Blogging as a PR Tool

This morning, I drove to Tacoma (a nice early morning trip) to attend the PRSA South Sound Group "Blogs as  PR Tool" panel discussion.  I thought it would be a nice networking event with fellow morning people, but it turned out to offer me additional insight to the world of blogging from a corporate standpoint.

The speaker panel included:

Lloyd Brown, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Transportation
Eric Jones, Marketing Project Specialist, Washington State Employees Credit Union
Derek Young, Founder & Editor, Exit133.com
Marcelene Edwards, Business Team Leader, The News Tribune 

While each individual highlighted the pros/cons to utilizing a blog in their specific sphere, there were a few overarching messages that I thought might be helpful found applicable to any organization hoping to start a blog.

Here's what I learned:

1. Appeal to a specific audience. Although this may seem like a basic tenant to any communications strategy, it was most helpful to hear that prior to establishing a blog site it is not always necessary to do a great deal of research and analytics. Interestingly, when Lloyd Brown set up the DOT blog in 2006, it was the night of a major crisis and he wanted to respond immediately by establishing a blog. Sometimes it's just a matter of getting started and then evaluating your readers after they start coming and commenting.

2. Eric mentioned (and the panel agreed) that blogs offer 'real person' testimony. Having a YouTube video or even video account links on a sidebar can help reach visual learners with current content.

3. Tone of voice is critical to success. Being able to develop a single voice (as opposed to several different writers contributing to a blog) helps readers gain a level of attachment for the site and continue to visit. In an effort to keep the tone on your blog positive, stick to the facts. If you must quote individuals (which usually results in nasty disagreements in the comments section) link your article (or post) to a reputable news source.

4. Maintain consistency. Panelists agreed that once a week is necessary (but it doesn't help to exceed 4-5 a day). Similar to the argument for strong voice, consistency helps people develop attachment.

5. Promote your site by: 1. utilizing other blogs and 2. tagging your posts effectively. Go to the Web sites that are most applicable to your target audience and begin leaving educated comments that build credibility as a reputable resource. People will find your blog on Google through your tags, but a link to your site from something they're already reading is best. Sometimes it's as simple as tagging your signature block too.

Any other tips I missed?

A skill set's a skill set

There's a lot of talk about social media out there, but few people emphasize listening.  

B.L. Ochman, author of "What's Next Online,' got it exactly right in a recent article when she stated: "Agencies instead need first to approach social media as listeners... Go to where the conversation about your client is taking place.  Find out what people are saying about you and your industry.  Listen to their concerns-only then should you begin to create the platform for communicating with them."  Ochman addresses what most people assume in everyday personal interaction and don't apply to online relationships.  Knowing people takes time and listening skills.  

Blogging, Twittering or starting a cause-related Facebook group, more than writing a newspaper article or talking on air, are not based on one-sided relationships.  Whereas I can read someones blog and immediately comment, when has anyone ever watched the Today Show and called up Matt Lauer to share their thoughts?  If only for the accessibility blogging gives consumers, clients or even family members, people are in it for the relationships. 

Listening is what makes these relationships work.  Listening skills are what everyone needs regardless of whether or not you own a Fourtune 500 company or you just want to get in touch with an old friend.  Listening doesn't mean someone has to be speaking either--typing and posting require the same attention.  

How long do people need to listen (observe) before speaking (replying)?  I like to think of it in terms of the job application process.  What employer will consider a cover letter that doesn't apply to the business directly?  What interviewer is going to be impressed by a candidate that can't offer proof they've learned about the issues facing the organization? The same is true for consumers in an online setting.  If an organization isn't credible (if they haven't been listening) people not only will lose respect but they'll probably react negatively (and we all know how fast negative word-of-mouth spreads particularly on online social networks).  

Companies tell prospective employees to do their research, professors expect the same from students, so shouldn't the standard be held for companies and agencies too?  Practice your listening skills.     

Team Search

This painting is displayed down the street from Dom's house.  I think it perfectly illustrates how we look after a nice long day of job searching.  That bug eye on the left is me after editing my resume.  

We make a great team though.

Hello. My name is...

... and this is where I come from... This is where I'm living... This is what I'm working on... These are my favorite foods...

The entire week was spent meeting new people.  Making friends hasn't been nearly as difficult as I had anticipated; in fact I only had one night free this week.  Seattle seems to be conducive to building new relationships because the majority of the people I've bumped into have been from the East coast or Midwest.  In other words, it often feels like we're all new out here and willing to enjoy the city together.  To be honest, in the month Dom and I have spent as 'transplants', we've only met a handful of Washingtonians and Seattleites.  

We met a nice couple from Boston while enjoying the sunset over Golden Gardens. 

 

Golden Gardens Park 

We met a group of young adults from a church we started attending at a fondue night.  I even met an Armenian man and spoke about the lack of tasty matsoon in the Pacific Northwest at the Foundation for International Understanding's 60th anniversary reception (FIUTS, is quite similar to the Worthington International Friendship Association (WIFA) or the International Visitor's Council (IVC) that I worked with in Columbus). 

Perhaps I find meeting people so natural because there's so much to do and see.  For example, we took advantage of the First Thursday Free museum admission at The Experience Music Project (EMP) Thursday evening and had a blast beating on drums and strumming electric guitars.  The EMP is: "Dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music," and has a whole floor of sound labs where people can learn instruments, record songs and even play in a virtual stadium of screaming fans.  The building (designed by Frank O. Gehry) caught our attention from day one.

It's rather wavy right?

During the day, I've been introducing myself to the PR field through informational interviews.  Professionals in Seattle have been more than willing to provide me with opportunities to rebuild my network and provide me with contacts.  

Sometimes it's fun to be a little fish in a big pond.  There are plenty of others in the same situation, providing me with new introductions each week.  As I build my nest in the northwest I'm sure to find plenty to keep me busy.    

Reconnect With Professional Contacts - wikiHow

Last week I signed up for a free online writing course at WikiHow.com.  This article is my first homework assignment.  I was hoping I could think of something much more fun for my 'how to' article, but as it turns out my mind is pretty relationship focused right now.

Reconnect With Professional Contacts - wikiHow

Maybe my next article will be: How to train for a marathon, how to press leaves for decoupage or how to make moist chocolate pumpkin cookies.  The possibilities are endless now.

Personality test

I took an online work type test this afternoon to see if I really am 'wired' for what I say I am.  My results told me I'm a transformer/transactor.

"Transformers combine interpersonal sensitivity with powerful social networks and definite leadership impact.  Transactors combine thoughtful analysis with the driven pursuit of goals.  They enjoy challenges and can be relied upon to deliver results."  

I think true personality shines in two types of situations: When people are under the stress of a challenge and when people are given flexibility.

Fortunately, I don't have any stressful situations to report, but I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon walking around the lake and yesterday evening shopping for (we're big fans of Whole Foods) and preparing a traditional Colombian meal with my new roommate.  We substituted guasca for cilantro and with a fresh avocado it made the perfect soup.  Dom loved it for the potatoes and yuka.   

It's amazing how much I take my current flexibility for granted.  At a Bible study last week we were all asked how we would spend two hours to ourselves.  Surrounded by many young mothers and working professionals, I was reminded of what it is like to feel that two personal hours is unimaginable.  

I will try to take advantage of this schedule (even if I hope it's short lived).  After all, it's in the transactor's personality.    

Welcome Pharmaceuticals

One of the best decisions I made when I first moved to Seattle was to renew my Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) membership and join the local Puget Sound chapter.  

Ever since I made this investment, I've received the daily online news service in my inbox.  Sadly, I always feel guilty about the East Coast/West Coast difference when I find an article I particularly enjoy because I'm convinced everyone out in Ohio has already read and processed the information I find brand new each day.  

Today, however, there was one story I couldn't help but comment on.  It's by Jim Edwards for BrandWeek: "Why Pharma Fears Social Networking: Drug companies are avoiding online bulletin boards, blogs and chat rooms like the plague, but pressure is building to move the industry into the world of Web 2.0."

Mr. Edwards writes: "Drug brand Web sites almost never carry the features that marketers usually are desperate to give their customers: bulletin boards, chat rooms, logs and Web-page hosting...[marketers] fear that user-generated content will include complaints."  

The customer interaction they're avoiding is what adds to the distrust people feel for the industry as a whole.  Apparently these companies feel that if they can avoid open knowledge of 'adverse-events' or if they can speed-read through their medication's side effects more people will buy their drug.

Today, this is no way to build a positive corporate reputation.  It's widely accepted that at least 60 percent of a company's market value is attributable to reputation.  It's good news, therefore, that the Web 1.0 model may be about to change for drug marketers.  

It will be a tough, but necessary change for pharmaceutical brand managers.  I don't envy their struggle to manage attacks from in-house lawyers.  A study is definitely in order; numbers that managers can hand to lawyers to demonstrate that online customer reports are usually less negative than drug companies imagine.  

We should warmly welcome the push of communications professionals advising drug companies to embrace Web 2.0.  If for no other reason than for an open dialogue with consumers.  Edwards quotes Peter Pitts, an svp at Manning, Selvage & Lee, New York: "Drug companies need to begin embracing ways to look for adverse events instead of hoping they don't stumble across them."   

I wonder about this issue, the need for patient involvement in corporate marketing, at a global level as well.  Last year, (and I'm sure long before) American PR agencies were monitoring the trends in public health in China.  Laura Schoen, the president of Global Healthcare at Weber Shandwick Worldwide wrote an article highlighting just how valuable reputation management is for the emerging Chinese market.  The last couple of years, potential roadblocks included availability of care, better access, product pricing and competition.  I think that today open availability of consumer opinion/experience will either empower or hinder the success of pharmaceuticals in China.  After all, how do companies build strong reputations today?  Sorry advertising, it's not though print ads in newspapers and magazines, it's through consumer interest online.  

Brown writes: "Asians are following a growing global trend of patients who do not rely solely on what they are told in the doctor's clinic when considering their health.  They are beginning to look to other sources for information they believe credible and helpful, such as the media and the Internet."

The need for patient involvement and outreach is further supported by a recent health engagement study by Edelman PR.  Seventy five percent of more than 5,000 people surveyed in five countries stated: "It's increasingly important that health products and services engage with me."  

Brown knew that effective communications could help companies reach out to gain admiration for pharmaceutical innovation, create a sense of hope for the patient population, innovation impacts and productive dialogue about it with health professionals back then.  I wonder if she would agree with me that effective communications today will involve not only a one-sided search for health information but a dialogue between patients and consumers.  

Do we see each other as credible?  Do the benefits to reputation outweigh the costs in monitoring adverse events?  For the sake of my career interests, I hope so.

  

It's not that bad

I never listened to the radio much until I met Dominic.  An NPR fanatic, he has recently introduced me to the various shows dissecting today's economy, international news and presidential race.  I like NPR a lot, but I can only take today's headlines in small doses.  All I want to say is: Good news still exists because we care a lot.

The good news for me relates to how much I care about my family:  I'm able to connect with loved ones instantly from anywhere in this country.  I can talk to my mom without wasting minutes any time I want through the Verizon 'in' network.  I email my grandpa from the WIFI at the free library and I can update this blog whenever I have the inspiration to write--24 hours a day.  Just three months ago, the dream of a good Internet connection, or a phone line for that matter, was a stretch.  

There's good news for the world too.  Honda's plan to sell hybrid motorcycles in 2 years, or students in Papua New Guinea contributing to the coffee industry.  What if homeless billionaires  really are contributing to sustainable development and living in hotels?  All I'm trying to say is that there is good news too.  If I could afford it, I'd subscribe to The Good News Network for the sake of balancing out everything I hear in the mainstream media.  Sometimes it's just nice to know that people are working hard for something they care about.

For example, I catered a fundraising event last night for the Washington Toxics Coalition.  Their mission, to protect public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution, raised thousands of dollars for lobbying for safer products, healthy homes & gardens and sustainable agriculture.  One of their PowerPoint slides highlighted 'volatile vinyl'.  This organization raised money at a time when people are hesitating to buy cheese bricks at the grocery store.  If society can raise money for toxic-free children's toys then who's to say we can't fight poverty and hunger?  Americans are generous and we do care about a lot.  We're willing to give of our time and money to organizations that promote just about everything.  

I came home and my roommate commented on my extensive travel background.  We both agreed that, for all the problems it has, America is truly a great place to be.  I'll listen, even donate to NPR, remembering that this station is just contributing to one more reason why I love America.  We care about everything.  

A career in searching

I moved into my new apartment this week and have enjoyed making it 'home'.  When my roommate came in the first night I showed her my possessions: A mattress, a desk and chair and an end table.  She said: "It's ok, little by little".  She's right.  I'm certainly not leaving a big footprint in Queen Anne (although my mom might argue that the boot print is jammed into my childhood bedroom in Columbus where I have overflowing boxes identified by the countries I've visited: Japan box, Costa Rica box, Armenia box, etc...).  

The room is so empty it echoes, which makes me self-conscious when I'm trying to make follow up calls and introduce myself to potential employers.  Follow up calls.  Potential employers.  Oh my, this is the least fun 'job' I've ever had.  When it comes down to it, however, treating it like a job is what I've decided to do.  I sit down at the computer each morning to begin searching/researching, reading and questioning. 

What is the best approach to a successful job search?  By nature, I like to focus on one company that I'm really passionate about:  An agency that has the type of room for growth, professional development and account portfolio that I can invest in.  In reality, today's economy is not conducive to that type of specialization.  All the advice I've received is to cast a wide net to as many organizations as I can. 

I began thinking about this process-the job search process as a job-and it occurred to me that this is a great exercise in agency work.  I am seeking public relations agencies for the opportunity to disseminate information to multiple clients.  I want to be able to shape the public's perceptions, attitudes and behavior by representing everything from big business to small nonprofit.  If I wanted to focus on one business, (the way I'm focusing on one agency to work for) I'd look for positions in corporate public relations.   

The search will continue (in between catering shifts at cool places like the Experience Music Project and Seattle Center).  As much as I enjoy this 'exercise in balancing numerous contacts/organizations', I hope it will end sooner rather than later.  Until then, wait patiently and please don't inquire about the status.  I can assure you that when I'm employed you'll know. 

Personal advertising

I stumbled across a blog called Word Wealth this morning and couldn't help but feel like this article was written for me to consider.  

Sadly, I had never used Craigs List before Armenia, and even after coming home in August I didn't realize what an integral role it would play in my daily life until I moved out West.  I have checked this online 'everything you could imagine' classified list hourly since I began my home search.  And why not?  After all, people post new rooms/apartments/homes/rentals/buys constantly.  

So the article by Mr. White caught my attention today as I struggle with how to answer the ads for future roommates.  What do you really want to share about yourself in that initial introduction email? 

"Hello I'm Sarah and I just arrived from Ohio (Go Bucks!) and I need a home asap"... Too desperate.

"Hi!  I won't create a fuss when I move in because all I have with me are two suitcases"... Too minimalistic.

"Good day, I survived two Armenian winters without heat so I promise not to spend too much money on gas this winter"... Oh Peace Corps

So, I understand what this lady is writing about--there's a fine line between honesty and sharing far too much.  

With roommates though, isn't it better to get an honest picture?  I want anyone looking for a roommate to be able to say: "I take 30 minute showers, the fridge is pretty small, I like to watch HGTV while I knit every night".  

It's not really in my nature to be as blunt as the mother who wrote the nanny ad in Craigs List.  I'll just have to continue with what I'm trying my best to convey in my own subtle way... 

Seeking Seattle roommate: 24-year-old PR professional, tidy but not obsessive, friendly but not clingy, outgoing but not a party animal.  

I need a roommate seeking Webinar training.

   

Seeing and Doing

I got great advice from a mentor and friend in Columbus not to 'settle' in Seattle.  So far, I think I've done a good job of balancing the necessity of finding living arrangements and employment with experiencing the beauty and excitement of coming to a brand new city.

So far, my favorite excursions have been to Ballard Locks and Gasworks Park.  It was at the locks that I learned all about how young salmon (smolts) migrate back and forth from the saltwater of the Pacific ocean to Lake Washington and upstream to lay their eggs.  During this migratory process, the smolts ride the current near the banks of the river.  Their bodies undergo changes that enable them to live in sea water; a process called smoltification.

Gasworks is a beautiful park on Lake Washington overlooking downtown Seattle.  It's a lovely place to fly kites, read a book or witness medieval sword fighting.  Seriously, men were fighting to drumbeats from a casual band in the park.  

I've seen a troll under the bridge in Fremont, had a stuffed fish thrown at my head at Pike Place Market and walked along the Pacific coast.  All in the rain.

Please bear with me as I put this blog together.  Everything is new to me these days and I'm trying my best to find everything from camera cords to matching socks in the 'perfectly convenient' places I packed them.  

Let's get together

As I return to American society I want to notify you of ways we can stay in touch.

You can view my LinkedIn profile here:



Or, you can follow me on Twitter (SarahZaenger)

Or, you can check out my Facebook Profile.

I look forward to staying in touch!

RPCV

I said goodbye to my Armenian family, friends and community on July 25th and flew out of Armenia early on the 26th. It's hard to believe that I've been absent from the bustling Zeynalyan household, the noisy public minibuses and the sweltering summer heat for more than a month now. There's so much I'll miss, and yet a lot to look forward to.

The Peace Corps teaches all volunteers more about themselves than we can offer the communities we serve. I learned about setting realistic expectations, building interpersonal relationships and how to focus on assets and resources rather than deficits and wants. I'll continue life in America with a more reasonable worldview and more patient work ethic.

Since leaving Armenia at the end of July I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow, through Russia, Mongolia, China (with a stop in Beijing for the Olympics) and Hong Kong. Despite the joy of seeing countries I never imagined I'd visit it's great to be home.

Thank you for your attention the past 27 months. It's been quite an experience and I appreciate your support and encouragement.

Love,
Sarah

Saying goodbye

The host family, my best friends and the entire village demanded visits and time during my last week here. I spent long reminiscing about what it was like when I first arrived (i.e. poor Armenian, confusion over water availability and frustration with rowdy children in school) and how so much had changed over the last two years. If I had 300 dram for every time someone said the time had flown by so quickly I'd be able to buy a plane ticket to America.

I managed to visit most people I needed to see and pass out 'phone call cheat sheets' to everyone who may like to call me in the future. I had half the village practicing: "Hello, mei name iz ____" "Mei I have Sera".

The last night we spent at home, with people stopping by to say goodbye during our horovatz. My two best friends came over and stayed until I knew they couldn't keep their eyes open any longer...the family stayed up all night waiting.

We managed 8 in the car and after walking single-file up the car ramp and into the airport (we weren't sure about parking) I presented them with a scrapbook I had made from my two years in their home. As they flipped through the pages of our lives together they began to cry and I realized that the goodbye would be more difficult than I had anticipated.

I made them leave the airport before I went through security, shuffling them out the door and telling them to get back to the car. I told them to call so I wouldn't forget my Armenian and handed Donara my phone so she could keep in touch.

As difficult as it was to leave, I'm excited about the next three weeks of travel ahead. Beijing here we come!

Teacher Excursion

As a goodbye and one last opportunity to toast to the health of Americans everywhere, the teachers from my school decided to plan a two day trip to Lori Marz. We toured Tumanyan's (a famous Armenian poet) home and museum, two famous curches and spent hours upon hours singing and dancing in our small bus.

One may aruge that there was a lack of organization when, at midnight, no one knew where we were going to stay that night. I was sleeping peacefully in the bus when my director informed me that we had found a grandmother who lived alone who could 'comfortably' host us (or 15 of us) for the night in her home for 1,000 dram (less than $3) a person. We moved in and soon thereafter I realized the bus may have provided a quieter sleeping arrangement. The women started jumping around and giggling like 14-year-olds! I guess girls will be girls. We had a fun time in that house. It's almost like Couch Surfing only with less planning.

BBQ

The table all set for dinner

A short snack stop on the road: Hot dogs, cucumbers, tomatoes and sour cream

Haghpat

Our sleepover

Civic Leadership 2008

On July 13th, thirteen students from Vanadzor, Idjevan, Nor Kyurin Village and Yereghnadzor joined twenty-three of my students for a five-day civic leadership camp in the village.

The camp, sponsored by the Open Society Institute of Armenia and the Peace Corps, brought students together to study topics including corruption, human rights, civic responsibility and country studies.

Each afternoon the students used team-building skills to create and compete in country groups. Competitions included country introductions to a mock European Council, a culture exposition similar to the popular Armenian television show two stars, a mock war and a conflict-resolution rope game.

On the final day of camp, students were asked to imagine their country's future and participants painted a mural in the village's playground.

Students stayed in Surenavan with host families from the village. Each evening students were invited to gather for theme night activities including sports, movies, a disco and an excursion to Khor Virap, the famous monastery near Mt. Ararat.

FLEX Session 1

After three days of classes on cultural exchange and shock, host families and high schools, and how to make friends with Americans our first group of FLEX finalists are prepared to leave for the states.

Syd and I had a great time training, by far, the best group of Armenian 14 and 15-year-olds I've ever met. They were polite, respectful and participated in lessons. We had evening activities that even we looked forward to such as a Remember the Titans movie night (with buttered popcorn) and a 'critical thinking' scavenger hunt. On the last day we had them all worked up by scheduling a 5-hour 'test'. They were all delighted to find that they were taking notes at an American BBQ and dance party (including fresh made s'mores).

The entire group is split into two sessions with the second half having their training starting tomorrow. I can only hope that the next section will benefit as much from my advice on joining after school clubs as the first.

The future of Armenia

The students surprised me at midnight on my birthday with a huge 'bee-day' sign and singing.

Introducing the homecoming queen concept

S'mores. So tasty you want some more! (My dear student on the left hadn't tried them yet.)

Harvest time

Last Sunday I spent the day in the orchard picking our crop of freshly ripened apricots. After collecting for awhile I fought a tough battle trying to convice my host father that I wasn't going to fall out of a tree and break my leg reaching for the best of the best from the top branches.

The kids and I collected nearly 150 kilos before I decided my energy was better spent 'organizing' the boxes and crates into presentable rows and columns.

The next day I traveled to Yerevan on the train. It is my favorite time of year for this type of transportation. Spring and fall are when the train really comes to life with buyers and sellers loading their produce in through windows, yelling out prices and fighting for standing room. Luckily mine is one of the early stops so I always manage to get a good seat for the show.

My host father says that apricots have a different personality. They're more difficult than apples-which you can leave hanging for a few days. The family spent night and day in the field getting every last apricot down in it's right time. Even Sargis, my brother, stayed in a small 'domik' or shack to guard the crop in the night.

I've enjoyed seeing the process. There are pictures to illustrate it below:

First, you have to pick 'em...

Then to market...

With every last one finding it's purpose...these lucky few being juice and jam

I've finished all of my travel and now with only six weeks remaining I'm getting ready for a civic leadership camp and our FLEX pre-departure orientation (next week). Oh, and there's the job search too. It's a shame I won't be around for watermelon season. Maybe I just won't leave...

Two years down, two months to go

I was sitting at lunch today with my host sister Hermine and she asked how much time we had left (I get this question at least 4 times a day). I told her that today was exactly two months until I'd be leaving Armenia. I must admit, time really does fly.

All of the PCVs in Armenia are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the A16s on May 31st. This past weekend we briefly looked at their Yahoo! Chats and blogs. They're no different from how we were two years ago-- nervous, anxious and excited. I'm looking forward to meeting them.

In the next two months there's a pull to get all of my work completed (an endless battle) in the village while trying to balance the demands of 'house visits' to say goodbye and hunting for a job in America. Despite all of the work that needs to get done and people who need to be met, I'm most looking forward to the apricot harvest in June. Ararat Marz apricots are the best.

April Activities

On April 16th I left the village for Kiev, Ukraine, where I spent five days touring the city and five days at a training of trainers for the American Council’s Future Leader Exchange Program (FLEX). American Councils’ staff worked with teachers from Georgia, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine and FLEX alumni so that this summer we’ll be prepared to deliver a pre-departure orientation in our respective countries. There are two PC volunteers and two FLEX alumni for the 45 Armenian tenth graders preparing to study in an American high school next fall. According to their student handbook, “The FLEX program is funded by the United States Government to promote respect for cultural diversity, friendship between the United States of America and Eurasia*, and opportunities for personal development through international host family living.” This nine month scholarship provides Armenian youth with the experience of a lifetime and I look forward to sharing in their excitement as their pre-departure orientation teacher.

*Eurasia is used by the U.S. Government to describe the republics of the former Soviet Union.

Tatiks look the same in Kiev as they do in Armenia

St. Michaels Cathedral

St. Andrew Street (for gifts and handmade crafts)

I returned to Yerevan after my ten day trip only to leave again for Georgia. I spent two days touring Tbilisi--my only excuse being that it is so close and I hadn’t made it to the beautiful city yet.

I returned to Yerevan and the same day picked up my dad. It was a joyful reunion of us laughing and crying in the middle of the Zvartnots Airport. After nearly a year and a half I couldn’t seem to pull myself together enough to worry one bit about the cultural scene we were making in front of an astonished Armenian crowd.

Dad and I toured Armenia beginning with my first host family in a village near Vanadzor, then by attending the National Spelling Bee in Hrazdan, followed by my current village and on south to Noravank, Jermuk, Goris and Tatev, finally back to Yerevan for my close of service conference. He got to do some very touristy things including scheduled tours of Gharni and Geghark churches but he also got a true perspective from the time we spent with my host families and in the villages. He got to fish with the kids, hike with my host father, BBQ with my host brother and even prepare ghngali (ravioli like pasta) with my host mom. He enjoyed horovats (BBQ) at least seven times in the nine days he was here and I’m sure he had more than enough homemade jelly, cheese and lavash to last him for awhile. It was fun to have him around to show off my translating skills and the villagers all enjoyed commenting on how ‘young’ he looked and how ‘intelligent’ he seemed. All very true statements.

Dad competing to make ghngali the fastest...host mom won

Sitting with the neighbor ladies

Spelling bee competitors

After my dad left I returned to work to finish up the school year. We received funding for our civic leadership camp taking place in July and finished our European Club’s ninth grade emigration/immigration service learning project. We organized our after school mentorship club schedule so the students from the secondary school would be able to continue their classes in the kindergarten during summer break. I spent the last week of classes teaching the seven and eight-year-olds summertime safety lessons and gathering summer camp applications for GLOW (Girls Leading our World) and BRO, (Boys Reaching Out) two camps sponsored by our Gender and Development PC initiative, from the older students.

On Wednesday the “Last Bell” (i.e. graduation) festivities began for the two graduating classes (11a and 11b) with a ceremony at Khor Virap. The students lit candles, listened to a speech by the residing pastor and received their last bell ‘bells’ (corsages) from first graders. On Friday, the students had ‘last class’ where 11a ‘packed’ a suitcase of all of the knowledge they gained during their school career and 11b created a future goal tree. Teachers made speeches, students voiced their appreciation, they got ‘pinned’ with their bells and then everyone drank champagne, ate cake and danced. Saturday was the last bell ceremony. After two hours of presentations by the students themselves, my school director recognized my last bell as a teacher in Armenia. I got pinned and was asked to speak. Here's what I said (in very eloquent Armenian)...

"Dear teaches, parents and guests, yesterday in 11a's classroom, during their last class, our students wrote their thoughts to this question: 'I'm leaving my school and with me I will take...' I thought all day about this question and must say that I will take a life experience from this school-- an experience that brought me new friends and strong skills. Yesterday in 11b's classroom, during their last class, our students built their 'Tree of goals'. My goal is to always stay connected with this school. Dear graduates, the age difference between us is not all that great, at most seven years. Let's work together in this small world. Let's help people, protect the environment and save the world together! I will give you some advice: In Mrs. Grigoryan's (my counterpart) classroom she has a saying on the wall: 'I listen, I forget, I see, I remember, I do, I understand'. Dear graduates, as much as you are able, try to take advantage of the opportunities you have in life. My life is richer because of the two years I experienced here and I am sure that you will also achieve your goals if you work for others. I am extremely grateful for Armenia. I wish all of you health and all the best. I will miss our school."

Oh graduation. School's out for summer!

Last Class

Last Bell