Spotlight on Lynda Lewis McConnell, BA’60

Story by Jenny Drastura

In 2004 Lynda McConnell heard about a program offering the opportunity to teach English conversation to high school students in various countries. The program is offered by the Division for Global Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and is open to people with no dependents, such as recent college graduates and retirees. As knowledge of the language of the host country was not required, she could hardly wait to get her application off. 

“For the school year I am living in Kosice, Slovakia, a small country in central Europe,” Lynda said. “I came here in August 2005 and returned to my home in Roanoke, Va., in 2006 for the summer. A routine physical exam showed a health concern that delayed my return until December. With continued medical support in Slovakia, I have committed to another year of teaching.

“I teach English conversation to students age 15-19 in a Slovak gymnazium. The students are very similar in appearance and personality to American teenagers. My classes are no larger than 20 students, all of whom have had several years of instruction in the English language. We work on vocabulary, English literature, writing skills and everyday use of the language. I am active in the English-language church here, usually giving the children's sermon on Sunday mornings.”

Since Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Austria are within easy distance, Lynda is able to take short trips to these countries. She has met other American teachers at Quality Schools International. “These new friends, my three flatmates, and a few other Americans make up a very congenial group for socializing and traveling. Cultural activities are easily available in a city the size of Kosice and are very inexpensive.”

Lynda considers adaptability to be the key for living in a foreign country, particularly one where so few people speak English. “Slovak food is not so different from American food, heavier sometimes with more use of potatoes and rice than in the U.S. Christmas dinner usually features carp. My students told me last year about purchasing the carp live and keeping it in the bathtub until time to prepare it. They delighted in my shock at how they make it ready for baking.” 

When in the United States, she haunts consignment and thrift shops and yard sales. “My students don't understand the concept of yard sales, but 'second hand' shops abound. Most Saturday mornings find me making the rounds of the many shops in Kosice.”

Lynda’s memories of Marshall are what she calls “universal and timeless,” undoubtedly shared by many. “Bridge in the student union, endless cups of black coffee, strolling across campus in the spring with someone special, dances and impromptu parties. One of the most lasting effects of my years at Marshall has to do with the Marshall Artists Series. Even all these years later, I recall some of the plays and concerts we took for granted. I am so glad to know that it continues, a lasting legacy of Dr. Curtis Baxter's dedication.

“I will always be grateful to Marshall for making a college education affordable. I received a solid grounding and a respected degree, and was able to pay all expenses by working part-time for a lawyer in downtown Huntington.” 

Lynda is a graduate of Huntington High School. She also has a master of science degree in library science from The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C.