First Day

Today was my official first day and Sari picked me up at 8:15 to take me to settle my paperwork at the International Office (I would have to go back later anyway). After we walked over to the Education Sciences Building which is on the opposite side of campus of where I am staying (abt a 15 minute walk) and we arrived in the office at 8:45 and so many professors were here already, including Prof C who gave me a huge hug and a warm welcome. She is as nice in person as she is over email.

After that I was shown my office (see pictures), which lets just say is more space than I have ever had when it comes to an office in grad school! Plus I have a window, walls, and a door. Along with getting settled, Sari showed me where the head of the department, Prof N was. I was able to briefly speak with her (her son has bronchitis so she was taking him to the pediatrician) and she asked me what I wanted to do while I was here and what she could do to help. Well, it turns out that her research focus is in reading/literacy (or for that matter her team research) and her mentor is a former professor at Maryland. Plus, she knows the work of all of the Reading Dept. at Maryland so I think she liked me even more after that (who know being in Reading and going to UMD would get me a great connection in SA). Upon leaving, I was on my own for the rest of the day and just did some reading and some writing that needed to be done.

Prof C arranged dinner for me, with herself, one of her doctoral students as well as one of her postdocs. We headed to a pizza place in town(where I ordered veggies and meat) and they all commented on how healthy I was and I didn't have the hear to tell them that it has nothing to do with that. It was really nice to sit and chat with all of them about their research, their experiences and what they are doing. Overall, no complaints for a first day of work. Tomorrow morning I have a meeting with Prof N and Prof C to work more details.

I have no expectations (because you can't when it comes to international research I am told from seasoned researchers) but I look forward to learning from my hosts and maybe coming away with some new educational information.