Waiting for that man to leave...

I suppose that only the converted read these pages. They are filled with the types of accusations that prompt immediate skepticism. After all, who would believe the kinds of shennanigans that regularly erupt upon the Pearson landscape? But they are (mostly) true. Carly writes very directly about problems that have been brewing at Pearson for at least the last 5 years, and perhaps more.

What's important to remember though is that all these things are symptoms of a greater malady. And this greater sickness is the way in which conflicts are skirted around. When I lived at Pearson, there was a spirit of gross unfairness, one where students were belittled, pitted against each other, and in some cases threatened. I see no reason to believe that this has changed, although I suppose that time may dull the outward rebellions.

What can we do? Not a great deal while this director is at the helm. I do not dislike Mr. Walker because he is an Australian, as some people have suggested. Indeed, when I first arrived at UWC, he left me in awe. He did everything that I had thought a director should. But the charm wears thin after a few months. And, after a year, it gathers rather a lot of grime.

He has put his stamp on pearson in a way that a few years and a great deal of idealism will change. It is not irreparable or a lost cause and that is why it's so encouraging to see alumni write about Pearson with concern and conviction. When the board finally does get around to firing him or he moves on to some other hapless institution, the alumni must look at how best to respond. Do we rely on the board to choose a successor or do we demand some sort of committee, composed of alumni, students, staff, host families, the lot.

Planning for such an event (our involvement in hiring the next director) is not simple. In my limited experience in such situations, the board and senior faculty trump all recommendations. Now's the time to start thinking of the post-Walker pearson, one where the challenges will be just as difficult but where the spirit, the environemnt will perhaps be a little more conducive to the rest of the community.

I admire those of you who continue to deal with the administration despite their constant threats. And I hope to join you in the project of a better Pearson when this director has departed.