August 2017 Humphrey Blog by Zaira Zambelli Taveira
All the joy of receiving the news that we were selected for the Program and then finding out we were coming to VCU; All the arrangements we had to get done to be away for 10 months from our jobs, our homes, our countries; All the e-mails and paperwork concerning the documents needed to get us here; All the packing, all the farewells….And here we are!
So much excitement in our baggage and you also have to add curiosity considering this new experience. For some of us, the first time out of our countries. For others, the first time in the US. For all, the first time as fellows at VCU, living in Richmond.
This is the beginning of our Fellowship Program, I could say. August is over. Orientation weeks ended last Saturday. Official pictures were taken. Classes started. Individual Program Plans being drawn up.
Let’s take a look at what we’ve done so far! To get settled in our apartments (except for Tram, who is moving to her place next week), we did a lot of shopping (I mean A LOT) for house utensils, personal items, phones, computers, groceries and so on. We do want to thank all the staff and also the volunteers involved!
Additionally, we’ve gotten to know about Richmond, VCU and, of course, the Humphrey Fellowship Program. And we had a welcome dinner at Bob’s house that was super nice.
Heather is the new assistant coordinator of the Program. Welcome, Heather! We did find out that it was her birthday and arranged a surprise party!
Heather did planned a lot of cultural activities as well for these first weeks. We’ve been to the Farmer’s Market, the Canal Cruise, the Valentine, the Capitol Square, the Maymont Park (where we got to watch the solar eclipse), the Virginia Fine Arts Museum. So much fun!
And we also some community service got done.
We fellows had dinner together and got to know more about each other’s personal background. We also had meetings with Randy to talk more about our goals and find our common interests.
We met our program advisors, faculty advisors and (most of us) our friendship families. Guidance and support are appreciated! The first gathering for the Cookie University was a success. Thanks, Dennis!
From my point of view, we are a great group: outstanding professionals, incredible people!Much more to come! Labor Day weekend is around the corner, even though our labor has just begun.