Contact: Melissa Reifert
November 17, 2006

Exchange Program Brings Baxter from Scotland to MECC

Julie Baxter’s recent visit to Mountain Empire Community College had the elements of any good trip: inspirational experiences, a variety of good food, newfound friendships, and even a few bad drivers. As a participant in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Exchange Program, Baxter traveled from Borders College in Scotland to the United States, where she stayed with MECC Professional Counselor Carolyn Helms for a week and a half. At MECC, Baxter learned about programs and methods used that are possibilities for implementation at her college.

“I am picking up things that we can apply where I work,” she stated during her visit. “I’ve learned so much.” Baxter pointed to MECC’s Student Support Services, Diplomats Program, and Orientation Program as areas that she would like Borders College to adapt. After meeting with Instructional Technologist Jeff Burleson, she would also like her college to incorporate some of the technology used at MECC such as web casts for courses.

According to Baxter, and corroborated by Helms, the trip’s learning experiences and adventures were not just limited to time spent on the MECC campus. “I feel like I have been on a culinary journey,” said Baxter, referring to the many restaurants in the area to which Helms introduced her.

Other introductions that Baxter attributes to Helms include lots of strong coffee made palatable with sugar, the “Wal-Mart experience”, the Big Stone Gap novel by Adriana Trigiani, the wonders of Natural Tunnel State Park, Americans who attempt to multi-task while driving, and colorful, descriptive language such as “knot on a log”. When asked about all of the things she experienced on her trip, Baxter simply stated, “Amazing. Incredible.”

Both women agree that they have each gained a friend through the VCCS Exchange Program, and both are looking forward to Helms’ trip in May when she will visit Baxter in Scotland.

“When I applied for the program, I thought about goals like the exchange of ideas and learning how other people are doing things at their colleges,” said Helms. “I hadn’t thought about it on a personal level. I can’t believe how much we have in common in terms of value systems and how much we have bonded. It’s amazing that two former strangers can come to have such a strong friendship.”

Upon returning to Scotland, Baxter said, “The whole atmosphere of the place (MECC) is really nice. I feel revived and stimulated with ideas, which was the main focus of this exchange program.”

Carolyn Helms and Julie Baxter are participants in the Virginia Community College System Exchange Program. Baxter recently traveled from Borders College in Scotland to spend a week and a half with Helms at MECC.

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