Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Out and about today

The year abroad to study story must have a twist, or it wouldn’t be mine. That’s how my life works.

Laura is so pumped about the idea, she had her half of the document completed and emailed to the coordinator before bedtime last night. No idea what she sent, but perhaps that’s the best for now.

I spent the morning preparing doctor, dentist statements. We must give the documents to be completed with the applicant’s personal information completed, and have a scannable document with original signature in blue ink returned to be uploaded. By lunch time I had them all prepared, together with a cover note, to courier to the doctors this afternoon.

My last flurry of activity before leaving the house was a note to the program chair, a fellow with a hundred percent Irish name, to the effect we had come late to the event, and I would appreciate some more information on who we were to contact as a Rotary sponsor, so I could take care of that.

Off to the races, being the person with all day and no commitments. Our primary physician is not in the office for a week, so that one is on a desk. What the heck; the deadline and interview isn’t until December 2nd.

One stop was for Children’s Hospital doctors, in the renovated B.F. Goodrich factory. Since forever I have said I would take pictures and show how this building has been renovated, and we’ll close with them. Meantime, I came home to an email from Mr. Great Irish Name that basically said, “What are you talking about?”

I put my scant knowledge of Laura’s weekend together, and realized she had been on the trip with Kay to retrieve her son from his overnight and interview for the same scholarship. Now many tidbits of the conversation repeated to me fell into place.

Son: They have more scholarships than applicants. They asked us to spread the word. Laura, this would be great for you to try.

Son forwards email of information to Laura. And so the process began.

I was so impressed by her can do attitude last night that I composed a new email to Mr. Irish Name myself. It says a very qualified young woman wants very much to be part of this program. In addition, a great Rotary member, my Uncle Hank, would have sponsored her in a heartbeat, and may still be involved. So, can we meet for lunch and see how we can make this work for Laura.

Details to follow.

Here are a few phone photos of the renovation of Goodrich into offices. 


The basement, looking up from one direction.


The basement, looking up four floors. There are about nine stories in the building.


The concrete pillars are original.  Consider the weight of manufacturing they supported.


The first four floors are mezzanine style, with the centers cut away. The floors above are solid. 

24 comments:

  1. Trust grandma Joanne to get on the case and wrestle it to the ground. Best of luck. It sound so exciting.

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  2. You realize how utterly great a grandma you are, don't you? You've raised a girl who is self-confident and strong enough to embrace the idea of travelling half way around the world to go to school. I hope it works out for her.-Jenn

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  3. It sounds downright intriguing. And exciting. And I love that she is gung ho about it. And has you as back up.
    The renovation looks amazing. Once upon a time we knew how to build so that things lasted.

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  4. I know where Laura gets her can do attitude!

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  5. Great initiative on Laura's part! My husband is a Rotarian and the exchange program seems well organized, well vetted and an excellent growing experience for the participants. I hope she is successful at becoming part of the program.

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  6. That looks like a well done conversion on the building. I do hope Laura's scholarship goes ahead.

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  7. Laura is so confident and independent person now , and you have a great part in it Joanne.

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  8. Just catching up Joanne. Good luck to Laura with her application.

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  9. Hari OM
    Oh yes, let it be. That industrial conversion is to my liking! YAM xx

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  10. Goodrich's water heater is a bit larger than mine.

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  11. Good luck to Laura-it sounds like a great opportunity. I love the pillars. It's good when they leave a little of the spirit of the old building in place.

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  12. more scholarships than applicants? sounds like a shoe-in for Laura. what an exciting opportunity for her.

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  13. Interesting to see how all this works.

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  14. My middle daughter was very excited about being nominated by her teachers for the Rotary Exchange program back in the early nineties. We went to a few meetings and got all the paperwork and references necessary. On on long drive up to the Interview process and almost at the site, my daughter said, “Oh, I forgot, here is all the paperwork we are “supposed” to read for the meeting.” I thought that the viens in my husband’s head were going to explode. We walked into the conference center and there were hundred of kids eager for this opportunity and who had probably read the material given to them. Molly went for her interview unprepared and when they asked her to sing a patriotic song, she chose, of all songs, When the Saints Come Marching In. When she finished the first verse she told them that she did not know the second. Needless, to say, she did not get chosen but we all have a wonderful story and always laugh when that song is brought up. Today, she is a very successful mother and business women who has traveled to many places in the world. I am sure that Laura will be much more prepared and will nail that interview. It will be a wonderful experience for her.

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  15. It seems like never-ending mounds of paperwork for these things.

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  16. You're so supportive. Laura gets her persistence from you.

    Love,
    Janie

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  17. Good luck to Laura! And I love the renovations!

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  18. Any idea at all of where she would like to go?

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  19. Beautifully clean design for the renovation .
    And good luck with Laura's application. She deserves it .

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  20. She is very lucky to have you doing the paper work for her.

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