Yep, that’s me, right there next to the Journal of Perinatology. For the past few weeks and for a few weeks more, I am completing an internship at the University of Oklahoma Library in Tulsa. The internship is required for my MLS degree from Texas Woman’s University (except they actually call it a practicum, which hurts my ears.)
The University of Oklahoma in Tulsa is very small and the library supports programs which mainly focus on the health sciences – nursing, pharmacy, medical school. In fact, they have started a new school there, the school of community medicine, which is the only one of its kind in the US. The school’s vision is to train future doctors in the health needs of the community – particularly the poor and under-served, with a strong social justice slant. They already provide free medical clinics throughout the north of Tulsa and in elementary schools. Here is a shocking statistic for you – there is a fifteen year discrepancy in life expectancy between north and south Tulsa – one reason for the new focus. I chose Tulsa mainly because I could stay with my brother and his family for a month and because the library has the health science focus, but I was very pleased to find such a warm and welcoming library and a school with a philosophy I totally embrace.
I know very little about Tulsa. The other day I was browsing in a Barnes & Noble bookstore close to school when a guy approached me and asked if I could recommend a restaurant nearby, he was from out of town and was looking for a place to go. The only restaurant I could recommend was the campus cafeteria. Compared to Linyi, this is practically a village, with less than a million people.
It’s a friendly place, and I have to admit that even though I grew up in the South, I feel a little bit weird when total strangers are so nice to me. Everyone is full of friendly greetings and it’s all”thanks” and “hello!” and “have a great day” everywhere I go. I’ve gotten used to a different kind of “Hello!” in China. And I often forget that store clerks and people around me can freely communicate with me. I am no longer in a language bubble! I can ask any kind of question I want! It’s crazy.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Si señorita si!
I am happy the Uni has a “warm” feel to it.
15 years! that is unbelievable!
MSN! SKYPE! YO!
have fun!
DH! Yeah, everyone here has been very nice and welcoming – they even listen to my China stories! Miss you lots and lots, though!!
XO
And you look very nice next to American J. of Perinatology, too.
But you won’t be a *real* health sciences librarian until you can spell Ophthalmology…
Travel safe. It was wonderful to have you with us–