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Good Evening,
So my journey has started but my first roadblock is understanding the geography of the Island (STT.) I need to orientate myself so if someone can give me some directional assistance it would be much appreciated. I stayed on Bolongo Bay. Is this East, West, North or South? What side of the island is the Airport? RedHook? Yacht Haven? Magens Bay? French Town?
My journey:
I am a single 40-year-old woman. Deferring adventure and living a traditional lifestyle for the past 18 years to be a single mother; I have bided my time and it was a grand time and I would not trade the last 18 years for anything but the sun is setting and the moon waning on this phase of my life. I have been considering my next step for the past few years. Thought I might join the Peace Corp or America Corp. Maybe move to New Orleans, Canada, London, or France. After a recent stay in STT I knew this was were I wanted to take my next step. I work for a University and in my prep for my visit to STT, I discovered UVI and of course professional curiosity pushed me to check out their website. Since then I have been keeping an eye on their employment opportunities. I am fairly confident that I could gain good employment at the UVI. This realization was like fireworks!!!! Moving to the USVI may be the most viable “exotic” choice for me. The reasons are numerous but I have already been long winded so will refrain from giving you the list.
Anyhow, I have begun my research to see if I can make this happen in 2007/2008. I feel confident that I can make this move. I have a friend that is currently living on STT but may be gone by the time I will be able to move. I have already spent 7 days on STT and believe I have a germ understanding of the realistic island life. I also have 11 years experience as a bartender/waitress so feel I have back up and moonlighting options.
Thanks for any help you can give me on understanding the Island geograpy.
--LALA
Posted : April 9, 2006 12:53 am
Hi Lala.
Here's a map to get you started: 
Posted : April 9, 2006 1:08 am
Hi Lala,
You could be me! I read your story and went "wow, this is me (minus the kid)". I have been wrestling with making the move for many years and plan to do a PMV this summer (July-August). I would also love to work at the University, and while I feel fairly confident of my credentials I don't see many positions posted on the website-- which makes me think they are few and far between. Also, since the overall salaries tend to be so low and having read through this board about daily costs I am concerned that there is nothing comparabe to my mainland position (Instructor).
What have been your experience thus far with the job search?
I have considered taking a public school teaching job and read that the teachers have gone on strike because they had not received promised raises. DOes anyone know if the salaries listed on the Dept of Ed website is reflective of the increase or is that still the old rate (I hope so).
Posted : April 9, 2006 6:31 pm
Topic starter
dntw8up thanks for the map!
nycgirl,
I would be looking for a staff position/administrative position instead of a faculty/instructor. The salaries are higher then what I currently make in the states but the cost of living is an adjustment and the ratio of income/col may throw me a curve. The UVI interest me mainly so that I can maintain benefits, i.e. insurance and retirement.
I have been watching the employment board for about two months and have seen a few positions that I would consider and feel I would of had a competitive chance to secure it I applied. However I have a one-year commitment I must keep her on the mainland so will not begin applying for a position until that commitment nears completion.
I am concern about the cost of living but intend to rough it as much as possible. I have done it before (with kid) and can do it again if necessary (this time w/o kid) and will most likely moonlight as bartender if I can find a job when on island.
Since I have friends living there now I am hoping to make contacts through them and make a few trips over the next year or so. Of course I may find that this is a pipe dream at my income level but what the hell. I may try and fail but I am up for the experience.
Good Luck with your search.
Peace,
LALA
Posted : April 9, 2006 11:48 pm
dntw8up,
These were the maps I used on my first visit years ago and have had a dreadful time trying to find them again. Thanks so much.
Question: Where is the Wheatley Shopping Center located?
Posted : April 10, 2006 12:11 am
Wheatley Center is at the bottom of Raphune Hill in close proximity to the Roy L. Schneider Hospital and the Sugar Estate Post Office.
Posted : April 10, 2006 3:18 am
Thanks!
Posted : April 10, 2006 6:53 pm
LaLa
Sending you a Private Message
Posted : April 12, 2006 3:35 am
