Update from Gisella Landi (at MIT January 2004–)
We arrived in Boston on January 2004 and we are still living in town. These have been 10 years full of experiences and learning. And snow. And Sun. Our two daughters were born here, my eldest is a second grader and the youngest is in her first pre-school year. I am a stay home mom and I love my job. We have been living in Arlington for four years, since we moved from Cambridge. We didn’t want to go too far from the MIT dome!
Our years at MIT where unforgettable. We met tons of awesome people who will be in our hearts forever. While most of our friends from those years have now left Boston, either moving back home or on to a new adventure, we have kept in touch with them. Despite meeting them for just a brief period of time, we became lifelong friends, and we feel like family each time we meet. Our kids and their kids are good friends as well.
MIT spouses&partners was a central pillar for me during my first years in the US. I made amazing friends who were able to understand what I was going through, and got practical advice on how to live in town. I got all the emotional support I needed to adapt to this great place. I'd like to thank Jennifer for being there all these years, helping and caring about those people who have come to MIT as significant others. I, as many others, will always have the best memories from of our years at MIT.
Update from Angela Rae (at MIT 2002)
We were at MIT in 2002, while my husband (Drew) was doing his post-doc (or pre-doc as it turned out; his PhD didn’t actually get conferred until after his post finished!). We really enjoyed our year in Cambridge, but Drew was quite unwell for much of the time and MIT s&p was wonderfully supportive during the worst of it. I made excellent friends, and enjoyed the craft group and the Wednesday afternoon meetings. I still read the blog and try to keep up with what you’re all doing.
After MIT we returned to Australia, had two children, and then—with our third child on the way—we moved to England in 2009 where Drew took up a post at the University of York. Our time at MIT prepared us well for moving to York, and we are thriving. Our children are all at the local primary school, and I have taken a break from my law career to manage a local charity. I do still get nostalgic though for Harvard Square, the Coop, and life in Boston. Please go and eat cannoli for me at Mike’s Pastry in the North End!
Update from Chizu (at MIT 1998–1999)
I was at MIT from 1998 to 1999 while my husband was a visiting scholar in the mathematics department. Before visiting Boston, I was determined to experience the essence of the town and all the new things here. I visited sightseeing spots and tasted Sarabeth Kitchen jams! I soon realized I needed to mingle with people, otherwise I wouldn’t experience cross-cultural aspects. The problem was "how" to do this. I visited Jennifer after reading the MIT website a couple of times. Jennifer offered me a wide variety of group activities and the opportunity to meet other people. Taking part in these activities inspired me to study English. Language barriers had prevented me from expressing myself. I wanted to talk more with Jennifer, Elsa, and her husband, Jan Tian; Jordan, Jessica and every MIT s&p member! This led me to study and I now work as a Japanese-English proof reader. I couldn't have established my career without Jennifer. I am truly grateful her.
My husband is back at Harvard University now. I met Jennifer for the first time in 16 years. She gave unchanged beautiful smiles and asked me if I could join the Wednesday meetings. You can’t imagine how happy I was to hear this. I am a temporary visitor, not belonging to MIT now, but MIT always welcomes you and makes you feel at home.
Update from Miwako Yoshimizu (at MIT 2009–)
My husband and I moved to Boston on December 31th, 2009. I was really worried about the new life which just started. “Can I live in a foreign country? Can I make friends?” But it turned out to be a great time for me thanks to MIT s&p. I have met wonderful international friends and had special experiences through many activities and meetings. I had a baby girl in Boston (in 2011) and have just given birth to a second girl, 3 months ago. I cannot wait to take them to Boston and show them the beautiful town I have loved.
After I went back to Japan, I fortunately returned to work in my previous company. Now I am in the R&D division. I think my experience in the USA is a great advantage to my work. I enjoy being a working mom!
