2008 Blogs

I'm really going to miss...

05/12/2009

Ms. H and I enjoy a refreshing dish of beans and chilled coconut milk.

I could fill in the blank of today's title with many things.  For example, I'm really going to miss being there for commencement this year!  I think of all the students I have worked with who are graduating, and wish I could be there to celebrate with you.  There's nothing I love more than when the faculty form a tunnel for the graduates to walk through and we applaud you.  I have taught at several other universities, but I have never enjoyed graduation as much as I do at I.U. East.  So congratulations, graduates!  Best wishes as you mark this wonderful achievement and as you embark on a new and exciting stage of your life's journey. 

As my days here grow short, I'm realizing how much I'm going to miss the friends I've made here at Nha Trang University.  I could not have asked for a kinder or more thoughtful hostess than Ms. H. (pictured here).  My being here has created a lot of work for her, but she never complains because it ultimately benefits the University. Her refrain is always "it's my pleasure."

 

Today we met with the librarians to review my evaluation and recommendations.  As Ms. H. translated, I thought again about the special language librarians use.  For example, it was difficult to get across the idea of "reference work."  At first they thought I was talking about reference books because the concept of customer service is much newer here in Vietnam.   When we talked about how to make the library a more welcoming environment, I thought of the IU East Library and the many great changes our librarians have made these past few years.  I won't bore you with the details of my 3 1/2 hour meeting, except to say we had a delightful mid-morning break of watermelon and mango.

 

I've written before about the ao dai, the lovely Vietnamese dress that seems synonymous with the country.  The librarians decided that they want to give me a gift to remember them by, so this afternoon I was taken to the fabric store where we picked out some lovely Vietnamese silk.  Then Ms. H. took me back to the tailoress for more measurements.  So, where will I wear it?  I think it would be perfect for a wedding (perhaps Beth S's?) or if I give talks about my experiences in Vietnam.  And yes, it will be yet another lovely memory of my time here.