Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, & Negril

Early Monday morning I got in the UWI bus along with my host, Ms. Jackson, my supervisor, Ms. Bishop, and our bus driver, Mr. Wright. We headed to Ocho Rios first to hit the falls again! I loved it so much the first time, so the second time was like a nice treat! We then went to a great restaurant for lunch, Scotchys. This is a hidden gem that serves mostly jerk flavored meats- grilled on big open coals. Although I didn't eat any of the meat, I was able to get my favorite, bread fruit, and some great corn! The corn here is different- it is tough and crunchy. It puts sweet corn to shame! YUM!

On our way north we stopped at a secret place- "The Fountain of Youth." Well wouldnt you know it was this spring that locals have made into a big ordeal. Well I got in the spring- because I want to stay young forever- and got cleansed. I guess we will see in a few years if it really worked!

We went to MoBay and checked into the UWI- West Campus residence hall. It overlooks the ocean and is located on the Hip Strip- "the place to be" in Montego Bay. It was lovely. We left for Negril in the Morning to see the beautiful beaches and Rick's Cafe. This restaurant is known as one of the top 10 bars in the whole world! I can see why!! There are cliffs that the bar surrounds and people dive off of them! It is also the tip top most part of Jamaica which allows for a beautiful sunset over the ocean. It was truly a beautiful place- one that I must take my best girl friends back to as soon as possible!! I have attached a picture of a man diving from high above the water.

We went back to MoBay for the evening and slept in the next morning. On our way to Kingston we stopped at Green Grotto Caves. This was awesome! The cave was at one point where slaves escaped and in the 1970's where people partied! It was nice and cool underground. There were plenty of bats and snakes- so I just hurried through it. It was quite a site though, seeing the rocks and deep water holes.

My night finished out with a nice dinner out with the 4 people that have assisted me here at UWI - Dr. Reynolds, Ms. Bishop, Mr. Myers, and Ms. Jackson. I shared gifts from Pennsylvania with them and we talked about PA and the history. It made me really proud to be from PA and even more eager to get back home tomorrow!

Mis Colombian Amigos!

Another fabulous weekend!!

Saturday morning I hopped on a bus to Ocho Rios with the Colombian students. We first went to Dunn's River Falls which is by far the coolest thing that I have experienced here in Jamaica. You start by walking to the bottom of the mountain where there is a beach and pier. You are supposed to wear little shoes, but I decided to go barefoot. I befriended another student (from Germany, visiting Kingston on exchange in the medical field) and we climbed the falls. It was so incredible. I have done little rock climbing in my life and really enjoyed doing it- only up a waterfall. The water was cool enough and the exercise was good. We made it about half way up the mountain and sat awhile to chat. I learned a lot about Toby, where he is from, his family, and his life goals. We both came to the conclusion that life is nothing without travel. I kept thinking about our discussion as we climbed the rest of the mountain. I thought to myself that I feel sorry for those who don't actually LIVE during their life. People seem to just go through the motions and never make a change or try something new. I have certainly pushed my comfort level boundaries during this trip and I am so happy that I have done so. I think that even if you can't afford to travel around the world, that you should often do something that tests your limits, makes you think, or helps someone else. Toby is interning in South Africa in the spring where he will, after one week of introductions, begin surgeries on patients. Although he feels he is not 'up to par' and knows he could hurt something, he also is aware that he could be the patient's only hope. I admire Toby for traveling so much. He made me decide that backpacking through Europe needs to happen. Lucky for me, he lives in Frankfurt and invited me to his home and offered to help plan my trip. After a second climb we took so many photos. I felt like a true tourist! It was such a beautiful site and just an awesome experience.

Sunday morning I got up very early and had breakfast. I was able to meet up with one of the Colombian professors and we went out to the beach about 9am. He swam while I took in some sun. The others showed up later and we had a really nice time on the beach. The final match was on at 1:30 and we found a sports bar across from our hotel. It was packed! Most were cheering for Spain, while we cheered for the Netherlands. When Spain scored the winning goal, the crowd went crazy! There were many happy Jamaicans in Ocho Rios today.

We headed out around 5:30. I was able to reflect on my weekend with my new friends on the bus ride back. I am so happy to have met people who took me in as their own and allowed me to learn their culture. I really like them and am sad to say bye come Thursday when I fly back to the US. I would love to visit them in Bogata one day.

Off to Montego Bay tomorrow for more sun, sand, and sightseeing!

Final Work Day.. Now Time for Fun!

I worked all week in the Rex Nettleford Hall of Residence office. I was on my own most of the week so I decided to really dig into housing independently. I was able to do some research on program planning, orientation, and hall life in the Jamaican culture. I then added some of my own experience and ideas from FSU to create a program guide, a model for programming, and an orientation check list. Although the week went quickly, I am happy to have come away with some documents that should be able to help the staff at Rex Nettleford Hall.

Throughout the week I spent a lot of time with the Colombian students. Elias and I went out several times, exploring Kingston. We even went to Juici Patti- a lovely little Jamaican fastfood place that serves sandwich like meals. They serve soy and veggie patties so I was good to go!

The students from Colombia have invited me for a weekend with them in Ocho Rios. There is a big beach party and also other activities that are planned on their itinerary. I am very lucky that they have invited me to go! We are also watching the final World Cup match on Sunday. I learned that Colombians and other South Americans do not like the country of Spain. Therefore, we are all cheering for the Netherlands!

Elias also taught me that there were two brothers that founded ADIDAS. They have a falling out and the company split. One brother kept ADIDAS while the other created a new company. We know that company today as PUMA, sponsor of the World's Fastest Man, Mr. Usain Bolt.

A lovely weekend!

This weekend was so wonderful! I will start with Saturday:

Dalton picked me up at 7:30 am (!) to go to a bar in New Kingston to watch the football matches. Picture a cheaper, more fun version of Damon's. When I say more fun, I mean much more fun! The place was packed at 8 am to watch Argentina play Germany. With your entrance fee you got Red Stripe Bold- YUM. Sorry Ryan, but it makes Yuengling taste like oil. Anyway, we were surrounded by many Argentina fans, but some Germany fans. I can assure you the Germany fans were all over Dalton in his Argentina jersey when they scored. It was a bummer to lose, but sure was fun to be able to experience the World Cup with friends and many, many fans, unlike the US. We stayed to watch Spain and Paraguay. Although Spain has some very attractive players, I was really pulling for Paraguay. OH well again. So now- I could care less about who wins- but at least now I know where to go to watch!

Dr. Reynolds invited me to her home for a party Saturday evening. It was outside on her lawn and beautifully decorated! It was catered with all of the wonderful food from Jamaica. Unfortunately, jerk chicken and ackee with saltfish are off my menu options. So I had some new things to try: bread fruit! Oh it is so wonderful- it is a fruit that comes off of a tree and after baking it, resembles bread. I had no idea what it was, but it was so great. I wish we had these trees in Tallahassee! Jamaicans love juice, too! So there were all types of juice and fruit around the table. The music was nice as well. Dr. Reynolds is such a classy woman and I am lucky to have gotten to meet her.

5 am Sunday morning came fast! I caught the bus to downtown Kingston, by the water, for the Grace Kennedy 5k run for Education. Myself, many UWI staff, and about one thousand other people participated in the run/walk. As I was lining up to start, I noticed a Rastaman in front of me ready to run. Wouldn't you know it, he had no shoes on! The man finished the race with no shoes... Well props to him- and props to me! I ran fast enough to cut a minute off of my previous 5k time AND took second place for the women's corporate category! I am laughing right now because I really thought I would come in last being amongst some star athletes, including Olympian Grace Jackson. I guess Jamaicans are better sprinters! Nonetheless I had a great time at the race and am proud that my hard work is starting to pay off.

After running 3.12 miles on the sun, er.. I mean Jamaica, I decided it was a perfect day for the pool. Yes..... and it rained all day yesterday so the water was bound to be cold! Indeed, the water was very cold and the weather was perfect. I managed to get enough sun and make some new friends. A group of 20+ students from Columbia are here on exchange for 5 weeks. Sort of like my program, only there are 20 of them! So we talked and I learned that they are here to learn English. After our discussion is has been decided that I will help to teach them English if they teach me how to dance Salsa and Merengue. Sounds like a good deal! I was able to catch some of friend Patrick's volleyball match today. Unfortunately the UWI team did not win first, but it was fun to watch either way. Patrick and I have a love/hate relationship. I have been told I have the ability to shut him up- words of Davida. I guess they will miss me in the sports office! When leaving the match I bought myself a coconut. The juice was not as sweet as I expected but rather very refreshing. I cracked it open when I was finished and ate some of the inside. I am not sure how much I like it- think I will stick to the bread fruit.. oh yummmy.

All in all it was a very, very fun and exciting weekend. I look forward to spending some time with the Colombian students and learn a little about their culture as well. They are already trying to get me on a plane to visit. Maybe that will be my next trip! I start with housing tomorrow and Wednesday I am off for a northern Jamaica trip to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Before you know it I will be on a plane to Atlanta---- get ready Melanie! :)

Last day in UWI Sports Department

What an awesome experience it has been to work with the UWI Sports Department. Today, sadly, was my last day with the department. I have enjoyed my time so much and equally have learned a lot. I was able to help create a marketing plan, assist with website updates, and research faculty and staff fitness programs for future implementation at UWI. All of that in just two weeks! Mostly, I enjoyed the people. I was welcomed by the staff and students and treated as a professional. I will certainly miss those in the department.

Today----- was a huge day in football. At one point I looked around my desk and realized I was the only one working and not watching Brazil get beat by the Netherlands. It was an exciting time in the small department hallway. Poor Davida was the only Brazil fan in the bunch. I am going to go to a bar in New Kingston tomorrow morning with Dalton and Rashid to watch the Argentina game. I sure hope Argentina wins, or I may not have a ride back to campus! I learned today that Dalton likes Argentina because he was born there. It should be exciting- especially since the game starts at 9am! And here I thought I would miss seeing all of this excitement!

Thoughts..thoughts..

Yesterday I finished out the work week at the sports department. I really like working there- mostly because the people and a little because of the work. It is great, however, working with fun people, who LOVE sports! I could definitely get used to being around sports talk all day, every day. There are four students that I work with to create the website and marketing plan. Davida, Jenelle, Shamaine, and Patrick are all UWI students who have worked in the office as student workers for some time now. They make me laugh a lot and planned an outing for us after work. They all have such different views on work, life, society, sports, etc. They seem to get into spats about their differences on most days and I just listen. I learn so much from listening. (I would like to try harder at doing this back in the US.) On Friday they started talking about none other than...hazing. Just when I think I am away from that topic, it peeks its ugly head out in Jamaica.

As I mentioned before there is a strong sense of Residence Hall pride at UWI. The students literally treat the halls like a fraternity or sorority. They have names, colors, and now I have learned, rights of passage. During orientation week each fall a lot of hazing happens between third year students and first year students. Mostly this includes embarrassing acts or drinking. I listened quite intently during this discussion in the office as Patrick defended hazing while Shamaine made it clear that she thinks it is wrong and offensive. She said that she feels that everyone has different backgrounds and you never know when hazing could hit the wrong nerve for some. She told me later in the day about a young girl who never came out of her room and they deemed her a "lump" - one who does not participate in hall activities. A year later, when her mother passed away from cancer, they realized that they had made many mistakes when putting her down for not being active in the activities.

This conversation has been on my mind, hence why I blog about it. Again, many many miles from FSU and the issues are the same. I am proud to say that at FSU we handle hazing in a very serious manner, whereas at UWI, those in charge turn a blind eye to the situation.

After work we all piled into a small cab and went to New Kingston for dinner and drinks at "Cuddyz." We had a lot of fun and it was nice to see the nightlife culture in Jamaica. During our time the issue of Chris "Dudas" Coke being captured came up. Although I am glad for this, it does pose many questions for the economy for Jamaica. I can't forget what cute little Miss Shamaine said, "I believe in Jamaica."

Today should be a good day- we are watching "my" team- USA- play in the afternoon followed by a men's field hockey match. I couldn't be more excited to see some field hockey.... if only they would let me out on the field!!!!!

Ocho Rios & CTLPA conference

Well it has been over a week since I've posted- oops! I guess I have been busy!

I just returned from a conference in Ocho Rios. The conference began on Monday and finished today, Thursday. I love conferences- but I really love conferences at an all-inclusive resort. I would not have been upset if the bus left me there today. What a beautiful place- white beaches, blue water, and food and drink left and right. It was fantastic. The conference was for the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association= higher education conference for the islands. It was a small crowd this year because of the economy and the unrest/state of emergency warnings. However, it was fantastic meeting the President of ACPA (American College Personnel Association) and her Eagles fan son, Taylor. They were fun to hang out with at night, watching shows, having dinner, etc. They are from Rochester, NY where Taylor goes to school and his mother is the VPSA at Monroe Community College. She was great and reminded me of Dr. Coburn. All in all the conference was wonderful and I was able to learn about the differences and struggles that each school present was facing. What is most interesting is that although FSU is very far from the islands, we still share the same problems. Generational gaps, security and risk management, crisis management, and more reiterate the fact that no matter where one works, the same issues will arise.

I have been here two weeks now and feel like time is flying by. I suppose it always does, though. How about USA?! I am wishing I had brought some sort of US related gear. It sure is exciting to be in a football-crazed country. I am looking forward to the match on Saturday. I have one week left in UWI sports department. I hate that I missed time with them because of the conference. I am really enjoying creating a marketing plan and website for UWI. I think it will really help their fan base and school spirit.

My sunburn and I are going to relax this evening- what a week it has been!

Sports Internship

I began my internship with the Sports Department. Mr. Dalton Myers is my supervisor and is an avid Argentina football fan. He made it very clear that when my team, USA, loses that I will become an Argentina fan. So he thinks. He and I have a lot in common in regards to sports and athletics. He also runs on the grass track at night after work. He, and other co-worker, Rasheed, took me to the Pepsi Jamaica plant today. (This is right beside where Red Stripe is made- but no free samples- boo.) We went to the plant to negotiate sponsorships for the UWI athletics. It was quite a conversation and gave me some insight into how university athletics get money for certain things- new facilities, equipment, etc. In the afternoon I began working with some students workers on creating a new and improved website for the UWI Sports department. They are in need of an enticing and creative site. I hope to be of some help. I enjoyed working with students again. I didn't realize I was missing my students, so it was good to work with them today. They have invited me for a "lyme" next week. I am looking forward to spending some time with those around my age. I also signed up for a 5k on July 4th. It begins at 6 am!

Following work I went to the grass track to jog off the day and sure enough Mr. Usain Bolt himself was there. I wasn't sure I would know him when I saw him face to face but after studying my notebook, I knew it was him. LOL. He was truly as fast as lightening. I couldn't really believe it. The fastest man in the world and I'm trotting around the track. It was a great moment!

My Lucky Day!

Today started off as usual... cereal and the sun. I like that, although I need to eat fast because hot almond milk is gross. My schedule was full of meetings today- learning about the Student Services and Development (SSD) department and also some residence halls. The following information may not interest most of you but 1- it will help me to remember what I did and learned today 2- my HESA geeks may enjoy it (and I love you, you geeks).

First meeting was with Dr. Thelora Reynolds- Director of SSD- (background- over the weekend there was a car accident that took two UWI student lives). Dr. Reynolds gave me the entire breakdown of the program and what it provides to students, etc. She had numerous phone calls during our conversation dealing with the accident, and I felt for her. I know what it is like to be in that situation where you are trying to contact parents, students, and other resources for students. It was a hectic day for her. However, I took notes on our discussion while she was on her phone with my new Usain Bolt notebook-- *laugh*... Yes, I figured why get a boring old notebook when you can get a book with Bolt on it! So a brief rundown: At the start of UWI the government declared that the land could be used but it had to be a residential campus- therefore there are many residence halls which have stronger pride than most of the sororities and fraternities that I work with at FSU. How about this--- So I asked about retention and Dr. Reynolds said that they do not have a retention problem. The school system works like this- in the 6th grade each student has to take an exam to get them into high school (and the high school of their choice based on best scores- so very important to do well on this exam). High school grades go from grade 1 through grade 11 which is equivalent to our middle school or junior high and high school. In your 11th year you take the Caribbean exam- this determines if you get into "6 Form." 6 Form is grades 12 and 13- the equivalent of a pre-college or freshman year. During these two years you must score high enough to be allowed into university where you would be a first year student. From there you have three years of university unlike our four year institutions. So as you can see- to be in college is quite a challenge to get to. Therefore, if you've worked this hard to get to college - you aren't dropping out. She mentioned that those who drop out are usually because they have financial issues. The students are very smart here (I would be too if I had to pass an exam in 6th grade to go to high school!)

So this is where my day got LUCKY! Dr. Reynolds informed me that we will be going to a conference CTLPA!!!!!!!!!!!! The best part about it --- it's at the Jamaica Grand Hotel in Ochos Rios Beach! OK- so it also gets better- the president of ACPA will be the main speaker. I'm so tickled right now :) Google the hotel- its an all inclusive resort so I get to be a real tourist... ha!

The rest of the day I was somewhat in space. I did get some Blue Mountain coffee, which was absolutely all that it was cracked up to be! I got to speak with the International Students office staff and found out there is a US student studying here for the summer. I hope to get introduced! During lunch I played with the dogs out in the sun. I returned to campus to meet with the Commuter students department and two residence halls' staff. The photo shows the bright buildings of Mary Seacole Hall. The residence hall life is very similar to the US only the pride one has for their hall is just incredible. Again, its like a sorority. You have colors and mascots and during hall week- the sports are very competitive. Sounds like the crazy Alpha Sigma's I know..

Ren ran with me tonight (again, snail). I think he was being nice jogging next to me because at one time I looked over and he is looking around counting clouds or something. Ha! He is a good friend to me. We sat around and google mapped our houses so he could see where I live and I could see his house in St. Thomas, Jamaica. We discussed the differences in our two countries and the problems that we face. To me, it sounds like the US is a lot more screwed up than Jamaica. We talked about our families and friends. I should him photos of Ashley's wedding. He thinks that PA looks so beautiful. I told him how I call Ryan my "man-friend" and he just laughs and says he doesn't understand. Oh well.. nonetheless I miss you "man-friend"!

Sunday Lyme

I met my first self-proclaimed Rastaman today.

I visited Port Royal, which at one time in history was the "richest and most wickedest" places on earth. The land is located off of Kingston and just a short drive from the main land. Here is where I met my man. He joined the tour group that I was in and learned about Port Royal also. Port Royal was established in 1650's and quickly became the capitol for wealth and pirating. Over 1,000 homes were built along with many, many businesses. However, in 1692 an earthquake destroyed two thirds of the land, leaving few people alive. Those that did survive became ill and died or pirates came, looted, and killed them. The 'under water city' still remains only 30 feet below, however, after over 300 years so many have taken what they want and have left next to nothing. What is interesting is that two pocket watches were found- and both had the time 11:42 am- therefore leaving people to believe that this is when the tidal wave hit land. I was leaving the Port to get some lunch when Mr. Rastaman aka Marshall decided to teach me about almond trees. Call me stupid but I didn't know that almonds came from the inside of fruit! OK- laugh. But really! So he taught me how to find the almond inside of the fruit and sure enough- it was yummy! I asked him what he called the fruit and he said "nut case"-- we had a good laugh on that one. He was visiting from Negril- a tourist "trap" as he calls it, north of the island.

I then went to Morgan's Harbour for lunch. The 'match' was on and everyone was watching. Not much of a game, eh? However, it is all people can talk about here. I love that everyone is so interested, unlike the majority of the US. At this harbour many people take what is called a "lyme" or a day of relaxing and fun. Our Sunday-Funday equals Jamaica's lyme. So I took a lyme at the harbour- just eating, drinking, and enjoying the sun and watching the boats come in and out. It was a lovely day.


I came home and found Raj and Ren in the same spot I left them- eating at the dinner table. I coaxed them into playing rummy with me. I beat them pretty bad- although Ren will tell you he beat me once. They claim they don't know how to play, but I think they are just terrible at rummy!

Bob Marley Museum and Devon House

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain... Hit me with music..hit me with music now.
- Bob Marley

Today was such a wonderful day! A few of us went to the Bob Marley museum! I have loved Bob's music for so long and to be there at his home, with all of his memorabilia and whatnot, was just incredible. Naturally I took a billion photos which will be on Facebook eventually. We took a tour of his home, the grounds, and watched a movie that had clips from live interviews and concerts. Although most see him as a smoker who happened to have catchy music, he truly was a man who wanted peace. All he wanted was for people of all colors to live together in peace and harmony. He was so prideful for this country and unfortunately passed at the age of 36. His wife and family have made his home into a museum with so much history. Seeing his Legends album with the triple platinum records beside it was really something. I am so happy to have gotten the opportunity to get to the museum.

Following the museum we went to the Devon House. This historic home is open to the public to view. The home is beautiful with much history from centuries ago. Behind the house there are clothing shops, an ice cream shop, and a pastry shop. Very cute area with many tourists- like me!

Later in the afternoon Ms. Bishop took us to see the University Singers. They performed for two hours- from opera to reggae. It was great listening to them sing about how much Jamaica means to them.

Clearly, Bob was my favorite part to this day.

Orientation day

So today was my first full day. I got my own ID card which will allow me to go to the libraries and other buildings. More importantly, it gives me access to the pool! I then took a tour of campus with Ms. Bishop.


A funny thing happened when I was sitting in Ms. Bishop's office. I was looking over my notes and pamphlets and Ms. Bishop says, "Jessica, do you like Farmville?" I thought I heard her wrong, since I have to ask on average 3 times to understand the Jamaican "patois" (language). She wanted to know if I played Farmville on Facebook. I had to laugh, for awhile. I told her no and she told me I was missing out, that Farmville is relaxing and fun. She says, "When I am tired, I just go out on the Farm." I couldn't stop laughing. I thought of all of the people that frustrate me with Farmville and laughed. As we were about to leave she says, "Well my farm is good, we can leave." So we did.

Later, I met with Dr. Reynolds and she described the UWI organizational structure and history of the university. The structure is very similar to FSU's however there are different titles. For example: the Chancellor here would be our President, the Vice Chancellor here would be our Provost, etc. It is only one of two schools that have this structure in the world. The other being University of South Pacific. Following this meeting I met with Mr. Lowery. He is the director of the Quality Leadership Program. This program is an elective for second and third year students to learn about what the "real world" is like and how to be successful post-graduation. This program is also how the UWI students go to FSU for the undergraduate student exchange.

I made my way to the grass track this afternoon. The track itself wasn't busy but the track team was practicing speed and agility on the center field. Fast is an understatement. I looked like a snail jogging around the track. Not only that but I looked like a pea size snail compared to how tall and thin they were.

I came home and heard a bark from under my bed. The pups were enjoying my air conditioner- I like it, too!

I also had a HUGE welcome basket with lots of fruit and flowers. A very nice gesture from the staff at the student services department.

A busy day but looking forward to a very fun filled weekend!

Smile, you're in Jamaica!

Get it together in Jamaica,
Soulful town, soulful people,
I see you're having fun,
Dancing to the reggae rhythm,
Oh, island in the sun!
Come on and Smile, you're in Jamaica!



I made it! After being awake for so long due to a 6 am flight, I am finally here and settled in. I will be living in a house with a director of housing and her family. It is me, Raji, her son (20 years old), Ms. Jackson (director), and her three pups. They are cute. They licked my hands after I ate a mango! It was so good and fresh.

Ms. Jackson's niece, Alicia (Al-a-c-ya), is visiting from Massachusetts for a wedding this weekend. She teaches Italian and Jamaican dance at a boarding school. She is very nice and wanted me to go to the bachelorette party tonight. No thanks- I am a walking zombie. But anyway Marcia (my "chaperone"- assistant director to the VP of student affairs- Dr. Reynolds) and two visiting students from St. Lucia picked me up from the airport. The drive to my house was so interesting. The bad parts and the beautiful sites. I wish I could have taken photos. I talked with the two kids- they are 20 as well. They are only here for the week- their conference was canceled due to the unrest- but they came anyway. We are quite far from downtown Kingston, but driving around I am thankful that we are. The campus is very gated- one gate to get on campus and one gate to get into my house- all with two security guards at the gates. Usain Bolt practices on the track beside my house. I hope to run (no pun intended- hahahaha) into him, although they said he is leaving with his team for something. Ms. Ball is the cook in the house. Ms. Ball cooked me an interesting meal- since there is no meat for me. LOL. Rice with cabbage and carrots, with peas, beans, and tomatoes. Of course I loved it :)

Raji and friend, Ren, took me to the grocery store although I am mostly going to eat whatever they make because I want to try new stuff. On the way home Raji and Ren filled me in on all of the swear words and slang that I need to know. How nice? They are funny. Raji came home and ate 3 donuts and rice and chicken. Interesting. Then he hooked up my wireless. "Jah bless" him. Minus his top two NFL teams are the Giants and....... the Steelers. Why oh Why can't I ever escape Steeler fans?!

I have a full schedule for my time here. I will be interning in Athletics and Housing. Both are two week internships where I work 8:30-4:30- nights off to relax, run, go to the pool, whatever. This weekend I am going to the Bob Marley museum with the students from St. Lucia. We are also going to the Devon House, church, and Port Royal! ARGGG! Looking forward to some good pirate history there.

Pre-flight thoughts

Hi all- so here it is- my "blog." My mother doesn't like the word blog so I will call it a journal. Here is my journal for the next five weeks while I am interning at the University of West Indies (UWI- pronounced "you-e"). I will be working in their Student Services department which is comparable to the Student Affairs department in the US higher education system. They do not have Greek life so I am looking at admissions, athletics, housing, and student activities. I am trying to get my hands into as much as I can to learn the differences between a school in the US verses a school in the Caribbean. I am interested in how the culture affects the student retention and interest in student affairs. I will be in Jamaica from June 10 through July 15, 2010.

Although there are some safety concerns in regards to the civil unrest in Kingston and the surrounding areas, I am quite excited to get to Jamaica. I hope to post quite often to really document this trip. Please feel free to comment. Have a great summer!