My Island Life: Work

Professor Alexis Walker

My adventures living on a Caribbean island. Welcome to my monthly, or not so monthly adventures. We try not to commit too soon here on island.

Impression #11

Work. I know, what am I thinking to be writing about work, but it is a necessary part of island life. Luckily for me, my work is very fulfilling in so many ways. 

First and foremost are my students. The University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix, has the best students! They are generally happy people, though cynical, and are motivated to have good careers. They have a great sense of humor and they are pleased to teach me about island life and the things I should know. Actually, they even teach me about things I shouldn’t know ;-)

Secondly, my fellow Professors are so cool. I guess it takes a certain type of spirit to move down to an island and teach college. Many of my colleagues embrace the island life and are committed to giving the students here the best possible education, holding them to mainland standards. But these folks aren’t nerds by any stretch of the imagination! Every Friday is Friday Cheer. Not every professor and staff in our group goes every week, but there is usually between 8 and 12 who do. Each Friday a different food and drink establishment is picked and those who decide to go that week arrive sometime between 5:30-6:30pm and stay as long as we like. From bars on the boardwalk to Jazz in the park, this casual weekly event during the school year is a great time.

Thirdly, my work environment is the bomb. No, seriously. The views from the school, the unique leveled building I teach in, and the staff, make it easy to want to go to work. Everyone is always greeting me with a smile and a “Good Afternoon.” Many often compliment me on my dress, as brightly colored cowboy hats and boots are not the norm here. Imagine that.

Lastly, I must talk about my wonderful schedule. I leave my house at noon, have a couple of office hours and then teach from 2:30pm to 5:15pm. I’m home in time for dinner at 6:00pm. Oh yes, and that’s only Monday through Thursday. Sure, that doesn’t count the hours of prep work and grading, but for a full time job that I don’t have to fight traffic to get to, I can’t complain at all!

So yes, I do have to work in order to live here, but it is a lovely job :-)

Lesson #11: I can’t appreciate enough the job I have on island. Who knows when I will ever be so lucky again!

Stay Warm,

Alexis