Getting Ready to Go

Welcome to my Journey to Namibia.

As you know, I have spent the past 14 months living, working, and studying in New York and Minnesota as a graduate student and National Urban Fellow. I've earned my MPA and now, it's time for a new adventure.

In the next two months, I will begin a 12-month volunteer assignment as an educational coordinator with the WorldTeach program in the southern African country of Namibia. It is exciting to have the opportunity to apply and challenge my skills in public administration in the international arena. I also hope to observe and practice new methods of educating traditionally disadvantaged youth; Namibia is working hard to close the expansive achievement gaps caused by its past system of apartheid. Finally, I seek to promote awareness of our diverse and increasingly global society.

It is my hope that I can use this blog as a way to communicate with friends, family, and others who are interested in joining me on this journey.

I'll try to make the entries interesting, fun, and dynamic. We can discuss topics such as: overseas study/work, education reform, diversity in Southern Africa, how citizens in other countries view the U.S., and even pop-culture. Please send questions, comments, and references to help energize and inform the discovery.

I will share more about my host country and the work I'll be doing once the details are confirmed.

On a final note, this is my first time using a blog; so, be patient as I figure out just how this thing works.

Your Journey Guide and Companion,
Tamara

For more about National Urban Fellows, visit: www.nuf.org
For more about WorldTeach, visit: www.worldteach.org