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Carolina Manson joined the English for International Students program as program coordinator in June 2024. Originally from Illinois, Carolina moved to Argentina when she was in the second grade, where she lived for several decades.
In this Q&A, learn more about Carolina's passion for connecting people, and how she uses her lived experience from two cultures to develop empathy and understanding for others.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Who is Carolina?
I was born in Champagne, Illinois, to Argentinian parents. I would say first and foremost, I'm a mom, wife, daughter, and sister. That is how I identify myself the most: in my relations to my family. Other than that, I am just a talkative introvert who tries to live a life guided by kindness and empathy.
That ties into a common theme in your past professional experience: service to the community. What inspires you about this work in the public service sphere?
It's something that just comes naturally to me. I like to help people, and I feel it's how I can give back, and contribute a little to make the world better. Whether it's lending a hand to my family or offering support to strangers, through small acts of kindness or by trying to influence bigger change, I find joy in making a positive impact. I do prefer to do things from behind the scenes rather than putting myself at the center of attention.
Your most recent work with the Discerning Deacons Project sounds fascinating. Could you share some highlights?
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The Discerning Deacons Project is a Catholic nonprofit, focused on inviting everyone in the Catholic Church to discern about reincorporating women to the diaconate. It's based off the belief that St. Phoebe of Cenchrea was a Deacon of the church. There are a considerable number of women who do ministry in the Church already, they just don’t have the title or the authority.
My role included communications and administrative support, as well as organizing a pilgrimage to Mexico City. Over 60 participants from the US and South America traveled to and converged in Mexico City, and it culminated with the celebration of Saint Phoebe on Saint Phoebe’s Day, which is September 3rd.
What I appreciate most about Discerning Deacons is the project’s effort to drive internal change within the church, evolving traditions to meet contemporary needs.
What will you be doing for Duke, and for the English for International Students Program?
At Duke, I’ll be providing administrative support to the English for International Students (EIS) Program, assisting both instructors and students with communication and logistical needs. The EIS Program helps international graduate students improve their English proficiency to excel at the graduate level. It is not a remedial program but one designed to support students in thriving academically.
You are fluent in Spanish and English and have worked as a translator. What is it like to be that crucial connecting point between different people? What have you learned about human connections, and communication?
Translation and interpretation have always been integral to my life. My time as a medical interpreter was probably my favorite because it allowed me to bridge the communication gap between healthcare providers and patients. This role reinforced my belief in the importance of effective communication in connecting people and fostering understanding.
So, you once worked on the health system side of Duke. How are you getting settled into the academic side of the institution?
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I have the advantage of having a significant gap in between. It’s still strange though because there is such a stark contrast between one and the other. Coming back to Duke should be familiar, but really, it’s a different physical space.
Speaking of which, fall is coming! As we bid the summer adieu, what are you most excited about in the upcoming months?
Nothing matches the beauty of North Carolina in the fall! It’s one of my favorite things ever since I moved here in 2003. You can visibly see the season change. Those colors? That’s it for me.
You’ve lived in Durham since 2003. What are your favorite local places to visit for a meal, a beverage, or just to hang out?
I have many, but I really love The Chicken Hut. They serve the best fried chicken, and if you go on Thursdays, they have chicken and dumplings. Their hours are limited, so you really have to plan your trip.
Other than that, I love bakeries, and there are always new ones popping up. Lately, I’ve really liked La Recette Patisserie. They are only open on weekends, but it is a great place to check out.
What would you like new students to The Graduate School to know about the EIS program?
I want new students to understand that the EIS Program is here to support them. Our goal is to help them succeed and make the most of their graduate experience. We are committed to providing the resources they need to thrive academically and linguistically.
What’s a fact that might be surprising to learn about you?
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People are usually surprised to learn that I spent my formative years in a non-English speaking country. When I was seven, my parents moved us back to Argentina, so I didn’t have school in English past the second grade. I moved to Durham with my husband and kids when I was thirty years old.
My mom didn’t speak a lot of English, but my dad and older siblings did, so English was my first language, but I was so young when we moved to Argentina that I sort of absorbed it very quickly and both languages sort of meshed. If you talk to me long enough, you’ll notice I sometimes mix things up or insert some Spanish.
Culture shock is real: from navigating the school system, to buying groceries, or dealing with healthcare. We shouldn’t assume that everyone knows how things work or get annoyed if they ask for help. And for those learning a new culture, don’t feel silly because you don’t know how something works. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You make a great point. EIS supports students linguistically, but what resources exist to support international as they learn American culture?
The Duke International Student Center offers many programs and resources. I hope to partner with them, contributing to some of their existing programs.