautifully. When we arrived, the wedding party was still rehearsing and Jordan's family were making oysters. After they were finished, we enjoyed a traditional "low country boil" which I did not know what that was, but found out it when shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage are cooked together with an old bay seasoning. It was delicious. They also had coleslaw, hushpuppies, and corn/blackbean salsa.

We clean up pretty nice, right? We enjoyed our evening talking with Pius and some of Jordan's family. Everyone was really friendly and we felt welcomed. 

We were welcomed back to the B&B with homemade chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake, but we resisted the temptation. We decided to instead drank a few beers on the porch while listening to the ocean and watching the moon rise. Perfect ending to an awesome day.