The Jamaica CourseJOURNALSCat Lem, Program Coordinator, UAB's Sparkman Center for Global Health August 10, 2007 I really like to-do-lists. As a program coordinator with multiple projects, the to-do-lists I make as I go along are sometimes the only things that keep me organized as I go through the day. So, this year, when my to-do-list for the Jamaica course went awry, my head started to spin. You see, #4 on my list was to recruit students to come on the course. I was told by past coordinators that you need to really peak students’ interests as many students are unsure about participating in a field course in a developing country. To many it can be a nerve wracking experience: packing everything up and flying out of your comfort zone while simultaneously being forced to learn… But #4 was wrong, because as soon as the course was advertised students were in line to sign up. Maybe it was great word of mouth, or the presence of ultra-motivated students, but next thing I knew the course was full. Within two weeks of announcing the course I had to turn people away, something that did not appear on my list. As a coordinator, there is nothing better than coordinating people who are self-motivated to get things done. Before I was even ready to publish the syllabus and handbook, this group of students had questions and checks and had organized their schedules and lives to make room for the course. And no sooner would I put out an email than I would receive an answer, or a request before it would be filled. So far, this year’s group has been motivated, enthusiastic, and has excelled scholastically while making my job all that more fun. Somewhere along the line I misplaced my Jamaica to-do-list, but that’s really okay, because as soon as I write an item down I get to cross it off. Okay, that’s a lie, I still have my list, but the point is that I am really enjoying working with this course and this group. Wait until we hit Jamaica! Cat |
