In the last week I've met some great people at RIT and learned about offices I hadn't had much opportunity to work with. I would walk by those big banners in the union advertising our campuses abroad and sigh - thinking how great it would be to go see them - but never expecting to go.
I had heard about James Myers - doing amazing things for RIT, directing the Center for Multi-Disciplinary Studies - and - he was a runner. In addition to a pretty demanding role at RIT , he coaches Team in Training - a group that helps people train for marathons and raises money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He works with slugs like me and teaches them how to run for a long time. Clearly, I need to know this person. Funny - I know most runners around town by sight. On the occasions I saw him on campus - it was on an academic basis. As runners, we were out of context. So, when he was listed as one of the names I should contact, I dropped him a note and asked to meet, and suggested a run.
We caught up for a run a week ago and it was like old friends reunited after many years. Some people may have golf to connect, but on the run you're shoulder to shoulder as if you're in the safe confines of a confessional - you already know you like the person next to you so conversation comes easily. Dr. Myers quickly gave me the overview of our campus at Dubai. I'm just recovering from an injury that had me off the run for far too long - so I was surprised we were able to cover so much information and complete our loop of the campus in a record time for me. Lots of work done for RIT and a quick workout in the bank: win - win.
On Sunday morning I had a phone conference with RIT Dubai's Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Tom Raco. My mistake - why did I think we were talking at 8:30? at 7:30 the phone rang and with a cup of coffee in hand I started to take notes. I'll have to see if he can hook me up with the Lebanese coffee he enjoys. We'll have a lot to do in a few hours when I meet him in person.
By Monday, I learned that there would be another traveling from Rochester to Dubai: Rachel McGinnis is on her way now to work on advising. We'll be surrounded by supportive RIT folks, but it's nice to know that there's another person who is just as jet lagged as you are! Rachel and I connected on Monday afternoon and pulled in Anna Lombard whose title makes you wonder about this office: Global Initiatives. (Cue Mission Impossible music). Anna connected me quickly with resources and information that has already made things a little bit easier.
Tuesday I got a call from Lyndsey McGrath - cautiously inquiring about helping with a tutoring program in Dubai: potential for creating meaningful connections between our students - engagement, friendships, common ground, and mastery of subject matter. Looking forward to exploring this with the students and staff.
One, I've felt incredibly supported by these colleagues I've only met for the first time. Everyone has just extended themselves to provide information and resources. Two - there is a lot of excitement for what is happening at Dubai RIT.
Well, next time I write, I'll be in Dubai. Safe travels all -
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