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!