The 2025 Mortenson Associates Program began with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of anticipation during a beautiful welcoming dinner hosted at the home of Barbara Ford. More than just a meal, the evening served as a vibrant networking opportunity that brought together associates from 14 different countries, along with the welcoming Mortenson Center team.

Representatives came from across the globe Chile, Ghana, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Qatar, Japan, Costa Rica, Vietnam, South Africa, Indonesia, and of course, myself from Malaysia. Each of us brought unique perspectives, stories, and a deep passion for libraries and learning. It was truly exciting to be among such a diverse and inspiring group of professionals.

The dinner itself was a treat. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including flavorful Indian cuisine that added a special touch to the evening. More importantly, it was the perfect setting to start building connections. We exchanged stories, shared laughter, and began discovering the common threads that connect us as library professionals from different corners of the world.

I also took this opportunity to ask questions about Urbana-Champaign about the local culture, places to explore, and what to expect during our time in the program. In return, I shared my journey, flying solo from Malaysia to Qatar, then on to Chicago, and finally arriving in Urbana-Champaign. It was a long trip, but moments like this dinner made it all worthwhile.

The evening left me feeling welcomed, energized, and even more excited for the weeks ahead. Nyaman sekali tek, makan, Terima kasih (Thank you).