Columbia Residents Experience Armchair Travel with Engaging Course on Poland

Columbia Residents Get a Taste of Travel From Their Living Rooms!

Hey there, Columbia friends! Have you ever dreamed of exploring distant lands without ever leaving your home? Well, your dreams just became a reality thanks to the Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews, who recently wrapped up their first full-session course all the way from Lublin, Poland! That’s right, your armchair travel just got a major upgrade!

Exploring “Poland Past and Present”

The delightful Dr. Lynn Zimmerman, a retired professor from Purdue University, led the charge, zooming in live from Poland where she’s spending an incredible year as a Distinguished Fulbright Scholar at the renowned Marie Curie-Sklodowska University. Talk about making your online learning experience feel worldly!

This course, titled “Poland Past and Present,” was part of their effort to expand Zoom offerings post-pandemic. If you recall, this particular journey follows a popular one-off class called “The 3 R’s: My Life Around the Globe,” presented by the charming Rev. Jane Allen from Llandudno, Wales. Rev. Allen shared her life’s adventures, hopping from one exotic location to the next, including fascinating spots like Malaya, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and beyond!

From Exotic Climes to Central Europe

While Rev. Allen took participants on a whirlwind trip through vibrant cultures, it was Dr. Zimmerman who settled the group down for a deeper dive into the heart of Central Europe. Her six-class offering explored not just the history of Poland but its cultural gems and up-to-date insights into modern life.

A Lifetime of Adventure and Learning

For those who don’t know, Dr. Zimmerman isn’t just a newbie to these adventures. She has a wealth of international experience under her belt! A Fulbright Scholar at Poland’s University of Wroclaw back in 2009, she also spent time as an English Language Fellow in Albania and has held teaching and volunteering roles all over the globe, from Chad to Uzbekistan, and even Pakistan!

A Connection to Our Community

Dr. Zimmerman was able to connect with the Shepherd’s Center audience through their sister center located in Greensboro, North Carolina. This cooperative relationship often leads to shared courses that pique the interest of both memberships. She first took the virtual stage at St. Andrews earlier this year, where she dazzled an eager audience with insights from her extensive travels in Central and Eastern Europe.

Seniors on a Learning Adventure

What’s inspiring about Dr. Zimmerman’s experience is her appreciation for how active and enthusiastic seniors can be in their quest for knowledge. She mentioned, “Volunteering with senior-citizen–managed organizations has impressed me with how eager they are to learn.” Who wouldn’t love to be part of that vibrant community of learners?

Join the Fun!

If you’re feeling the itch to travel—without the hassle of packing bags—then be sure to check out the Shepherd’s Center of St. Andrews! Their website, shepherdscenterofstandrews.org, has all sorts of amazing resources and recorded classes waiting for you. Plus, registration for the winter session opens on January 1, 2024, with classes kicking off on January 21. Don’t miss out!

So, whether you’re soaking up the history of Poland or daydreaming about those exotic inputs from Rev. Allen, the Shepherd’s Center is paving the way for all of us to embark on exciting journeys—right from our cozy corners at home!