(no subject)
I would like to thank zaftig46 for the U of Leincaster job desk link. I'd like to thank you very very very much.
I got myself a job in my field. Finally.
I will be working as the 09-10 Fellow for the Brownsville (TX) Historical Association. Well, its not nearly as formal as that, but I am getting paid a decent amount to spend a year in Texas running around in a cemetary and house museum.
I was contacted last Tuesday while I was in Muncie visiting by Kylene, the Curator of Collections. It wasn't that long of an interview, but she basically laid out that as a fellow, I would be working with the programs they put on and the development of additional programs. She said they were looking for two fellows this year, but nothing was said to me about a second fellow when I accepted the job.
I had a second phone interview with the Executive Director a few hours later. Both Kylene and Priscilla emphasized to me that Brownsville is a whole different world because it sits on the Mexican/ US border. A lot of what she had said reminded me very much of the Region. I think other than the cultural shock with Mexico so close, I bet I'll feel right at home.
They offered me the job the next day and were very understanding that I wouldn't be able to come down until the end of June, after Ashley's wedding. Its important to me that I'm there for Ashley.
The BHA is known for its cemetary and its visitor's center, but it also encompasses a house museum, the Old Town Hall, the Educational Center and gallery space. They were the first in Texas to have a visitor's center for a cemetary and now everyone has one! They get a lot of grants every year that has allowed them to expand and make renovations. From what it sounds like, they offer lots of programs for the community - all of them free. This means they can compete very well with the 5 other museums in the area. The two biggest events they put on every year is the Dia de los Muerto and the Feast Day of of the Virgin de Guatalupe. They also have several exhibitions of local artists and crafters, cemetary tours, and cultural get togethers every month.
They are also really big into professional and leadership development. Its a very young staff - most of them are in their 20s, with Priscilla in her 30s. She's involved in several organizations that work to develop the next generation of museum leaders and to me this is VERY VERY important. The position is renewable, but if I chose to leave after a year I'll be incredibly prepared for either a job or even grad school. I'm very excited to do this because it sounds like they are really going to work with me instead of just dicate me. And here's to hoping I don't have to babysit anyone.
I accepted the job yesterday and I'll be moving around the 23rd of June. They offered me use of their on-site apartment. While I would like to believe its going to be temporary, it very well could turn into something for the duration of the fellowship. So the amount of stuff I need to pack won't be horrendously large. ANd if there is anything I need, I could always buy it while I'm down there. You know, stuff that can be taken apart and packed up. I'll start sorting and packing after this weekend. While it seems like I've got a lot of time, I know that I don't. I've got to figure out what I definately need and what I can live without for a year.
My mother is not happy I'm moving so far away. After this god aweful screaming match we go into on Tuesday, she's been more or less ignoring me and throwing a silent temper tantrum. The act is getting old. If she wants to ignore me right up until the time I leave for Texas, its her loss and not mine. I'm tired of begging my parents to recognize me as a person. I am not going to give up on a great opportunity because I've got two parents who refuse to support me.
Thankfully all my friends have been the support group I need. I did a whole lot of research into this before I jumped in, so its not like I was doing this with blinders on. Its nice to know that people are saying you did a great job deciding and you're going to have fun. Because I honestly think I'm going to enjoy my time in Texas. Well, minus the weather and hurrican season!
I haven't told Pal yet. I figured I'd wait a week before telling him. I don't know why, but I wanted to give him enough heads up to actually find someone for me to train before I leave. Plus we're gonna be really busy the next few weekends and he's gonna need all the bodies he can. Of course we've got a big ass problem going on at work right now and I think he's already finding someone to replace this particular person. This has helped to deter my urge to tell him now. Too much at one time. Even I'm not that cruel.
Oy vey - its 8pm already? I'm off to the showers and then to bed. I've got a long drive ahead of me tomorrow! Ft. Wayne here I come.