Columbia Residents Explore Poland Through Online Course with Purdue Professor

Columbia’s Zoom Travel Adventure: Exploring Poland with a Pro!

Hey there, Columbia residents! If you’ve got a bit of wanderlust tugging at your heart, you’re in for a treat. The Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews wrapped up its first-ever full-session course “Zoomed” straight from the charming city of Lublin, Poland. And guess what? The mastermind behind it all is none other than Purdue University Professor Emerita Dr. Lynn Zimmerman.

A Journey from Afar

Dr. Zimmerman is no average professor; she’s currently soaking in every moment of her year abroad as a distinguished Fulbright Scholar at Marie Curie-Sklodowska University in Poland. In the six-class course titled “Poland Past and Present,” she took attendees on a fascinating journey, exploring the historical milestones and vibrant culture of Poland while sharing her keen observations of today’s society.

This new online educational experience isn’t a fluke—it follows in the footsteps of previous Zoom classes from the Center that have brought a world of knowledge right into the homes of eager learners post-pandemic. Earlier this year, the center kicked things off with a special one-hour session called “The 3 R’s: My Life Around the Globe,” hosted by the lively Rev. Jane Allen from Llandudno, Wales. If you missed Jane’s globetrotting tales, you missed a whirlwind tour through her exciting life traveling across diverse countries such as Malaya, Ethiopia, and the Sudan!

Meeting the Teach-In

Now, let’s get back to Dr. Zimmerman! This isn’t her first rodeo in teaching through the internet. Having already poured her passion for education into international settings, Dr. Zimmerman has had ample global experience; she was a Fulbright Scholar in Wroclaw, Poland back in 2009, and has also taught in countries like Albania and Moldova. Her roster is impressive as she has worked in countries such as Chad, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan to promote English learning.

So how did she end up sharing her expertise with the fine folks at the Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews? Well, that’s partly thanks to their friendly cooperation with the Shepherd’s Center in Greensboro, N.C., where Dr. Zimmerman had previously shared her knowledge with eager minds before retiring in 2013. Isn’t it wonderful how education knows no borders?

Learning Together

During her past sessions, Dr. Zimmerman was particularly struck by how actively engaged the senior community was. She’s encouraged by their eagerness to learn, and it invigorates her to keep sharing her experiences. “Volunteering with organizations run by seniors shows just how vibrant and curious they are,” Zimmerman commented. It’s true! Lifelong learning keeps our spirits high, which is why the Shepherd’s Center has become a beacon of hope for many in our community.

So, if all this travel talk has sparked your curiosity, you’ll be glad to know that registration for their winter session opens on January 1st, with classes officially kicking off on January 21st. Whether you’re a seasoned world traveler or just want to explore from your comfy chair, the Shepherd’s Center offers a variety of online courses that can help you satisfy that inner explorer.

How to Get Involved?

Want to join the fun? Head over to shepherdscenterofstandrews.org to learn more about the offerings and even check out some of their recorded classes. It’s never too late to dive into a new learning adventure!

So, don’t miss out, Columbia! This is an incredible opportunity to learn about the world, straight from the stories of those who’ve experienced it first-hand. Happy travels—virtually, of course!