It is with mixed emotions that I announce I am leaving my position as Head of Communications for the Connected Learning Lab (CLL). I have been involved with the connected learning community for nearly eight years and I feel incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow within such a wonderful community of hardworking people committed to equity/learning/development. Many of you likely know me for my many email updates about our annual conference, the Connected Learning Summit (and before that the Digital Media and Learning Conference), or from our bi-weekly newsletter (you should definitely subscribe); though I was often operating behind the scenes, it was a pleasure connecting with each of you and acting as a bridge between various parts of the greater community.
My job here was the first I had after my time in the military. The transition from military to civilian life and work can often be difficult for many reasons, so I feel incredibly fortunate to have landed at UCI where I was able to continue developing my skills, fostering new interests, and acting as part of a team. I can reflect upon a career I am now very proud of. None of this would have been possible without the excellent leadership and colleagues that characterize the CLL; I am particularly grateful for the leadership and guidance that Mimi Ito has given me over all the years I have worked for and with her. I would also be remiss if I did not mention how much I appreciated working alongside and learning from Claudia Caro Sullivan, Amanda Wortman, Jeff Brazil, Anh Nguyen (rest in peace), Vera Michalchik, Jenna Abrams, Julie Herrick, and Remy Cross (there are many more but I doubt anyone wants to read an epic list of names).
My transition is made easier knowing that I’m leaving my communication duties in good hands. Jenna Abrams will be taking over the management of our newsletter and Remy Cross will be the new voice behind our many social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn).
With growth and new chapters always comes a mixture of grief and excitement. As much as I’ve enjoyed my time with the organization, it’s time for me to embark on my next adventure and follow my passion for web development, web analytics, and coding. Though the time has come to turn a new page and say goodbye (in this capacity at least), I do so with a deep appreciation for everyone I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting along the way. I could not have asked for a more welcoming and supportive community and I thank you.
I’ll never forget the experiences I had working here. I will miss connecting so consistently with everyone, but if you want to stay connected or you’re looking for a web developer for any of your projects you can find me on LinkedIn. I look forward to getting updates from you moving forward!
Sincerely,
Jamieson Pond
