From Dusk to Dawn
In five days I experienced more of Washington State’s people than I would have ever imagined possible. The diversity of people in this state reflects also the diversity of places we went to, the contacts we made and the impressions that I collected. Most of all I was impressed by the passion with which we were greeted in educating Native American and Latino students, providing care to low-income farm workers and their families, waiting for waves from outer space or teaching geology during our first dinner. Our days were intensely filled (5 30 am for our morning exercise to 10 30 pm bedtime) with impressions of the State’s natural beauty, as well as by the discussions about philosophy, changes in snow patterns, tree hugging and electrical engineering. Being asked to represent the UW to new incoming students gave each of us an opportunity to discuss with students their concerns of what is waiting for them in the big city “Seattle”. I was taken back to my first days at my university and the lost and insignificant feelings I experienced. I thought during our meeting with students, parents and alumni that it would have been wonderful if any of my potential future professors would have made me feel that special when I joined the university.
Equally exciting was the opportunity to spent time with Phillys, Gail and Norm to get a sense of the faculties and universities current issues and concerns and to value their polticial representation within and outside the university.
Being together with a group of strangers always evokes my curiosity to explore my fellow travellers. This exploration was my quest for the five days and I managed to have a private conversation with almost everybody about reseach, teaching and living in Seattle. The chance we have had to get together and learn about diversity and shared experiences made this trip worthwile every minute for me. Any new faculty should be happy to get accepted into this program.
Finally I have to thank Harry, Norm and Eva for making this trip an unforgetable memory of my lifetime.
Greetings,
Joachim!