My Time With V.I.S.A.: Assistant Coordinator, January 2009-August 2009, Part I

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My Time With V.I.S.A.: Assistant Coordinator, January 2009-August 2009, Part I

December 26, 2010 Pumudu Leave a comment Go to comments

At the end of the fall semester of 2008, Mallika Padmanabhan left the V.I.S.A. Coordinator position, as she graduated. As the previous Assistant Coordinator Lulua Mala had left the team in September 2008, that position was vacant as well. To fill the Coordinator position, Laura Prada joined the team. Laura was experienced in international student affairs over a three-year period without being part of V.I.S.A. She brought in a wealth of experience, new ideas and a different perspective to the team.

To fill the Assistant Coordinator position, I was appointed by Mallika and Laura. But until June 2009, I also held the Executive for Events position, before relinquishing that role to Vanessa Sperduti. For the 2009-2010 year, Sheryl June Bennett was appointed as Associate for Events, succeeding Naitik Parkeh. Sheryl and Vanessa were both very outgoing, enthusiastic and made an excellent Events team. They were both exception to work with.

As with the previous year, V.I.S.A. was tasked with creating promotional items for the Carrousel of the Nations for winter 2009. With Laura absent till the day before the event, I was in charge of coordinating the creation of these items. Once again, V.I.S.A. and our volunteers created several banners to celebrate the event. Our volunteers once again helped with the setting up and running of the event as well.

Banners for the Carrousel, winter '09

Crowds at the Carrousel, winter '09

In addition to the Carrousel, I was called in to represent V.I.S.A. in Laura’s absence for the winter International Students Orientation (I.S.O.) as well. At the end of the 2008-2009 year, I received the “V.I.S.A. Outstanding Service Excellence Award” at the annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on March 28, 2009. The banquet is organized for volunteers for V.I.S.A. and Students Orienting Students (S.O.S.) The award winner is selected by the Coordinator, and given to an Executive who has consistently delivered excellent performances, and provided outstanding leadership, and service to international students.