SPOTLIGHT: SARAH MILANI
by Hassie Hughes, ’03

As Meredith’s new assistant director of study abroad, Sarah Milani is working hard to help students become aware of their study abroad opportunities as well as to advise international students.

Milani, who began working at Meredith in October 2002, says she has been impressed by the commitment faculty and staff make to Meredith’s students.

Where did you work previously?
The Institute for the International Education of Students, or IES. This is a long-standing study abroad provider with program sites in 23 different countries. I worked there for almost eight years, with my last four years as the director of the recruiting department, which was responsible for recruiting and advising all students before they went on their summer, semester, or year abroad…. It allowed me to work with students from schools all over the U.S., although my region was primarily based in the Southeast.

What brought you to Meredith?
My career goals have been for quite some time to get onto a campus and work in an advisory position for students for study abroad. I was attracted to Meredith because of its commitment to students and their development. I was impressed with the open policies at Meredith with regard to study abroad in that they allow a student to choose the program that is right for her, rather than forcing students to use particular programs (as is the case at numerous institutions)…. I was also drawn to Meredith’s financial aid policies for study abroad, in that again there is an openness to allow scholarships and aid to transfer to programs abroad.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The students. With study abroad students, I enjoy the chance to help them open up their options to the wonderful opportunity of studying abroad. It was by far the best part of my undergraduate career. Study abroad opened up my mind to new cultures, it helped increase my own level of self-confidence and independence, and it helped me develop important skills for later in life, such as adaptability, stress management, problem solving, critical thinking and recognition of cultural difference. For the international student side of things… I am enjoying getting to know the students. As one who already enjoys learning about cultures, how better to do so than directly through international students? I look forward to getting to know each student as I work with her more in the advising process. I also look forward to helping them maneuver through (rather than run up against) the various processes and regulations to make the best of their time here at Meredith.

What did you do on your last vacation?
Traveled around Australia and New Zealand on my honeymoon. We went hiking and enjoyed the wonders of a very different wildlife and terrain, as well as enjoyed spending a lot of time with the local people and learning more about their cultures. I also went snorkeling for the first time on the Great Barrier Reef – quite a place to start!

Personal Favorites:
Pastimes/hobbies: Reading, hiking, kayaking
Book – Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Movie – Lord of the Rings
TV Show – “The West Wing”
Sport - Soccer

MEREDITH SHARES LOVE OF SCIENCE WITH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
By Megan Deane, ’03

Instead of watching television during the after-school hours, students in Leesville Road Middle School’s Science Club are flying aeronautical wings, experimenting with DNA and solving crimes. Science students and faculty at Meredith College volunteer their time to lead these fun-filled, hands-on experiments.

When Dr. Walda Powell, associate professor of chemistry, met Carolyn Moser, site coordinator of Leesville’s after school program, at a meeting regarding women in science, the two decided to create a new type of science program, one which would involve middle school and college students.

“We were both interested in working to motivate middle school students to look at science with thoughts of future careers,” Moser says.
Moser decided to add a Science Club to the programs that were already available at Leesville’s after school program. Once a week, a group of Meredith students lead the Science Club in their extra-curricular activity. Dr. Francie Cuffney, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. Larry Grimes, professor of biology, also assist in planning the program. Experiments deal with everything from water quality to chromatography.

In the future, Moser hopes students will have more time to work on science fair projects to enter in competitions.

Moser believes this program benefits middle school students who may not have “positive connections with successful adults.” She and Powell agree that the guidance offered by Meredith students and faculty is extremely valuable for the children.

“The [Meredith] students can share knowledge and excitement [about science] with others and be role models for students deciding to pursue a career in science,” Powell says.

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