AUA Welcomes New Students
American University of Antigua (AUA) held an orientation ceremony at the Precision Center to complement the enrollment of new students for studies in the Pre-med, Basic Sciences and Nursing Programs for its September 2009 semester. Among the new enrollments were eleven Antiguan students who were awarded scholarships to pursue their medical education.
In attendance were Dr. Bell, Vice Academic Affairs and Executive Dean of AUA, Corey Greenberg, Chief Operating Officer, the Honorable Dr. Jacqui Quin Leandro, Minister of Education, along with several members of the Faculty. Dr. Bell welcomed the students to the University and the Island, informing them that he would be their chief advisor during their tenure in Antigua.
The feature address was delivered by Minister Jacqui Quin Leandro, who welcomed the students and said that it was a pleasure for her to be here welcoming them to not only the American University of Antigua but also to “our beautiful paradise.” “This is one the most idyllic places in the world for you to have perfect harmony of body mind and soul. You are here at this very defining moment of your life, the moment when you take a big bold step, a big deep breath as you exhale and fully retain the impact of what you are deciding to do with your life.
“As Minister of Education there’s a particular excitement that courses through me because education in Antigua and Barbuda stands on a threshold of a new found thrust. A new life has been breathed into the being of the ministry of education, sports and youth affairs and that will find its way into the veins and soul of each school on the island, a revival of our administrators, our teachers, our parents and our students. AUA is a beautiful and indeed a very critical part of this changing landscape,” she said.
Minister Leandro invited the students to experience island life in a tangible way. “Get involved in the local culture and you will soon discover that Antiguans are warm and hospitable people,” she told them.
As medical practitioners, service should always be the call for which you answer first and foremost. Your recompense will come from touching and changing lives when you leave the doors of AUA.
AUA’s Chief Operating Officer, Corey Greenberg delivered some remarks to ease their transition into Antiguan life. “We are guests on the island and therefore there are no special entitlements for us,” he reminded them. “Embrace a new culture and you might find it very stimulating,” he implored. “Go with the flow,” said Greenberg, who encouraged the students to respect and embrace the cultural differences they are sure to face.
“You have gone through a lot to come here,” remarked Dr. Bell. “You can be proud because today is the beginning of your dream. People rely on us and trust us and we have to earn that trust,” he said. Dr. Bell beseeched the students to get involved in the society and the social projects, as it is an enjoyable learning experience.
Dr. Violet Gordon, Dean of the Nursing School, welcomed the students and explained that they have embarked on a noble journey, one which will give them the privilege to care for people and ultimately improve the health of the global community. “The nursing profession has become the best profession in the health care arena because of its diversity,” she said. “Follow your dream, stay committed, have fun, work hard and follow your dream.”
The Associate Dean of Academic Organization, Dr. Steve Glasser, reminded the audience that AUA has established a good reputation in a very short space of time. “We know what it is that you need to know in order to practice medicine.” he addressed the students.
Various faculty members, including Dr. Don Kastuk, AUA Student Emergencies, who recounted the emergency line number and implored the students to acquaint themselves with the island’s emergency numbers, hospitals and other emergency contacts, broadly outlined the support, services, and facilities available to the students.