Comment: All of these letters were sent via e-mail using the Reno Public Library computers and Internet server. I saved my "letters in process" as Yahoo Drafts and then kept one final copy that you see now as part of my "blog". There are at least two letters missing that I wrote about my vacation in Ecuador and trip accross the USA while I was staying with John & Janis in November through mid December 1998. I have also edited these letters for spelling and grammar prior to posting them on my site, something that I intentionally did not do for my Bulgarian letters.

14 - 31 December 1998

This period was devoted to moving back to Reno, renting an apartment, renting some furniture and getting my stored "stuff" delivered. It is not as frustrating here as it was in Zlatograd but it still took longer with more problems and delays than I thought necessary. I am sure that other Returned Volunteers are also faced with the problem of credit checks and questions about how much was your salary for the last two years. It is a little difficult to come back to the "world" and pick up where you were when you left; this is just one aspect of that.

I then started the job-hunting process. I have utilized the computer and e-mail service offered at the main library here in Reno for typing letters and changes to my resume. However, the printer is poor and I have taken the finished resume to Kiko Copy for a good original and copies. That is working out fine for now; particularly when the cost of computer time is $1 at the library versus $12 an hour at Kiko. I also am not faced with a server connect fee for e-mail at the library, it is free, but I must wait for my allotted 30 minutes of connect time.

I also spend time each day with the local newspaper to catch up on current events, look for help wanted ads and re-acquaint myself with Reno culture. Something that I found in the Editorial Comments section troubled me for a few days but I think I have finally discovered the meaning. I will first give you the statement as it appeared in the paper.

Testing requirements should not be raised. The tests have already indicated that the students have not learned what we are supposed to be teaching. Instead of focusing on raising standards and requirements, we should focus on improving the quality of education.

This was telephoned in by someone in Reno concerned about the raising of Achievement Test requirements for graduation from High School. The improving the quality of education part confused me. It seems to me that raising standards does just that but I am thinking that quality means excellence. The way the caller is using the term is in a sense of the character of education, how the education is provided or maybe the social equity of the education, NOT excellence in education. This thinking is going to lead to a decline in excellence even if the caller gets their quality they are looking for. I also have a problem with students have not learned what we are supposed to be teaching; is it only the responsibility of the teacher? I recently heard "When the student is ready to learn, the teacher will come." There is some responsibility on the part of the student also but we in the US no longer require responsibility by anyone!