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President and Leadership

President Helen Drinan Reflects on Her Time in the Peace Corps

October 22, 2008

The three years I spent in the Peace Corps prepared me for the world of work in a way I could not possibly have imagined when I made the choice to join. At the height of the war in Vietnam, the prospect of doing something positive, however small in the world's eyes, was very appealing to my young heart, and so the adventure began.

Fortunately, by 1970, the Peace Corps had a decade of experience sending young and idealistic Americans abroad, so they knew how to prepare my husband David and I well for what would indeed be, as their ads would later proclaim, "the toughest job you'll ever love."

One training experience I often recall was being dropped off outside a village of Filipino residents and told to spend the day making our own way, but to be back before dark. Sounds like a reasonable task, but when you have no meaningful identity in an established community, no introduction, no clear purpose, and no track record, it is amazing to experience the suspicion and fear you inspire just by being who you are.

When we finally arrived in our work assignment in the Philippines, we were at least prepared for the idea that entering a new culture is an enormously difficult task in and of itself, never mind the true work you are there to do. This single piece of knowledge was worth the entire three years in the Peace Corps from the viewpoint of preparation for the work world. Any time I face the prospect of change in an organization or workgroup, I recall this lesson and prepare specifically for the "new person" transition.

I believe that culture is the protective umbrella for the variety of ideas and expressions within a community; the most robust cultures are those that are welcoming to and tolerant of the widest possible diversity. So for me, diversity is the work of ensuring that all members of the community have the greatest opportunity to be their best selves while joining in with others for mutual gain.

Simmons College is its own culture, with cascading cultures inside the larger organization. So the work of fully finding one's place is ongoing, especially if you are new to the community like I am this year. During my first months as president, I have worked to understand how far we have come, as well as our best opportunities going forward. Meeting with students and faculty members, I have learned about the good work done by The Diversity Council at Simmons and I plan to build on its successes.

I bring a new perspective to Simmons, one that encompasses many years of professional experience and, as I've written about above, some unique personal experiences. My goal for Simmons is that each member of our community — students, professors, staff members, and alumnae/i — feels totally engaged in her/his best work and is respected for this work, and that they each feel comfortable bringing forth their own diverse experiences from which all of us can gain.