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Maria Echevarria is an Admissions Counselor for the Programs in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management |
Even though the saying is that time flies, it’s hard to believe that December 2007 marks my 5th anniversary at SIT. Although my relationship with the institution began even longer ago.
My first experience with SIT was in spring of 1992 as an undergraduate student. I knew since before I entered college that I wanted to have a study abroad experience. My upbringing in NY was bi-cultural (my parents are from Argentina) and I knew that my most powerful learning experiences were intercultural. By my sophomore year in college, I was researching study abroad opportunities. Needless to say, SIT’s study abroad program rose to the top for its emphasis on non-traditional sites, homestay and cultural/language immersion, and independent study project. And that is how I ended up spending a semester in Cameroon, West Africa. The experience was deeply transformative.
Subsequently, I lived and worked in various corners of the world. SIT weaved in and out of my life. A good friend from my SIT Study Abroad program ended up back in Cameroon working as Academic Director for the program we had been in together as students! My best childhood friend out of the blue announced to me that she was applying to SIT’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. It was only a matter of time before I ended up back with SIT myself.
The opportunity came in the fall of 2002 when I decided to re-locate from the west coast of the US back to the east. I optimistically moved to Vermont with the mantra that if I could get a job at SIT, I would stay in Brattleboro. Fate was on my side, and here I am today! It has been quite a ride these past 5 years (and counting). I feel so fortunate to be a part of such an amazing organization and to come into contact with such diverse, extraordinary and inspiring applicants, students, staff and faculty! The local community in Brattleboro is vibrant, engaged, socially and politically active. There is a strong arts and culture current as well. We’ll be talking more about Brattleboro on the blog, but suffice it to say that as a former self-proclaimed city girl, I have found in Brattleboro a place that for me is a perfect blend of small-town community and worldly vision.
Tags: - World Learning, Maria Echevarria, Prog in Intercultural Serv Lead and Mgt, SIT
December 25, 2007 at 7:30 am |
“I have found in Brattleboro a place that for me is a perfect blend of small-town community and worldly vision.”
well said and true. thanks Maria for sharing your thoughts.
this is a great blog.
keep up the great work,
happy holidays happy new year.
January 10, 2008 at 5:57 pm |
Maria, I can’t believe it’s been 5 years for you either! It seems like just yesterday when you started, and what a RIDE it’s been! I miss you and wish you all the best for the beginning of your ….(gulp) sixth year!
March 3, 2008 at 10:37 am |
It’s my geat pleasure to introduce myself to you . My name is Mr
Eloi Rutaganira . I come across your profile in this site and I personaly became interested to SIT especially pursuing a master degree in sustainable development . l m Rwandan citizen l have a bachelor degree in economics and l currently work with AFRICARE as a food security officer, AFRICARE is non governmental and non profit organization which assist people through economic activities in developing countries. I will be very glad if you can contact me and help me in pursuing my muster degree .Thank’s Madam .
October 14, 2008 at 7:18 pm |
Hi Maria
We are looking to re-connect with you. Seems the address we have for you is no longer valid. Please give PSP a call or email me.
Thank you,
Deborah