Span of responsibility: I arrived in Monrovia, Liberia on September 19, 2011. I went through eight days of in-country orientation. I was housed at St. Theresa’s Convent during the orientation. I traveled to Cuttington University on September 27, 2011. My initial assignment was Director of Faculty Professional Development which did not materialize. I have had the privilege of teaching three classes in the College of Business. During the remaining portion of my tenure here, I will be in Monrovia working in another capacity yet to be determined. Being in Liberia is a great challenge. There is so much needed here in the area of education. My biggest challenge with the students is teaching them to be responsible individuals. I challenge them each day to take responsibility of their own destiny and stop using the war experience as an excuse for their behavior. Language is another challenge for me, especially teaching. The students speak in their nativity language and dialect. The students here are thirsty for knowledge. Even though they do not have books; they take down every word you say and write down anything you place on the chalk board. Yes, I had to learn to write on a chalk board as in the old school.
Select Accomplishments: I had the opportunity to present my paper in Baton Rouge, LA at NAPA in February of 2011. I have done a publication of my work with the National Center for Developmental Education’s Research in Developmental Education published by Appalachian State University. Volume 24, Issue 1, 2011
How has the degree helped you in your career? I was recruited for this assignment in Monrovia, Liberia because of the area I chose to do my dissertation. Education is the main emphasis in this undeveloped West Africa Country. This degree has taught me how to be creative and proactive. When I was assigned classes to teach at the university without a textbook; I had to become very creative. I was able to search the
Web and draw on the strengths I learned during my professional training. I truly want to thank my professors for introducing me to group participation. It has worked well for me here with limited resources. The students have function well using these participative skills. I am looking forward to returning to the state and share my information with other Cohorts and teaching professionals. Being here in Liberia has helped me to really appreciate the United States of America especially the state of Mississippi and my dear Jackson State University.