Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The End of the Program is Coming! ~~by Dafina Muqaj, Kosovo

The end of program is coming!

Everyone is working hard toward the end of program. Everyone is trying to accomplish their goal of being here and working on their projects to take back home. Spring semester has been very busy for us.  For that reason, I will call this the “busy “ blog. I wish I could write more about the fun parts, but I don’t think I would have a lot to write... let’s just wait until the end of the story! J

I am very excited to tell that every Fellow is doing at least one of their professional affiliations in very important institutions in the city of Richmond

 
  • Maia in Clinical Psychology wit Women's Health at VCU
  • Dorra is working in the Toxicology Laboratory at VCU Medical Center
  • Omar is part time between Richmond and West Virginia University with his hybrid affiliation
  • Mario is working with the Virginia Supreme court
  • Rogerio is woring with the Chesterfield County Mental Health
  • Nut, Moses and I are working at the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA). Nut and Moses in prevention and I am in the treatment sector.


On February 2- 4, together with Humphrey Fellows from John Hopkins University we had an orientation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It was a great experience, most impressive was the orientation of National Library, as well as visit at National Institute for Drugs and Alcohol (NIDA).


We also had the honor  of hosting the new director of Institute of International Education(IIE), Judy Gibson, in Richmond. It was her first time in Richmond and we celebrated with an international potluck dinner at our Coordinator's home, Bob Balster! We had a wonderful time with her!


We also visited Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia. We were quite impressed with the work they do.  We toured the facility and got a personal look at their alternative treatment of the patients there and their future plans for a facility that accomodates their teaching curriculum.


We also had our last journal club, which is a part of our Humphrey Seminar facilitated by Alison Breland, our Academic Coordinator. Each Fellow had to present a scientific journal article while group made critiques on the topic followed by discussion. I have to mention that Maia’a journal was most discussed. Why?  “Love Addiction” was the topic. I think you already understand why. J


 Here is the fun part; movie nights! We had a Russian Movie "Mermaid", excellent movie, I recommend to everyone watch it. We also enjoyed delicious Russian food.

We also experienced Egyptian food and an Egyptian movie “Yacoubian Building" also was great. Omar is a great cook.J   


VCU RAMS! We really enjoyed this time of the Final Four! The Rams participated for the first time in history and we were here! They are so great. We are proud being part of VCU! We were so excited to watch the finalfour game. A little bit disappointed, because of course we wanted a victory. The picture shows better how we felt. L


We believe that the RAMS next year will be champions. “MAKE IT HAPPEN”; it’s not just a wish but they played a great game.