McLauchlan's Moldovan Musings "Top 10"

Inspired by the Late Show with David Letterman's "Top 10 Lists," I thought I would draft a "Top 10" list of my own.

The Top 10 Reasons this Fulbright to Moldova was the highlight of my academic career:


1) Serving as an international elections observer during the Constitutional Referendum in September and the Parliamentary Elections in November

2) Speaking at ULIM's Opening Ceremony, before the Rector of ULIM, the President of the Republic of Moldova, the distinguished faculty, and incoming students

3) Taking my students on a field trip to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova and meeting with its President

4) Sending Peggy to the International School, for her first real academic experience (Kindergarten!); having her study a foreign language at school, learning about other cultures and traditions, not just from books, but in real life! (I was also pleased that, for the first time, Peggy (a Florida native) lived in a place with seasons. We were in Moldova for summer, fall, and winter. She even was able to go sledding for the first (only) time in her life!)

5) Watching the 30-second TV ad that a group of women students in my Campaigns and Elections in the United States course created for "The Feminist Initiative Party"

6) Teaching at ULIM and working with such bright and interesting students and colleagues. So many memorable exchanges! I was especially proud of my students' participation in the simulations (the mock U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing and the mock U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument). I feel truly blessed to have been assigned to ULIM. And kudos to the Office of International Cooperation and its Vice Rector and staff!

7) Working with colleagues (many of whom were Fulbright alumni) at the American Studies Center at Moldova State University, especially having the opportunity to participate in the conference on "Strengthening Democracy through Civic Engagement"

8) Living in the City Center, in the perfect apartment, overlooking the courtyard of ULIM, with easy access to to all of the restaurants and festivals and parks and playgrounds in the vibrant Chisinau downtown

9) Traveling around Moldova delivering guest lectures, especially the opportunities that I had to visit the U.S. Embassy's "American Corners"

10) Learning more about the history, politics, and culture of Moldova. Tasting Moldovan cuisine. Visiting Moldovan landmarks: the monasteries, vineyards, courthouses, museums, theaters.... Making Moldovan friends!


And here's a link to David Letterman's Top 10:

http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/top_ten/