Student Stories Archives - Global Leadership

June 12, 2019

Stories from Abroad: Mi Casa es Su Casa

by Jordan T. Walters, African and African Diaspora Studies/History Junior

On three separate occasions we were told “mi casa es su casa” (my house is your house), or variations of it, by people who had never met us in their life. The various communities we have visited have taken us in as their own and invested in us a wealth of knowledge that we can now take back to our communities in the United States.

First, the community in Cahuita, which is predominantly composed of Afro-descendant Costa Ricans, embraced us in multiple ways. Enrique Joseph gave us a history of Cahuita and its transition from being a settlement predicated off the exploitation of nature to one focused on preserving nature. Kendall Cayasso explained to us that the youth in the area are taught at a young age to be aware of their footprint on the Earth and also stand firm for what they believe in. Laura Wilson discussed the intersectional experiences of Afro-descendant women in Costa Rica and ways we can be better allies.

Altogether, these three community leaders took time out of their day to inform us of the dynamics governing their community, and they made us feel even more comfortable with the people we would soon interact with.

Second, the Bribri indigenous community, near the border of Panama and Costa Rica, invited us to their dwellings in the forest for an experience we will never forget. Before starting with the day’s plans, they told us that their home was also our home. Immediately we felt like we were in good care with good people. While there, we learned about the variety of plants they use for medicines and beauty products, how to make chocolate (the real stuff), and some background information on the Bribri people. They even prepared food and drink for us, and while we ate we sat in a circle reflecting on what we had done throughout our time in the space. It was truly a moment where I felt connected to the nature surrounding us, the rest of my cohort, and other human beings who simply wanted to introduce us to their beautiful world.

Lastly, Dr. Umberto and the folks at the aquifer in Carrizal were immensely informative. They opened our eyes to the effects climate change has on the environment, but also to just how powerful a community working together can be. They told us about the who, what, when, where, why, and how of their work. After that, we traveled through the jungle, up and down mountains, to witness the beauty of nature and their community water sources. From there, we had a snack and planted two trees named Epsy Nong Bumphus (after VP Epsy Campbell Barr, TA Nong Xiong, and Dr. Bumphus) and Big Javi Bebe (after TA Javier Wallace). After it was all said and done, one of the amazing members of the board of directors let us know that we were welcome to the community anytime.

Though these three communities were in vastly different places, they each left a huge impact on us. They inspired us to think more critically about how we use our natural resources, to think about our roles in our own communities, and how to bridge the gap between the two so that we can create spaces that are welcoming to others while maintaining the integrity and life around us.

June 12, 2019

Stories from Abroad: Guest Lecturer Shares History of Costa Rica

by Jordan T. Walters, African and African Diaspora Studies/History Junior

One of the program’s guest lecturers, Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere, discussed with us the history of Costa Rica, but more specifically the history of Afro-descendant Costa Ricans. She highlighted the 200-year-long institution of slavery that existed in Costa Rica that has been erased from many of the nation’s history books.

Dr. Chipembere started off by explaining the way European powers, like the Spanish, viewed Costa Rica. Christopher Columbus ignited the failed colonial project in Costa Rica and set in place the events that followed. Because Costa Rica was mostly inaccessible due to its terrain, intruders were met with hostility by indigenous communities, and there was no competitive cash crop, Costa Rica did not receive a large number of slaves.

After going over the development of Costa Rica during its inclusion within the Kingdom of Guatemala, the area’s Spanish administrative division, the lecturer talked about Costa Rica’s independence and present-day status, as well as Afro-descendant identity in Costa Rica.

Dr. Chipembere explained how the concept of tico/tica emerged as a means of creating a national identity, but she also mentioned that many Afro-descendant people do not feel necessarily connected to that colorblind term. We looked at where many Afro-descendant Costa Ricans lived, a place known as Limon, and how their isolation in that region of the nation birthed an almost completely separate identity from tico/tica.

Similar to how Black communities in the United States are labeled, the Afro-descendant community of Limon is considered by many in other parts of Costa Rica to be a poor community full of crime and disobedience. For that reason, many Costa Ricans residing in places like San Jose do not visit the Caribbean coast, but rather opt for the beaches along the Pacific coast.

Despite discussions on the rather dehumanizing treatment of Afro-descendant Costa Rican’s, Dr. Chipembere reminded us of how powerful, resilient, and influential the Afro-descendant community is. Two examples include the economic importance of Limon as a port through which a majority of the nation’s imports/exports go through and La Negrita, which is Costa Rica’s patron saint, who is a Black woman.

Beyond the amazing lecture that left our cohort feeling much more aware of the dynamics governing Costa Rican society, Dr. Gordon-Chipembere exemplifies an ethical and socially responsible leader that we can all aspire to. She uses her passion for history, in addition to her lineage, to disrupt false narratives and highlight the experiences of oppressed communities. This, in turn, holds those around her accountable for how they articulate the histories of Costa Rica. Instead of causing further harm to Afro-descendant communities, she responsibly tells and honors their stories.

As we continue to sharpen our skills as leaders while on this study abroad trip we will keep in mind the standards set by Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipemebere.

June 26, 2015

The Greatest Gift

by Kristy T.

It was on November 19th, the day of my birthday, that I found out I was accepted into the China Maymester study abroad program. I’m never going to forget the feeling of extreme excitement and also the feeling of pure nervousness. After the initial excitement wore off, a ton of questions started to form. “How can I pay for this?”, “Who else is going?”, “Will I get along with people on the trip?”. It was honestly terrifying jumping into the pure unknown for the first time of my life.

Fast forward to eight months later, and it is now my last week in China. Over the semester of preparation for Beijing I constantly heard that it was going to be a life changing experience, and even though I believed it, I didn’t know to the extent that it would affect my life. After a month of using “squaty potties”, dealing with not being fluent in the language, and adjusting to an overall new environment, I feel like a completely different person. I learned how to be more patient and adaptable and most importantly, I became a lot more appreciative and grateful for everything that I have been blessed with.

During the past months I have made relationships that I know will last a lifetime. All of the people that I’ve met during this trip has given me a new perspective on so many different things and have influenced me in so many ways, and helped me become a better person. They taught me how to live, learn, persevere, and to see the world in a new light. They gave me so many memories and almost instantly became like a family to me, making Beijing feel like a home away from home.

I’m going to make the most of these last few days and take everything in before I have to get on the plane with all of the amazing friends I’ve made. Overall, I can honestly say that finding out that I was accepted into the program, was the best birthday present I could’ve ever received. So thank you to all of the friends I made during the trip, you will always be my Beijing family. I’ll miss all of you!

June 26, 2015

No History Book Can Compare

by Kastina Fishback

For a long period in my life, The Great Wall was the only thing that popped into my head when I thought of China. I have always read about it in world history books, but I never even once fathomed myself ever actually being there. Look at me now! I, Kastina Fishback, can actually say I climbed to the highest point of THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA and was able to watch the beautiful morning sun rise over it. How many people do you know who can say this?

The most beautiful site my eyes have ever laid eyes on.

When we first arrived at The Great Wall, I had no idea what to expect. I knew we would be staying overnight at a small village that was not technologically advanced at all, so I was pretty nervous. But just simply laying eyes on The Great Wall took away all of that apprehensiveness. I was in complete awe. I couldn’t help but wonder how normal people were able to build something as incredible as this without the modern technology we have today. It was breathtaking.

The hike up to the tallest point on The Great Wall of China was definitely one of the hardest things I have physically done in my life. There were many points where I wanted to give up because I was out of breath and in pain. However, I knew that I would never be presented with this opportunity ever again in my life, so I had to take advantage of it. I had some very deep talks with myself while going up that mountain because my body was telling me to stop and take the easy way back down. There is no word to describe the feeling I got when I finally made it to the top. I spent the night in a village that put me completely out of my comfort zone, woke up at 3:00 A.M., embarked on an hour and thirty minute hike uphill, had a nasty fall blood and scratches, and was still able to stand on one of the most historical sites in the world. I’m a pretty amazing person if you ask me.

June 26, 2015

Eyes of American Culture from local in Beijing-CJL

by Christian Jose Lucero

Going off my last blog post “The Power of Meeting People” – I am very interested in hearing what people think about America and American people. This is a common question I ask people I meet in Beijing and I am enlightened by the different responses I get from good to bad.

Personally, being a Latino student/minority, I feel a social pressure attending a predominantly white institution. This has lead to feeling that my actions represent my whole race when I am the only Hispanic student in the class. This is not a welcoming feeling.

This has shaped my perception about American culture and American people both good and bad. Today I said hello to Ning Zhao. She is an adult female born in Beijing, and it was interesting to hear what she had to say about American people/culture.

Notes Conversation with Ning Zhao:
American people are very prideful, when doing business they say we understand your situations, values, and beliefs but we think our way is the best.

Chinese people they are really big on relationships. They do their best to try to find something in common with you like having the same last name (Han/Gonzales), or part of the same province even if not same town still connect. Then they have more reason to help you. But if you are a stranger, no benefits to helping you, why should they. No incentives. This is why Wechat is popular because now people can connect a lot easier and make connections this brings tons of benefits, part of same wechat group.

U.S. people are very individualistic, don’t take in to consideration about a lot of things. For example, if we do business we just focus on business, not all the possible factors of what can happen because of our business. Chinese take in to consideration a lot of factors.

Ning Zhao, is very impressed with how American people treat each other (we treat each other good because we are human beings). She went to Walmart and her boss asked her to buy a baby filter as a favor, that he got one previously at the Walmart in San Fransciso, but she was in Pennsylvania. She went to customer service at Walmart and ask if they had the baby filter, the employee looked it up online to see if they had it and they didn’t but she called the corporation they say they didn’t either. Then she asked Ning Zhao where we heard they had the baby filter she said the Walmart from San Fransciso and the employee also called their Walmart department in SF. She said everyone in line behind her was patient no one was in a rush. She was amazed by the costumer service and people because if they were in China this type of caring and patience for the customer would never happen.

In conclusion, you have a responsibility to disprove stereotypes, and change people’s perspective on the meaning of being American, why is our culture important, and how can we change to make more foreigners feel welcome by us. Are we too prideful? Are we too individualistic?

MUCH LOVE

June 14, 2014

Maymester Guest Lecturer at University of Cape Town

by Thais Moore

Dr. Leonard Moore invited Enver Daniels, Chief State Law Advisor of South Africa to speak to the Maymester students on Wednesday. Daniels’ position is the American equivalent to a U.S. Attorney General. Daniels was instrumental in helping to write the new South African Constitution of 1994 when the new democratic government began, after apartheid ended.

Colonialism and the apartheid history are personal for Daniels and therefore his role in drafting the new state constitution was vital. During apartheid he and his family were forceably removed from their homes and neighborhoods into what is known as a township–in the more rural parts of the city. Whites did not want to live near the Blacks (those of pure African decent) nor the Coloureds (those of mixed races), and so they would come through with bulldozers and flatten entire neighborhoods forcing people off the land. In many of the townships, that still exist today, water supply and toilets are communal, shared by 12 or so families.

Property values where Whites took over, on shorelines and mountainous regions, are now soaring. Daniels explained how Whites illegally gained control of the land, and then set up laws to keep blacks from regaining the territory. Many of the students and staff raised many questions.

Daniels currently works with all branches of government in South Africa and is a long time member of the African National Congress (ANC).

June 26, 2013

Reflection

by Neil Tanner

As I reflect on my journey in Beijing, I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from another culture that is very different from the one I was raised with, but it’s great to see that some things are the same wherever you go in the world. I believe its important to try to understand those who perceptually differ from us so that we can understand the root of our differences while seeing how we see eye to eye. It’s also great to see things done a different way so that we can expand and diversify our thought process for making future decisions. As we learned about the different social problems occurring in China, we could draw similarities to experiences from America and use that knowledge to come up with solutions never thought of before. We also could use the research of what current entrepreneurs are doing to solve problems to give us a different perspective on how to solve problems and hopefully use that influence to solve problems in America.

I appreciated the patience, modesty, and hospitality that I received in China. Too often in America, we become very impatient with those who cannot speak English. This was my first time being in a non-English speaking country so now I have a better idea of what the other side feels like. Chinese citizens were very patient with me and my classmates while trying to order food at restaurants get directions on the subway, or trying to start a conversation with a stranger. This barrier has also made me more confident in my ability to survive in diverse situations with the confidence that I can still communicate enough to survive in another country.

The modesty of Chinese civilians could be seen on a everyday basis. Americans often over indulge in everything, which happened to be the opposite in China. Many of the civilians we met came from humble beginnings and appreciated what they had so much more than the average American. We often take what we want, while they took what they needed. Even the meals were modest in comparison to American meals, smaller in proportion but diverse in selection. I was very shocked with the open arms that I felt from the Chinese, as they were often more willing to get to know us, than we to them! The want to learn from others is a very valuable thing that we take for granted every day. Hopefully I can take what I learned during my tenure in Beijing in apply to my everyday life in America.

June 24, 2013

Tiananmen Square

by Melguisedec Nuno

This was the first day of true exploration of China. We ate at a Duck Roast restaurant where I tried new foods and I realized that I need to learn the art of using chopsticks. Because of my inability to use chopsticks I ate very little, but I still enjoyed the food.

After our lunch we went to the Beijing Urban Planning Museum where I saw that although Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world, it has plans to keep growing and modernize itself in the process. It was amazing to see such a large city still hunger for growth. I know that within the next 20 years Beijing will change dramatically.

Tiananmen Square kept up with the theme at the airport, I was a little person who was a part of a grand piece of art. The area was wide open and had thousands of people walking past, each with their own concerns, their own life. The world we live in is bigger than we think it is, and each person makes up a part of it.

I had great respect for the dedication it took to build the square, the forbidden temple and the rest of Beijing as well. All created by people, thousands of years ago, just like me.

Later that week I went to one of the Hutongs, Nanluoguxiang and I felt as though I was in feudal china. A land ruled by the mandate of heaven, a place mysterious to the common westerner. I ate on top of a roof top and witnessed the sun set on a temple placed on a hill. Beauty, pure beauty. I felt a tickling comfort and I loved it.

It was only the first week and I had the best time of my life.

June 19, 2013

The Great Wall, a Great Fall, and Finding Peace

by Jordan Metoyer

The Great Wall

Last weekend was by far the highlight of the entire Maymester experience. The Beijing Fellows headed out for the Jinshanling section of one of the world’s seven wonders: The Great Wall of China. Jinshanling is a less tourist-populated area that holds both breathtaking views rugged trails.

When we arrived at Jinshanling after a two-hour bus ride, we were surrounded by sprawling hills, mountains, and greenery. With every stone step I climbed and bridge I crossed, it was easy to see why the wall required 600 years to erect.

After obligatory photoshoot and a filming of the Harlem Shake (coming soon to a YouTube address near you), we headed to a nearby village for our overnight stay.

The Village

Seeing the way that other families in our global society live reminded me of Ghana and of privilege. There is so much opportunity for social innovation in the village, from turning waste into reusable energy to creating a running water system. As with the Ghanaian village that I stayed near, the people of Jianshanling are a close knit-community with potential for collective and sustainable development.

The night was spent eating delicious locally grown food, playing a card game called “Killer” (that I am forever addicted to), and having in-depth conversations about life. I had a great fall, in love with the experience.

The morning after staying up all night, we hiked 1500 feet up a 3000 foot mountain in the Jinshanling region. During the hike, I felt completely at peace with nature; so much so, that I had an emotional reaction to the beauty around me. It was life changing.