Insights Gained in Clinton

My last two years of living in Clinton has contributed to increased understanding of myself and the world around me, some discoveries more profound than others. Listed below is a smattering:

1. I LOVE walking to school! Living a few blocks from my work was amazing, and it always boggled my students' minds that I walked...even in the rain using an umbrella!!

2. Coffee is delicious. After going to Hawaii and getting Hawaiian coffee I broke down and accepted a coffee pot as a gift (whereas I had previously maintained that I didn't want one because then I would just drink more coffee). I had anticipated correctly, but it brings a LOT of joy to my life!

3. The road conditions of Clinton and Jalingo, Nigeria are comparable.

4. Living along the Mississippi River is delightful...I'm going to miss running on the riverfront trail.

5. Cross-country skiing is AMAZING! I had never tried it before, but I now own my own skis so I can go anytime and anywhere I want for free! Winter is fun when there is snow and the temperatures are in the double digits!!

6. I CAN do a marathon! I had always been worried about how to eat at proper times and amounts along the course. That was what had held me back, sounds ridiculous now because it wasn't an issue because I DID it!

7. Spending a weekend in Clinton in solitude can be pleasant. In fact, once I learned to appreciate my own company (toward the end of the two years) I found many things about it quite enjoyable!

8. I determined that one of the things I loved about Nigeria was experiencing new things or ADVENTURES, and started applying it to life in Iowa: doing research at Iowa State, visiting new-to-me Iowa landmarks, and teaching freshmen!

9. Great co-workers are invaluable! While I realized this before at my previous jobs where I'd been blessed with amazing co-workers, it was even more important here where I had few, local friends outside of work...luckily, they ROCKED!

10. I really love the elderly. My friends at the nursing home here in Clinton loved unconditionally, were always happy to receive a visit, and shared decades of wisdom with me! What an honor to spend time with such special people!