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!