“You’re moving to Vermont?” I must have heard those quizzical words a thousand times before transplanting myself to Brattleboro in the summer of 2006. Friends, family, and colleagues wondered what a self-professed global nomad could possibly find appealing in this small, homogeneous state. Kuwait, Morocco, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Spain, Costa Rica, and Vermont. Which one of these things is not like the other?
As I reflect on my two years here at SIT Graduate Institute, I am amazed at what a rich and rewarding adventure is nestled in a corner of this New England state. My fascination with world travel has always stemmed from a desire to explore the unknown, to enrich my worldview, and to educate myself through personal experience. SIT has allowed me to continue these pursuits by introducing me to a vast array of friends, colleagues, and professors that intrigue, challenge, and collectively teach me about myself and the world around me.
Jennifer McClearen’s many hats at SIT, continued
As a candidate for a MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management and as a teaching assistant (my practicum) in the same program, I have been fortunate to sample a broad range of classes and educational opportunities. The self-designed degree and my practicum have suited my desire to explore several career fields that are intertwined with core principles that I espouse. SIT degrees are united by a commitment to social change, intercultural communication, and diversity. My study here has allowed me to explore so many new interests while remaining committed to values and goals that I share with the institution. As an optimistic realist, I acknowledge that World Learning and its programs are not as utopian as its founding ideals require. However, it is through this natural struggle with imperfection that I have gained the new insights and inspirations that are as valuable as the lessons I learned from the organization’s triumphs.
While being at SIT, I have worn many hats that have diversified my time here. In addition to being a student and teaching assistant, I taught yoga and aerobic kickboxing and served as a resident advisor during the summer. Both of these positions have allowed me to interact with other programs that World Learning has to offer such as the CONTACT summer institute, the MA in Teaching programs, the Experiment in International Living, and the Youth Peacebuilding and Leadership Programs. These programs bring people from all over the world and from all walks of life and I am fond of the changing mural of faces that cross the campus.
Most recently I have donned the hat of career counselor at SIT and will be assisting students and alumni of the school in career development and job and practicum search. I am thrilled at this new opportunity to investigate the ins and outs of the dichotomy of sometimes likeminded, yet ever-diverse individuals that make up the institution. Additionally, I look forward to maintaining and growing SIT’s worldwide network of peacebuilders, educators, non-profit managers, activists, development workers, international exchange administrators, as well as numerous others.
When thinking ahead to my future, the distant horizon always has its appeal and I suspect nomadic disposition will once again lure me from this picturesque hilltop. However, just as all places I have lived, I will remain grateful for the personal growth and discovery that SIT has demanded, freely given, and will continue to offer as an alumni.
Jennifer McClearen is a current student at SIT in her reflective practice phase. She is also a TA and a Career Counselor at SIT’s Career Center, and has been an aerobic kickboxing instructor, yoga instructor and RA on campus.
Tags: Jennifer McClearen
July 22, 2008 at 6:14 am |
beautifully written and hit at home in so many ways.