What attracted you to work at the American University of Beirut (AUB)?
My grandmother worked for the University of Hartford and she really enjoyed it. She appreciated that she was so valued as a university employee and because of her experience, it became my understanding that universities take extra measures to support their employees.
Furthermore, after my experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA where I supported students in their paths to higher education, it strengthened my belief that education is the basis for a functioning society. It’s particularly crucial to increase accessibility to higher ed for historically marginalized communities in order to diversify enrollment. This is important because diversification sets the stage for interaction across differences, which in my experience is the only way to work towards co-creating productive dialogue, an inclusive environment, and a sense of belonging.
All these things, along with an event planning class I took in college, led me to AUB. In this class I created a fictional event in Beirut and the experience left an impression on me. Since then, I’ve wanted to learn more about Lebanese culture, so when I saw an opening at AUB I was eager to apply, especially because the position was well-aligned with my background, experience, and interests.
Standing in my victory pose at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was a hot day, but we made it!
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
I always check my email first, then I do anything that the emails require of me. After that I update the registration for chapter events, check to see if any alumni are in the news, create new events, attend meetings, and anything else that needs to be done. There are 26 chapters in North America, and their events include picnics, happy hours, or fun activities where area chapters reconnect and have fun. One chapter even had a Halloween party!
When North American alumni are in the news for their achievements, our team spreads the word on our website and social media and sends them a congratulations letter. It’s wonderful to see them recognized and we want to maintain strong relationships with our fantastic alumni.
You’re located in New York City at The Debs Center, which is the official North American headquarters of AUB. What is your favorite part about working in this office?
Though I am fairly new to this work, in the short time I’ve been here I have met people from all over the world and have had the opportunity to attend extraordinary events. AUB has a new Global Engagement Initiative, and our office hosts panels and discussions on pressing topics led by experts in their fields. And then of course, I’ve attended alumni events where I’m learning all the ways AUB alumni support each other and their alma mater.
I love living in New York City, and it is particularly enjoyable to work in the New York Office. Everyone’s unique personalities really shine. For instance, my colleague, Justin Tessier, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Programs, is an excellent person to work with. He’s incredibly dedicated to the alumni. His patience, presence, and endless support is an aspirational example for me of what it means to lead. He is flexible, grounded, and goes with the flow. I love learning about this institution and there is no better person to show me the ropes.
The Burlington waterfront is a popular spot for students, locals, and tourists alike. The prettiest sunsets!
Can you comment on AUB’s extensive alumni network?
While there is still so much I’m learning, I’ve observed that AUB alumni are at the helm of major hospitals, companies, and organizations. The geographic diversity is truly astounding. The Worldwide Alumni Association of AUB (WAAAUB) is almost 27 chapters in North America.
I’ve seen so many inspirational examples of how they harness energy in generous ways, reflecting their deep gratitude for AUB. You know an institution is remarkable when people who went there look back on it with immense pride and joy.
You are a prolific writer. Your publications for your alma mater Champlain College and your personal website cover a fun range of topics. There are themes of adventure and your writing makes the intangible tangible (particularly in how you describe your interactions and observations). You also illuminate the profound transformation that occurs in liminal spaces; the in-between moments of studying abroad that lend itself to lifelong bonds and eye-opening insights. What and/or who in your life has influenced the way you write?
Over the course of my life, I’ve observed that the times where I pause and really absorb what’s going on around me cultivate space for me to pause and look at one thing at a time. Going up an escalator, sitting on the subway, walking through a park—these are times where I could easily choose to rush but I don’t.
Rock-climbing has also helped me separate myself from the outside world and engage in my own rich inner world. Distractions fade and the immersive experience of rock-climbing stimulates my brain in a way that no other form of exercise has done for me, with maybe the exception of martial arts.
It’s not easy to habituate slowing down when our world moves so fast, but great writing is inseparable from the small details, and I will only notice those details if I slow down. So whether it is visiting the fish pond next to my office, rock-climbing, or taking the time to learn from new friends abroad, it is necessary for my imagination to pause and collect myself.
The Mediterranean is known for it’s wonderful kebobs, and the Greek island of Naxos did not disappoint.
You’ve studied abroad in Ireland and Greece. What insights from those experiences do you still carry with you?
I carry with me a sense of discovery. Studying abroad is a reminder for me that there is always space for discovery no matter where I go. For example, in Reykjavik, Iceland, a friend and I found the Icelandic Punk museum located in an old public bathroom! It was so strange but that’s what made it so memorable; experiencing something different forces the brain to pay attention.
Another time in Ireland, while taking a solo trip to Blarney, I found the coolest antiques dealer and I bought a cute blue vintage skirt. In Greece, while walking from visiting a cute little town, I stumbled upon a pond filled to the brim with turtles. I am easily delighted because there is so much to delight in, and each new joyful discovery expands my capacity for delight.
Studying abroad remains a tangible reminder for me that no matter where I am, there’s always something unique just around the corner. This is important because the adventurous and curious kid in me is always on the lookout for a secret door to a magical land. Author Roald Dahl spoke the truth when he said, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
Rock climbing is the best form of exercise. It not only exercises every part of your body, it also exercises your mind.
Lebanon is known for its incredible cuisine, variety, and abundance. Food is of course integral to every culture—we need to eat—but how cultures approach food varies. What did you observe about food and culture in Greece and Ireland? How are approaches there different from what you’re accustomed to in the United States?
In Greece I noticed that food is a fantastic excuse to connect. Food and togetherness are synonymous. It’s such a prominent cultural norm that it would seem kind of weird if people saw someone eating by themselves.
In Ireland work isn’t just a time to work; it’s a time to socialize. In a way, that’s expanded into the post-work pint. I observed that people leave just a little bit of their drinks at the bottom of their glasses for hours so they can keep sitting in the pub and chatting.
In both countries, food and drink represent the need for connection. Each culture understands the innate need for human connection and Greece and Ireland link that to food. I’ve heard that Lebanon does this too and I’m excited to experience it for myself.
In the U.S., it seems to depend on the household. Growing up, my family always had dinner together. I was actually surprised to hear that eating together was so rare in my classmates’ households. For us, food does mean family and we eat a lot of similar things such as organic fruits and veggies, lean meat, and of course, Oreos.
When I moved to Boston for my AmeriCorps year in 2019, I ate by myself all the time. Not only was that devastatingly lonely, but the food didn’t taste as good when I didn’t have someone to share it with. I had a roommate who also ate alone, but it didn’t really affect him as much as it affected me. A sense of absence is sharper when change is dramatic.
A warm meal of tea, soup, and brown bread on a chilly day by the Caves of Keash in Ireland. This is exactly what we needed after a four-hour train ride from Dublin.
In your writing your observations and experiences dip into the influence of legends, myths, and folklore on culture. What cultural stories have loomed large in your imagination?
I’ve always been compelled by the supernatural. Mermaids were my favorite mythical creature growing up and they’re still my favorite now. I like the idea that the world is more than what meets the eye. There’s a secret lurking behind every corner, and every culture has a name for that secret. It’s beautiful really, and illuminates the powerful similarities among cultures, even if the details are different.
My favorite myths and stories are The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (it’s spooky), King Arthur (it is the epitome of medieval fantasy and I played Morgan le Fey in a 7th grade play), and that one about Alexander the Great’s sister, where she turns into a mermaid (because, well, I love mermaids). I was also fascinated by Champ, Lake Champlain’s version of Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster), in college.
You seem fearless and curious about cultural immersion and you possess an advanced level of adaptability. How has studying abroad developed your ability to incorporate diverse and multiple perspectives when working with others?
I learned that no matter how different our cultures are, people are people. I often remind myself that every person I encounter has feelings, dreams, wants, and needs, and then I can start to see the actual individual, recognizing their personal traits and learning from them about what cultural values are most salient in their lives.
What has studying abroad mirrored back to you about your own culture?
America moves too fast. There was a respect for the work/life balance that both Ireland and Greece really understood and embodied. Ireland relaxed with tea or a beer and Greece relaxed with a two-hour daily nap. They slowed down and took breaks.
I can’t tell you how often I see people working through breaks or working late in the United States. Actually, I’m super guilty of this. Americans should really sit back, eat a snack, and remember that most likely, our work doesn’t mean life and death (in some cases it does, but for the most part it doesn’t). That memo can wait five minutes. Would I rather rush and make a mistake, or take a minute to clear my head?
The Irish island of Inisheer is a wondrous place with adventure and history. It had castle and church ruins, a shipwreck, and sheep!
What advice do you have for prospective study abroad students?
When I went to Germany a few years ago, I was nervous about the fact that I didn’t know the language. I didn’t want to be branded as a “rude American” so I did a ton of research to make sure we didn’t stick out. Guess what? We did anyway.
Yes, do your research, but don’t be afraid to make mistakes because no matter what, people will think what they want to think. More importantly, many friendships are made simply because foreigners make the effort to learn.
Can you talk about why you think studying abroad is so valuable?
Studying abroad helped me land this job! I gained a confidence I didn’t know I had, I am braver than I have ever been, and my mind is expanded in ways that still surprise me. Studying abroad changed my life by opening up the world and possibilities to me.
I also learned that the world is so much more beautiful than the news says it is. Just look at Northern Ireland, for example. It was not a great place to go during the Troubles, and there are still reminders of that today.
Northern Ireland was dangerous during that time. There are places where there is lingering tension between Catholics and Protestants. I spoke to a Protestant cabbie who married a Catholic and got disowned because of that. There are still sentiments of hate, but for the romantic in me, that’s the perfect example of how love conquers all. Little moments in little conversations translate to big realizations.
