wallydownundy

Through the miracle of modern technology and a wide network of contacts, I am the guest lecturer this evening at the International Public Relations course at Indiana University. My former Ford colleague Jim Bright has been a professor there for several years. Given his troupe is preparing for a field trip to Japan - and to satisfy their interest in how a boy from New Jersey is lucky enough to land in Sydney - I get to speak to the class.

As I gaze out of the Skype video window into the classroom, I’ll see 16 students. Nate from Evansville has the wickedest sideburns I’ve ever seen. Ashley was inspired by a cruise at age 13 and one of her dream jobs is to work on a ship as liaison with international travelers. Sam is “super jealous” I get to live in Australia as he’s already been here - and is itching to get back! There’s Rachel from Chicago and Bene’ from Nashville (one of my favourite American cities). Alexei is keen to learn the cultures of Japan and India, while Shabrelle can’t decide between public relations and corporate law (is it because they’re both creative fields?).

Angela wants to know if we really say “G’Day Mate!” (We do.) Alex est Francophone parce’qu’elle adore la France (moi aussi)! Meanwhile Kristopher speaks Japanese which may not prove useful in South Bend (not South Park) but will be a bonus in Tokyo. Paula is from Tulsa and is keen to learn about Asian cultures (there’s a lot to learn). Samantha’s already done an internship and is fluent in Spanish. And Alexandra is already an officer with PRSSA - the student public relations association.

Finally I’ll see Professor Bright and his able assistant Kate Lee (who is privately cheering for her fellow Canadians in Vancouver now).

So as you all hunker in to the cold and wet and snow of Indiana, spare a moment’s thought for all of us trapped down here in Australia. (Speak to you soon!)