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This was probably one of the
best summers I have had in this decade - working, learning new things and
traveling! All in one - what an amazing three months!
It all started when the position for teaching
organic chemistry in summer, at University of Hawaii - Hilo, was announced
in C & E News. Sounded too good to be true. I of course
applied, got interviewed, and got the job. I was ecstatic! Of course
I had to leave as soon as semester ended and come back the week before
semester started at Park in fall. 12 weeks of packing, 12 weeks of
spices, living arrangement etc..all had to be done. I think the most
fun part was telling everyone I was going to Hawaii to teach for summer.
I was prepared well. I took all my
necessary ingredients - my daals, spices, molecular models, books, and
enough clothes. My chemistry colleague was wonderful enough to
arrange accommodations for me near campus. I rented in one room of a
faculty's house. It was less than a mile from campus, and
since I would not have a car, it was perfect for me.
I got to Hilo on Thursday evening. So I had
the Friday for paperwork and the weekend to acclimated (and start my
touring!). Hilo is a beautiful town. Very non-touristy, very homey.
I was very lucky to be teaching there for summer and not on Ohau. I
rented a car that weekend and started my touring around. I have
never seen a place so green! The whole island seemed like a large park.
I drove around the island - hit all the key spots, bought some touristy
stuff and ate some good bread. Without realizing it, I drove on some
places I probably should not have driven to in a rental car, the south
point and Saddle road. The south point road is quite unpaved and Saddle
road is notorious for getting fog in the afternoon (that is when I was on
it!!) and having many accidents. I am a careful driver, or maybe I
was lucky, I did not have any troubles driving on any island on any road.
Saddle road is worth a mention though. While I was driving on it
(BTW - I went on it only once. Did not have the guts to do it again), I
saw all this black land. I did not know what to make of it. I
stopped a few times, took picture and drove on. It took me a while
to realize that I was looking at lava!! My first encounter!
My travels are written on other pages.
Here I want to mention about my class and teaching experience.
I had a small class of 12 dedicated students
(10, after 2 withdrew). It was the first time in USA I had such a
diverse class: Filipino, Taiwanese, Japanese, Hawaiian, mixed races and
yes, Caucasian too. And to top it off, they had me, an Indian, as their
teacher. But no matter what the ethnicity, they were all there to
learn organic chemistry, and they all got along just fine. I did not
realize how close I would become to this group of students. We were
together every day of the week from 3-7 hours daily. We had study
sessions together and sometimes we socialized too. I had 12 weeks to
finish what I do in 30 weeks, so we all worked hard. For me it was
8-5 days M-F. I made sure to finish my work during the week so I
could play during the weekends.
What really connected me to the students was
the love of food. I always had chocolate, cookies and candy in my
office. Anyone would need a sugar break after studying organic for
two hours! And then we had one hour of recitation. So yes, sugar was
in high demand. But what I did not know was that Hawaiians are also
fond of eating! So then started the treats. They would bring great
local snacks and foods and I would bring whatever lame cookies I could
find. But everyday we had some food, and I felt that was a kind of
bonding I would not have achieved without the food.
By the time we were half way through, I knew
them well and they knew me very well. The hardest week for me was
the 12th week. I prepared for it for three weeks. I had little gifts
for everyone, including a group picture of us. We were the pioneers of
summer organic class, so yes, I thought we were special. They gave
me gifts before I left. Very emotional.
I keep thinking about how it would be go
back and teach there again during another summer and then I realize it
will never be the same. First times are always first times! The emotions,
the fascination, the wonder and the innocence (or ignorance) of the first
time would not be there. I am very lucky and happy to have been there
during the summer of 2004 and I know for sure, the ten students who stuck
it through the 12 weeks with me, will also never forget that summer.
Mahalo for reading!! |