First Posting

My first blog, and my name was available!  Very exciting. 

My journey began more than a year ago when I was accepted to an Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  This spring, I have the opportunity to explore higher education in Belize, by collaborating with faculty and staff at schools in San Ignacio during a 10 day internship. 

I am expecting the biggest difference between San Ignacio and Wilmington to be in the ecological biodiversity rather than the school structure and curriculum.  In driving just four hours south of Wilmington to Charleston, SC, there are palm and palmetto trees, so I imagine Belize, being so much closer to the equator, will be very hot and humid with dense plant, animal, and bird species which I have never before seen. 

I venture to guess the people of Belize will be equally warm and diverse in appearance, language heritage, and cuisine.  I have already exchanged money and had been expecting worn bills, but received crisp new bills through AAA.  I see that the BZ$100 is larger than the ten or twenty denominations in size.  Featured on the Belizean bills are tropical fish, birds, and plants along with the Queen of England’s image, providing a Commonwealth cultural snapshot of the country. 

I also imagine that life will slow down when I am in Belize, as there will be just enough contextual differences to make an impression on my mind.  I imagine that many things Americans take for granted such as lines painted on public roads or outside lighting at night are not available in developing countries such as Belize. 

I am looking forward to meeting and collaborating with faculty and staff in San Ignacio while assisting them with their development needs.  I am also looking forward to speaking with students and instructors about issues that both locations encounter and sharing best practices.