Last Days at Purdue

As we enter the last few days of our Internship in the United States, I am in between two worlds. I am really looking forward going home, to my family and friends and colleagues. But there is also a looming sadness of leaving my newfound friend and colleagues here at Purdue University, West Lafayette. I found a home away from home, a place were I could settle, a University Libraries where I can work . To Dean Jim Mullins and my colleagues and friends at Purdue, thank you so much for your hospitality, Your eager sharing of knowledge and expertise. To my to hosts Gretchen Stephens and Jane Yatcilla, I cound't ask for better.

Also thanks to the Mortenson Center for their wonderful program  and trouble they went to make this journey a once in a lifetime opportunity.

To my fellow Interns, you're the best. May we see many good results growing from this experience.

Regards
Tertia Coetsee

Reflections @ the journey's end

So, the dreaded/welcome last week/week of lasts has arrived. Talk about mixed feelings! Thoughts of family and friends back home have me counting the days, but on the other hand, I am acutely aware of the fact that a very special time and once in a lifetime opportunity is sadly drawing to a close. I keep on asking myself, have I done enough? I certainly hope so. I’ve had days where my head could explode from information overload; I’ve had days of quiet reflection. I’ve had days surrounded by too many people, too many voices; I’ve had silent, lonely days. I’ve tried to process al the experiences and information in an orderly fashion – hoping to create a logical aide memoir and reference for myself to refer to when I get home. But, I think I’m already feeling the pressure of the most difficult part which is yet to come: Doing something, giving back, sharing… I hope that our “Open Access” group of interns (and friends) will keep on supporting each other once we are back at home. So let me end by thanking Carnegie, the organizers, my fellow interns and, of course, our welcoming US hosts at Mortenson and Duke. It’s been a truly exceptional experience!

It's been an incredible journey!

Thank you!

The time is drawing to a close when we have to leave the US and head off home to South Africa. It has been an incredible journey and I feel so privileged to have been in the US and at Cornell University. I have learnt so much about libraries in the US and have met with such wonderful people who were so willing to share their time and ideas with me. Thank you to the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, Cornell University and Mann Library for hosting me.