One of the great benefits of academic life is the opportunity to travel for work! I leave today for Europe for three weeks to attend ICAR2 (2nd International Conference on Adoption Research) which will be held in Norwich, UK at the University of East Anglia. I also will be visiting Leiden University to consult with Dr. Femmie Juffer, an adoption researcher, and her colleagues at the Adoption Research Center (see here for one of her recent studies).
Since I will be out that way, I decided to use some time to vacation a bit too. Heck, aside from a conference a few years ago in Copenhagen, I have never been to Europe! Never had the privilege to travel during/after college, so this is my belated graduation gift to myself. Will be in London, Norwich, Paris, Leiden, and Amsterdam.
So, as you can imagine, I doubt I will be posting for the rest of the month, though maybe if I am inspired and have internet access, I will post brief updates.
Posted by richlee at July 8, 2006 06:56 AMFrom Femmie Juffer's research:
"Prior to adoption, international adoptees suffer from lack of medical care, malnutrition,
and separation from their mothers, not to mention neglect and abuse in orphanages...This demonstrates beyond doubt the amazing resiliency of young children who are given a chance to grow up in a better environment. The first few years of life do not form an inescapable fate, and most children will seize a new opportunity, should it be offered, with both hands."
Dude, if I were not puking up my ham sandwich right now, I would be more motivated to find out if she were doing research on anyone past the age of 18 or if she has considered how these kinds of over-generalized remarks(meaning she is probably studying the first 18 years, but what about all the years after, and what about all of those who aren't coming from horrible orphanage circumstances?) affect entire communities of children of color. But, wait, let me guess....
Have fun in Europe and don't let Holly into Femmie's office. You know would happen.
Posted by: JJT at July 11, 2006 08:14 AMI enjoy reading your blog. I am going to be at U of M for a few weeks in a couple of months. I am hoping me you can e-mail me to answer questions (where to live, safety, and most importantly where to eat!)
Thank you, Lin