Impressions of the Faculty Training Program at the Baltimore Urban Studies Center
I had the privilege of attending the first Living & Learning (L&LI) faculty training in Baltimore. My first real encounter with L&LI was one year prior as they helped plan an itinerary for my colleague and me to England and Ireland. I was so thrilled with the results and our students were so fulfilled with the hosts assigned to us and the landmarks we visited, that I couldn’t wait to attend this training! My initial goal of the training was to develop the skill of teaching impromptu outside of the classroom walls. Little did I know that the Lord had something unique in store. He would remind me of my roots and awaken my passions.
Impressions and Take Aways
While at the Baltimore Urban Studies Center (BUS), the first impression I had was with the incredible work that the team is doing within their community. The partnerships they have with organizations in Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia and other great cities is exciting. These connections provide great internship opportunities for students to spend a semester or summer at [the] BUS. It’s a safe environment to gain tremendous experience while sitting under phenomenal teachers at the BUS, where they can talk about their unique experiences within the city.
In our faculty training, my second impression was of the incredible staff of [the] BUS and the gentleness of each of their souls. They handled each person with love and care. It was like we were sitting with Jesus himself! Dr. Micah Hughes is such a kind soul who embodies the love of Christ. He brings his worldwide knowledge of experiences from Egypt and Uganda into the classroom. I specifically recall a moment when Dr. Hughes asked two BUS students to come into our training to share about their internship experiences. Their testimonials were exciting to hear. It was obvious that they were enjoying their experiences as they shared engagements about their clients and supervisors. At one point one student shared a comment about a leader, to which Dr. Hughes responded with a gentle clarifying question. He used his expertise to help her debrief her difficult thoughts about a leader.
Salaam Center is one of the organizations where students, participating in the Living & Learning East Coast program (BUS), can complete an internship.
Faculty at one of the training sessions taught by Dr. Micah Hughes
Faculty touring the East Coast with Experiential Tours Director, Rachel Roskoski
Additionally, Pastor Jimeka Jones Setzer, who has a church in the DC area, is talented, engaging, accepting, and prolific in her speech and communication with others. It is obvious that the students will find refuge while engaging her as she is a kind individual whom I immediately connected with. Both are well educated and astute within their fields! Rachel Roskoski (Director of Experiential Tours of Living & Learning International program), also taught in our training and presented incredible studying abroad and away tips and information. She is such a gift to all those she encounters. What an incredible person, with the DNA of Living & Learning—embodying excellence, innovation, and incredible journeys! She led us on a wonderful experience within Baltimore that is unforgettable! Her love and excitement for [the] BUS and studying abroad programs is contagious.
Bringing Home a Refreshed Excitement
Finally, my goal is to duplicate and carry back my excitement for this BUS program to my students. Additionally, I wanted to apply the things I learned within the classroom, such as connecting students within the community and helping students to debrief experiences. I teach a Cultural Psychology course and could easily see the principles of these applications transferring over to that class. I love it when theory leaps off the page into students’ lives. I treasure the incredible lesson that the Lord reminded me of on this journey to Baltimore! That is, to not forget where I came from and to encourage students to consider Studying Away (within the states) at BUS! Just as Jesus told the disciples to share the Gospel in (their homeland) Jerusalem first. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47) I think we need to be mindful to send students to help [and] care for the needs within our cities and rural areas of our country first before considering going to other nations. I could think of plenty of students who could benefit from the BUS program and glean from the experiential nature of the program. To sit under the caring guidance of the staff of BUS is an awesome opportunity. Additionally, it can grow students academically, developmentally, and in so many other ways.
About the author:
Dr. Gloria Morrow is the second from the left
Gloria Morrow, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology at Southeastern University.
"Fun fact: I’m 7% British-Irish! And a funny thing is that in 2024, I enjoyed exploring these lands via an L&LI short-term study tour to England & Ireland."