Another Step On Road To Success

The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) hosted its third GED graduation celebration, May 7, 2019, in the Hicks Auditorium. "This year 20 students completed the GED test and obtained their high school diplomas, making all of us proud.  Although only four students could attend the celebration, there was no shortage of praise for all of the students," said Katie Devanny, Adult Learning Manager.

"The keynote speaker, James Cook, Supervisor, Duval Soil and Water, encouraged the graduates to continue their perseverance towards their goals.  Mr. Cook had failed ninth grade twice and his first year at Edward Waters College (EWC) he had a GPA of 0.25.  He shared his determination to persevere and how, with support of family, friends, and instructors one can achieve his/her goals. He graduated from EWC with a 3.1 GPA and still speaks with his instructor, Selah Bishop, a GED instructor for CAL.  Pictured is Lianying Ye, the student speaker for the evening, said it best, 'Our classmates come from different countries, different industries, and different ages. It is the Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) that brings us together. We have established friendships and become friends in our studies.  JPL makes us feel like family.'”

30 Graduate From 2018 Career Online High School

The Jacksonville Public Library’s Center for Adult Learning hosted the third annual Career Online High School Graduation Ceremony, September 26, 2018.  Of the 30 students who completed the rigorous coursework year 2018, 14 graduates attended the ceremony and walked in cap and gown across the stage of the Hicks Auditorium at the Main Library to accept congratulations and a Certificate of Achievement to honor their success.

Director Tim Rogers (above) emceed the event and Library Board Chair Ronnie King addressed the graduates.  Several State dignitaries attended to honor the graduates’ accomplishments.   Family members and friends had many positive things to share regarding the wonderful opportunity made available by the Career Online High School through the Jacksonville Public Library.  (Thanks to Tammy Owens, Program Supervisor, Smart Horizons COHS Program Manager, Center for Adult Learning for the article and pic.) 

2018 High School Graduation of CAL's GED Students

Library Director Tim Rogers welcomed graduates, families, friends and special guests to the 2018 GED high school graduation in the Main Library auditorium, Tuesday evening, May 1.  The event was hosted by the Center for Adult Learning, headed by CAL Literacy Program Manager Katie Devanny.

Twelve graduates crossed the stage to start a new chapter in their lives. The students' ages ranged from 19 - 61, proving you are never too old or young to achieve your goal.

                           2018 GED grad Maria Threat addresses audience.

Maria Threat and the keynote speaker, Greg Gaines, were on the same page, talking to the graduates about overcoming their fears. Ms. Devanny said, "CAL’s staff, especially the GED instructors, are extremely proud of the students and their accomplishments."  

Board Chair Ronnie King and Director Tim Rogers shook each graduate's hand after Katie Devanny presented a high school diploma to each graduate.  Then Mr. King congratulated the graduates and invited everyone to stay for refreshments.  

According to the Florida Department of Education, Florida's high school graduation rates have risen steadily over the past few years and is now at 82.3%.  The not-so-good news, as reported by U. S. News & World Report Best States is that Florida ranks 40th in high school graduation rates.

(Thanks to Katie Devanny for the input and pictures.)

GED Grads Celebrate

Interim Director Jennifer Giltrop (far right) and CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny were cheering the happy high school graduates at Main, August 23, 2017, and Katie proudly reports, "The first JPL GED Graduation ceremony was held and eleven of the 20 graduates walked across the stage and received a certificate of achievement from JPL. (The students already had their high school diploma from the State of Florida.)  Al Emerick, the keynote speaker, delivered a great message on 'their value' to the graduates. Ja’Markis Daniels, the student speaker and new EWC student, shared his story."  See more inspiring pictures:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofjax/albums/72157685460267490

Special Recognition For JPL Volunteers

April 13, 2017 was one of the most important celebrations JPL has each year: the day we honor our volunteers. This year, after the Board meeting at SE Library, Board Chair Ronnie King and other board members, Director Barbara Gubbin, and Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop recognized our 238 volunteers and their varied and valuable talents. See some of the memorable moments in the link below where CR&M shares the album, JPL Volunteer Recognition 2017, with you (taken from the Flickr app). 

https://flickr.com/photos/37876374@N04/sets/72157682742835905 

Special honorees included "Outstanding Teen Volunteer" Bre' Aisha Stallworth, who completed 88.5 volunteer hours last year, fulfilling her requirements for graduation and for the Florida Bright Futures program.  She volunteers in Main's Teen area and sorts, shelves, shifts and weeds collections. 

"Outstanding Computer Instruction Volunteer" Gary Tomeny offers high quality computer classes and is in his third year of teaching high quality classes in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Windows 10, File Management, etc. Mr. Tomeny is a member of the Friends of SOM.

"Outstanding ESOL Volunteer" Instructor Noreen Stephenson has taught Level 4 ESOL students for a year and a half in Main's CAL department. Ms. Stephenson follows CAL's guidelines and prepares well planned presentations to ensure student advancement.

"Outstanding Friends of the Library Volunteer" Wendy Warner is Secretary of the Friends of JB and has logged some of the highest number of volunteer hours. She is always helping with library events, such as the Flamingo Book Club, sees that craft supplies are ready for JB activities and has donated many props to JB's Comic Con.

Of course, special recognition and many thanks were given and continually go to: 

      Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library
      Friends of the Beaches Branch Library
      Friends of the Olga L. Bradham and Etta L. Brooks 
             Branch Library
      Friends of the Murray Hill Library
      Friends of the Willowbranch Library
      Friends of the Dallas Graham Branch Library
      Friends of the South Mandarin Library
      Friends of the Maxville Library

2nd Quarter FY 15/16 Leadership Winners

JPL Board Chair Erin Skinner (Left in pic below) and Director Barbara Gubbin (far right) were on hand at the Library Board Meeting, June 9, 2016, to present the following Leadership Awards and offer congratulations, along with all the Library Board members, to some very deserving employees.

Luis Terron, SST E-Library Specialist (above, 3rd from L), won both the Employee of the Quarter and a Challenge the Process Award for the 2nd quarter of FY 15/16. Carolyn Wiltse (2nd from L) of Vision Education &; Rehabilitation Center at FSCJ, who developed the idea for bathroom tactile maps that were 3-D printed by JPL, also cheered Luis. Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton (2nd from right) hailed Luis' creation of the 3-D model for restroom accessibility guides for visually impaired library customers and said Luis' ideas will be spread to a wider audience.  

CAL Program Manager Katie Devanny (above center) was awarded the "Inspired a Shared Vision" award for researching innovative ways to improve all adult programs so JPL remains current with national standards. Her instrumental lead in the development of Pre-GED/GED programming, a new path for CAL, opened the way for CAL to expand and include the Smart Horizons Career Online High School Scholarship program, funded through the State of Florida as a pilot program for eleven libraries.  Out of those, JPL holds the honor of saying JPL has the first high school graduate through this program.  Katie's staff boasts, "She is a wonderful guide for her team". 

Librarian II Lilia Simonton (above center)  "Encourages the Heart" of San Marco Branch staff.  She prints out recognition of the increased self-checkout (SS had two weeks of error free transactions).  Lilia prints out rewards for staff to sign so the whole branch can celebrate, has reward parties, brings in cookies for staff meetings and sends e-mails about balancing transactions to congratulate employees for a job well done.

As project manager for the JPL 50+ grant program, Librarian III Margaret Morford (above center) "Inspired a Shared Vision" as she coordinated funding, staffing, programming, outreach, and reports. She increased the number of surveys taken by promoting JPL 50+ at local events and held interviews with WJCT Stereo 90 and American Libraries magazine. The finale, March 30, featured Jeannie Blaylock, First Coast News, and CM Sam Newby as guest speakers.

Southeast's Library Associate Anjelica Bencomo (center above) "Challenges the Process" each month as she assists her Teen Advisory Board in creating the large scale decor for a themed wall display at SE.  Additionally, Anjelica's innovation is used to assist in system wide programming and initiatives.  Her creative programming has caused a surge in Teen Advisory Board and other teen program attendance.

Library Assistant Felecia Battle "Modeled the Way" at the Highlands Branch by involving other employees in issues with Oceanway lockers and, consequently, staff began to get positive results.  Felicia is credited with being patient and kind as she instructs others in the mechanics of everyday operations.  In Felecia's absence, Julie McNeil accepted for her. 

Staff Profile - June 2016

Katie Devanny, now Program Manger for CAL.  The pic is from one of the first ESOL classes she taught at the Main Library.

 At times one wonders why we face the daunting challenges we encounter in life. Some people address those encounters as a wake up call and rebound with a wonderful determination to make a difference in their own and others' lives.  Meet the astute Katie Devanny, who did--and does--just that.

Q: The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) does so much for our community. Tell us about your department’s various services and who helps get what done.

A: The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) has been serving the residents of Duval County for 30+ years.  We have dabbled in all aspects of literacy throughout the years but our main focus has been Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). For the past year the focus on the ABE side has been preparing students for the GED test. At this time we are more Adult Secondary Education (ASE) oriented and we are looking to expand this next year into workforce development. Our ESOL program helps over 700 immigrants coming from 90 different countries. Our staff is large compared to most departments. We are part of the LEAP team out in the community offering GED® and Conversation Essentials, and as you know, we oversee the Career Online High School (COHS) for JPL. Tammy Owens is the supervisor and she runs the daily operations and COHS.  Denise Thomas is our volunteer and outreach coordinator. Katie Bark is our GED coordinator at Main. She teaches classes, assesses students, and helps with the volunteer instructors.  Valencia Kidwell is our full time ESOL instructor at Main. Sergio Lagman is our part time ESOL coordinator for UPK and CW and he teaches at Main, UPK, and CW. Margaret Gloag is a part time ESOL instructor at Main. Kathy Zaccardi is the ESOL coordinator for PCR and SE. Kwanza Yates is the brand new GED instructor who will be working at various libraries. We have two people working on the LEAP grant: Samantha Lee and Michele Goolsby. I had to mention everyone and what they do because without them CAL would not be possible and I would not have a job.

Q: Partnerships have become invaluable to JPL. What other agencies/organizations interrelate with CAL and how does that benefit both CAL and them?

A: CAL works with Learn to Read (LTR) of Jacksonville, a non-profit adult education program working with adults reading at a comprehension level from zero to sixth grade. LTR is based here at the Main library and they share CAL’s workroom and computer lab. Through the LEAP program we have made a number of community partnerships with local agencies such as NFCCA- Northeast Florida Community Action Agency.  We work with the local refugee agencies throughout the year on small projects. The partnerships really benefit the students. Jacksonville is so large and overwhelming in its complexities of needs, so it is great to have partners to refer students to and have students referred to us.

Q: As Program Manager of CAL how do you oversee the different functions of CAL?

A: CAL has done a 180 degree turn over this past year.  When I first took over I felt like the kid in the pool with my swimmies on.  I was not able to function without the support I received from everyone in the JPL system, and I mean everyone.  At the beginning I was just another CAL employee “doing” CAL projects but with the title of manager. Now, my team is getting stronger. I have a supervisor taking on the daily running of the department and I am becoming the planner for the department not the doer.

Q: Before you came to JPL in 2007, what background did you have that helped prepare you for this position and why was JPL/CAL a good fit for you?

A: I had worked in retail most of my life. When I first graduated from college I worked for Harborplace in Baltimore as their Special Events Coordinator. After two years I foolishly wanted to get back into retail because I really like helping customers.  I worked for GAP Inc. for 16 years and then a few big box retailers.  I was usually the district trainer in some capacity or another and so teaching came easily to me. When I decided to start my own business and went looking for part time work, the ABE classes at CAL appealed to me. My sister has worked in the adult education field for years so I had been exposed to many of the methods used with teaching ABE classes. The previous manager, Sharon, took a chance and hired me on a grant and the rest is history.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: That’s hard. I’m an open book--no pun intended. I know my staff knows this but I just like being happy and having fun. When I was 24 I was in a coma for three days, and I have always felt I was healed for a reason. No, I didn’t sell all my belongings and give my life to service, but I feel I’m here for some purpose: help others, lead my team, and make someone smile.

SparkWalk, April 6, 2016 At Main

Above, Kathleen Brunner, Librarian III in Reference and Nonfiction at Main, gave tours of the library during JPL's SparkWalk; here she is(far right) with the first group. Below are pictured Matthew Taylor (NF),Kathleen, Katie Devanny (CAL)   and Judy Bradshaw (Learn to Read) who manned the p.r. table outside of Main for a while. The JPL SparkWalk table was also manned earlier by Kate Holmes and Matthew.

Kathleen said, "I hosted two tour groups from FSCJ’s Teaching and Learning conference, which was being held at the Hyatt Regency this week. They were a wonderful audience, and they especially appreciated the various artworks in the building. Some were from out of town, while other locals mentioned that they had been here before but were unaware of the myriad of joys and services offered, especially on the 4^th floor and Conference Level.

"It was the REF/PER/NF department’s turn to man the JPL table for the 1^st Wednesday ArtWalk, which happened to coincide with the SparkWalk. We had a celebration of Poetry Month on our table, plus information on upcoming JPL programs/events.  Next to us, CAL and Learn to Read were manning a table with information on their special services."  

Thanks to Cranston Burney for the pictures.

Staffs Give Board View Of JPL Services & Meeting Customer Needs

Andrew Herron, Executive Assistant to Director Barbara Gubbin, gives this report about a very important annual planning meeting, "At the 2016 Library Board Work Day, 8 am - 3 pm, February 4^th, Library Trustees, Friends, and Foundation members got an in-depth, up-close-and-personal look at library functions/activities for which they advocate.  Members attended different classes where Jennifer Giltrop, Ed Murray, Gretchen Mitchell, Luis Terron, Amber Holley, Carisia Rooney, Marie Myers, Charlene Adkins, Jill Haile Katie Devanny and Sergio Lagman gave presentations about Small Business Assistance, 3-D Print Design, Children’s Programs, ESL classes, and E-Resources offered by the Library.  At the end of the Work Day, trustees expressed awe at the breadth of services offered by JPL and agreed that they were better prepared to advocate for the library to those in the community."

One of the classes on Board Work Day was attended by Library Board Trustee Guy Anderson (center, end of table), Dr. Ann Harwood-Nuss, member of the JPL Foundation (right of Mr. Anderson), and Julie McNeil (right of Dr. Nuss).  They sat in on an actual ESL Level II class, taught by part-time instructor, Sergio Lagman, who teaches regularly at Main, UPK, and CW. In this class, students learn every day conversational English, such as planning trips and vacations, and review irregular verbs.

Here Mr. Lagman is pictured teaching at a smart board (an electronic touch screen). He is using Ventures, a curriculum component that works with the smart board and allows the book to be interactive.  Katie Davanny, CAL's Manager, recognizes the importance of smart boards and her goal is to have one in every classroom.  Katie emphasized, "The smart board will not replace a hand-held book but interacts with it."

From this one example, one can see the VIP's experienced some real needs of customers and library staffs, who are diligently working to make a positive difference in their lives.

Center For Adult Learning Looks Purty At 30

The Center for Adult Learning (CAL) celebrated 30 years of service, Saturday, November 7, 2015, along with the Main Library's 10th anniversary. Michael Pickens, a CAL student, was on hand to help CAL and showcase his artwork. When asked about when he first began to draw, Michael said,

"I've been drawing my whole life."  In 1992, Michael faced his greatest challenge when he was the victim of a drive-by shooting.  After that, he had obstacles never dreamed of, including learning to be left handed, and gave up drawing. However, with his father's encouragement, he began to draw left handed. Michael can now boast that he has sold one drawing and has accepted his first commissioned piece.  Yes, that's Michael in one of our READ posters above.  He is an inspiration to all of our students and many others and says, Never give up no matter what obstacles are shot at you.  

The Holly Twins, Patrice, who is a current student with CAL, and Latrice are known for their angelic harmonizing voices.  They have been singing gospel since they were two years old, their first duet being "Yes, Jesus Loves Me." Together they have performed all over Duval County, Palatka and

parts of Louisiana, Georgia, Colorado, New Hampshire, South Carolina and now CAL. They were given the opportunity to appear on Dr. Bobby Jones Presents on Impact Network.  They have shared the stage with gospel greats such as John P. Kee, Rickey Dillard, Vicki Winans, Bryon Cage, and Jonathan McReynolds.  Patrice and Latrice also do mission work at difference rehabilitation facilities with their parents, deacon Paul Holly, Sr., and missionary Kathleen Holley.  They are members of the Faust Temple Church of God in Christ where they serve as praise leaders, choir directors, Sunday school teachers and do other work with youth.  Their passion is to spread God's love through their voices and inspire faith and joy. (Thanks to Katie Devanny, CAL's Program Manager, for the article and pics.)

CAL Celebrates The Year Of The River

Reading on the River

CAL celebrates the Year of the River

The Center for Adult Learning spent the month of May celebrating the St. Johns River.  Classes took field trips to the river to see it firsthand.  Each week of the month a different topic associated with the river was discussed. 

 The first week concentrated on the seven bridges.  Many of the English Second Language (ESL) students did not know the name of the bridge they cross every week to get to class but they knew the color. 

Next, the classes concentrated on the wildlife and the impact on the environment associated with the river.  Students wrote about the river and Jenny Busey from the St. Johns Riverkeeper came and spoke to the classes about the river and its wildlife. The students had many questions for the Riverkeeper especially about fishing.  We never knew we had so many fishermen and women in our classes.

Here is a poem from one of our ESL students from Russia:

Florida’s Springtime

I like Florida’s springtime.

Flowering bushes, flourishing trees

Renovation of nature.

I live on St. Johns riverside

Here, evening is the most beautiful.

I see the city

The luminous bridges, the sparkling light.

The varicolored lights of the city.

My soul rejoices.

Ludmilla Kahan

A student’s answer to –Why the St. Johns River is important for me?
The big reason for me moving to Jacksonville is the St. Johns River. I intend to live in waterside.  Good view make me pleasant and relax.  St. Johns River is also a busy channel for ships coming and going.  I feel like the St. Johns River becoming vivid. It is alive. - Thursday a.m. class- Mei Long-China

Finally, the classes looked at the economic and industrial impact of the river on Jacksonville.

May was a great month for “Reading on the River” at CAL.

CAL Shares Christmas Story

  Merry Christmas from the Center for Adult Learning and Learn to Read!  The staff of CAL and LTR decorated the Christmas tree in CAL with a theme of The Learning Tree.  The decorations (all handmade) were designed to include all areas of studies, i.e.: Math, ESL, and ABE.   Books were wrapped as gifts and placed under the tree.  A family of four stopped by and asked if they could get closer to the tree.  As they walked closer to the tree one of the kids asked his parents why there was writing on the decorations. The father said to the child, “I’m sure it’s related to the books under the tree because books are given as Christmas gifts.”  Denise was manning the desk and took the opportunity to provide the family with information concerning CAL and Learn to Read and what the decorations represented.   The parents thanked Denise, and the response from the kids was “COOL”. So, as you plan for your days off at Christmas don’t forget to READ!

CAL's "I Love My Library Board"

Katie Devanny, Literacy Program Manager for
the Center for Adult Learning, reports their brag board became their "I Love My Library" board when CAL celebrated literacy month with stories from their  students titled 'I love my library.” Most of the students complimented their teachers on how they have helped them with speaking, reading and writing. The students enjoy checking out movies, books and having access to computers.  They like the “calmness” of the library. One of CAL's students, Ms. Taylor, said it best, “The staff in the library helps in just about every way they can.” CAL also had a “sign me up” campaign in the classes to make sure every student had a library card.  CAL is happy to report that only had to sign up eight students.  Everyone had their card and was proud to show their teacher.

Exceptional Volunteer: Elaine Ginn

Thanks to CAL Manager Sharon Jaskula for forwarding this report, written by CAL Literacy Program Specialist, Kathy Zaccardi:  

 "JPL is fortunate to have a number of talented, dedicated volunteers supporting library staff and serving customers throughout the system.  One such volunteer, Elaine Ginn (pictured above), has been strengthening our community by serving as a volunteer English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor with the library’s Center for Adult Learning for a little over a year.  Elaine shows an exceptional understanding of the needs of adult English language learners as evidenced by the progress her students have made at the Southeast Branch Library.  To ensure instruction is relevant to her students, Elaine brings in objects from everyday life to use as teaching aids and incorporates current events to engage students in discussion.  When Elaine is not teaching, she is busy publishing; she recently co-authored Mission Unstoppable:  Extraordinary Stories from Failure’s Blessings .  She is also the sole author of second book entitled Patchwork.  Elaine has an MS in Nursing Education and has been a professor of Health Education at Western Illinois University. 

 

"JPL is very grateful for Elaine’s contributions and those of dedicated volunteers like her who do so much to enhance library services and programs."

May Is "Get Caught Reading" Month

Stephanie Smith, CAL's Literacy Program Specialist is on top of things, "You may already know that May is “Get Caught Reading” month.  I work at PCR a couple days a week and Linda Smith, a Library Associate at PCR, approached me with some posters for the occasion from the Association of American Publishers.  The posters show some Spanish-speaking celebrities, so she thought I might like to give them to some of my ESL students.  However, in return, I had to get some photos of students with the posters to send to the A. A. P.  One of my ESL volunteers, Elena Wigelsworth, recruited her Level 3/4 evening class to participate.  I’ve attached one of them.  There are more if you need them.  Linda said the people at the Association LOVE the pictures!  They might include us in their newsletter."  Guess who got caught reading (above).

CAL's ESL Instructor Now In South Korea

For nearly  a year, Lane Wright volunteered as an ESL instructor with the Center for Adult Learning (CAL). When a vacancy opened in the department, Lane began working as a part-time instructor at the Main Library.  He taught higher level classes as well as an introductory level group of women who spoke very little English. Lane put together fun, creative lessons that helped women from many different countries begin to understand and express themselves in English. In February, Lane followed his passion and accepted a full-time position in South Korea teaching English to second and third graders.  Lane is third from the left sitting among fellow teachers and new friends.

Thanks to CAL's Literacy Program Manager, Sharon Jaskula, for this article.

One More Reason To Be Proud of CAL

Sharon Jaskula, Center for Adult Learning Manager, shares this picture of Tatiana Masley (smiling at the camera), a Russian student in Valencia Kidwell’s ESL class at Main, as she was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, January 16, at the Duval County Court House.  Ms. Masley was one of 36 who became U.S. citizens that day.   Sharon said, "It was a great way to start the new year!" 

Katie Devanny, Literacy Program Supervisor  recounts CAL's recent program for immigrants, "Officer Nuria 'Archie' Archbold from the International Affairs Unit with JSO visited ESL classes at the Center for Adult Learning at the Main Library, October 28 and 29.   Officer Archie addressed 34 students from 13 different countries on safety tips.  She first reviewed how to make a 911 call when English is not one's first language (before saying anything else, tell the operator, 'I speak _______'). JSO has language line translators to help our new citizens overcome that barrier in an emergency. She addressed personal safety and what to do if someone trys to steal your purse (let them have it and call 911) and she covered identity theft and scams. This population is an easy target because of the language barrier and their misunderstanding of what documents should be carried with them at all times. (They are only required to have a Florida ID or driver’s license with them.)  There was also a good lesson on how to respond if stopped by the police. (We often forget how differently a refugee with limited English may perceive and react to armed people in uniform.) All classes and their instructors took home some valuable information.  We look forward to future presentations with Officer Archie."

These are all good tips we can share with newcomers to our country and we appreciate Katie's input that can be of value to all of us.

Life As A CAL Instructor

Katie Bark, Literacy Program Specialist (left) in the Center for Adult Learning, gets a huge hug from Victoria M., a student Katie worked with at the Community Transition Center. With Katie’s help, Victoria passed the GED exam and recently received her high school diploma.  Three other inmates in Katie’s classes at CTC also received their diplomas in May.  Katie’s genuine love for her students and her belief in “second chances” brings many ex-offenders back to the Library for continuing education, emotional support and career guidance.  Way to go, Katie!

From The Teacher's Perspective

Earlier in the month a bio was posted about Evens Leger, an ESL student/artist from Haiti, whose art can be seen on the second floor of the Main Library through December. Mr. Leger has been in the ESL program at the Center for Adult Learning since August.  Stephanie Smith, shown with the artist, shared her interaction with her classes and the artist, who is also her student,  "Recently, three ESL classes (Intro, Level 2, and Level 4) visited the artist and his work and then met privately with Mr. Leger.  He spoke about his paintings and they had an interesting Q&A session. The students enjoyed the presentation and the change of pace. They liked hearing from another student about pursuing a creative endeavor while adjusting to life in a new country. It was a fun and educational cultural exchange."