Issuu

GLOBAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PUBLICATION

VOL 3 ISSUE 2 FALL 2018

Staff Writer

Photographers

Kirstin Terry

Kyle Bianchi AnaĂŻs Simeral Kayla Sklar

Editors Caitriona Keane Cathy Tripp Kristin Terry Patricia Riester Alanna Pasco

Nikki Roche Jolaade Okanlawon Francesca Batault Kirstin Terry Tanya Modde Mackenna Mejdell Connor Oâ€™Shea Karina Masri Katherine Fitzpatrick Rachael Sverdlove Deborah Madueke Charlotte Fall Mia Aldrich Jake Grondin

Cover photo taken by Kyle Bianchi

About Global Journal

Insight to our vision

Global Journal is a Northeastern University International Affairs student-run publication, covering international news, events on campus, study abroad, as well as domestic and international co-ops. Founded in 2014 by Madlen Gubernick, Elizabeth Zona, and Yasmeen Alhaj, the student group aims to bring the international community together through experiential narratives. Because being a Northeastern student inevitably implies international interest and awareness, Global Journal encourages students of all disciplines to participate in the student group. Global Journal comprises not only international affairs students, but journalism, political science, business, health education and art students as well. We believe that as Northeastern students, we are all global citizens with vast international experience: Global Journal gives students the platform to share those experiences with the rest of the community. We hope to inspire students of all disciplines to partake in building international bridges to help promote our global experiences.

Letter from the President All too often we find ourselves caught up in daily life. We live, and relive the same, mundane routine so often that we tend to forget about what surrounds us. We forget to appreciate the little moments that make each day unique and worthy of our attention. If there’s anything the Global Journal has taught me, it’s that there is a story behind each and every one of these things that needs to be told, shared and celebrated. The Global Journal team is proud to present our Fall 2018 Edition. For the first time, the Global Journal will showcase stories from all 7 continents; North and South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa and most excitingly, Antarctica. Our writers continue to showcase the best of what Northeastern has to offer. As you look through the glossy pages of the magazine, you will be given a glimpse into the many adventures of Northeastern students. These adventures are grandiose and exciting, but you will also notice that our writers have been touched most by the little experiences in these great adventures; the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of a sunset, the colors of protest graffiti or the smell of their morning coffee. This edition is one filled with hope and celebration of the little moments of our lives. It’s in these little things that we learn the most about ourselves and those around us. It’s here that we find that we are more similar than we are different; it’s through the power of storytelling that we find, and reignite, our common humanity. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated Global Journal e-board and our wonderful team of editors and writers; without you none of this would ever have been possible. To Connie, our fearless and wonderful Managing Editor: thank you for embarking on this crazy rollercoaster with me. Your dedication and contribution to the journal has made all the difference, but what I have most enjoyed has been your kindness, passion and your friendship – I look forward to all you will accomplish in your next chapter! Lastly, to our wonderful readers: thank you for your continued support. It is because of you that we have been able to share these stories that may otherwise have gone untold; may the Global Journal always remind you of the power of a single story and that your voice matters.

Sincerely,

Francesca Batault President of Global Journal

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

Meet the Team Members of the board

Francesca Batault President Politics, Philosophy & Economics Major, International Affairs, Law and Public Policy Minors From: Johannesburg, South Africa

Gabriela Beatham-Garcia VP of Public Relations International Affairs Major, International Security Minor From: Madrid, Spain

Mikaela Cole VP of Outreach International Affairs Major, Concentration in Latin America From: Huntington Beach, California

Karina Masri Senior Art Director Design Major, Concentration in Graphic and Information Design, International Affairs & Chinese Minors From: Southborough, Massachusetts

Connie E Managing Editor Economics Major, Social Entrepreneurship Minor From: Beijing, China

Kristin Terry Associate Designer Political Science & International Affairs Major, Concentration in Security Studies From: Johns Creek, Georgia

24 20

Americas Our Neighbor’s Hidden History Time Travel On English

Europe An Outsider’s Experience from the Inside When an American Girl Meets an Italian Samaritan A Renewed Sense of Purpose Sarajevo: Changing Perspectives A Truly Godly Experience

Africa Don’t Forget About the Children Graffiti: A Story of Regeneration and Resilience The Veils We Don

45 30

Middle East House of Nidal On Coexistence: A Take from Tel-Aviv Uncertainty in Amman

Asia & Oceania Asian Miracles Social Entrepreneurship Dialogue in India New Zealand & Nature

Antarctica Life on Ice

11 Photo by Claudia Bracy

Our Neighbor’s Hidden History Story by Emily McMichael, N.U.in

When you think of Canada, what do you

rampant. This toxic educational environment

think of? From my perspective as an American,

greatly led to the destruction of Indigenous culture

I pictured maple syrup, hockey, and friendly

by ensuring that older generations would not be

strangers. That was before I lived in Montreal for

able to pass down their traditions and beliefs.

four months during my first semester of college

Present-day Canadian administrations have only

abroad as part of the N.U.in program. All N.U.in

recently made efforts to recognize the crimes

students are required to take a class on the history

committed against the indigenous population —

and culture of our host country. In my case, I took

these efforts include establishing the Truth and

CANS 200: Introduction to the Study of Canada at

Reconciliation Commission.

McGill University.

was established in 2008 to assist in reconciliation

The Commission

Canada does not really come to mind when one

among former students of residential schools,

thinks about Native Americans. In fact, in Canada,

their families and their communities. Between

instead of using “Native American” to refer to

2007 and 2015, the Commission travelled around

the native population, the word “Indigenous” is

Canada to educate and engage Canadians about

used. Prior to attending college, I hardly learned

the disturbing history. Though the Commission is

about the native peoples who lived in the United

no longer active, its work to preserve and share

States, much less about the ones living in Canada.

the experiences of those who suffered from the

The well-known stereotype is that Canadians are

residential school system have certainly played

especially kind. This overly positive perception

an important role in the education of Canadian

of Canada pervades American culture to the

society about its history.

degree where average Americans like myself do

As part of my final paper, I attended a

not know actual Canadian history and culture. In

powwow on campus during McGill’s Indigenous

this class, we began to chip away at that surface-

Awareness Week. A modern-day powwow is an

level perception and uncovered a legacy of the

event where various indigenous peoples meet

mistreatment of Canada’s indigenous population.

to share their cultures. Powwows can include

In 1876, the Canadian government passed

things artisan markets, song, dance, and other

the Indian Act. This act granted powers to the

cultural performances. I expected to be amongst

Canadian government with regards to indigenous

an entirely different group of people that I would

identity, culture, political systems, and education.

struggle to culturally relate to. I was pleasantly

One of the most notorious policies resulting from

surprised to be proven wrong.

this act was the development of residential schools

My lack of understanding of Indigenous

for Indigenous children. Indigenous children were

culture led me to make assumptions that were

taken from their families and placed into these

not always accurate. What little I had learned

schools in a concerted effort to assimilate them into

about the American indigenous populations

modern-Canadian society. Here, food was scarce,

almost always had to do with war and I imagined

disease outbreaks were frequent, and abuse was

indigenous cultures to place great importance

Photo by Anaïs Simeral

on warring. However, before a group of Inuit

Awareness

throat singers began their final song, one of them

people in one light. The events during this week

Week

only

presents

Indigenous

explained what the song was about. She told us

are meant to be entertaining and not necessarily

that it was about a little puppy who was stuck in

educational. More importantly, once the week

the entrance of an igloo and could not get out.

of events is finished, I found that discussions

The simple theme of this song instantly brought

on Indigenous peoples within the broad McGill

to mind all of the songs and nursery rhymes I had

community disappeared. For many Montrealers,

sung and heard as a child. Just as I grew up with

this week is the only opportunity to look into

lullabies about silly things like cows jumping over

indigenous culture. I do not know if there’s any

the moon, indigenous children grew up listening

one perfect way to reconcile centuries of exclusion

to their mothers sing about silly things like a

and violence against indigenous people. But if a

puppy getting stuck in an igloo. Hearing this song

dedicated opportunity to recognize indigenous

reminded me that people are not as different as

people does not even exist, the ostracizing of

we sometimes think.

Indigenous culture will undoubtedly continue.

Taken at face value, McGill’s Indigenous

It’s not a problem for America to look at Canada

Awareness week and Annual Powwow appears

in the positive light that many of us do. However,

to celebrate indigenous culture. However, upon

we should not allow this idealized perception to

recollection and discussion with my CANS

let us forget that it too has made grave mistakes

professor, I realized how this type of celebration

that continue to shape it to this very day.

can be a double-edged sword – Indigenous

Photo by Kayla Sklar

Time Travel

Photo by First Last

Story by Kayla Sklar, Dialogue

What comes to mind when you think of Cuba?

baby blue Chevy taxi that pulled up gave me my

Old cars? Communism? Danger? Cigars and rum?

first taste of time travel.

A forbidden place?

The constant flashbacks into the past make

I had no idea what to think or expect when

Cuba so interesting to me – it is an unknown

I visited for my Cuba y La Fotografia Dialogue

place frozen in time. I came to photograph Cuba,

of Civilizations. Cuba was not a place that I

but left with so much more of an understanding

frequently heard about in my daily life. All I

of this amazing country, and I hope to show its

really knew was that it was a communist country,

beauty through my photography. The people

and a difficult one for Americans to visit. But

are more welcoming and happy than any

as our plane started to descend into Havana,

other country I have visited. As you walk down

I stared out the window and noticed that the

the streets they yell out to you in Spanish or

country looked different from any other place I

broken English “Hola! Where you from?!” In

had seen from above. Everything was run down

the beginning of our trip, the first thought that

and destroyed, but still beautiful and colorful.

popped into all of our heads was “Oh gosh,

I stepped out of the airport and the humid air

why are they calling out to me?” Don’t get me

slammed into my smiling face. While I waited for

wrong, plenty of times, they were asking for

the bus with the rest of my group, the old 1955

money or other items. But most of the time,

Photo by Kayla Sklar

Cubans were simply curious about where we

to pour. It was a half hour of embarrassment for

were from and how long we were staying,

us both, because we couldn’t speak each other’s

wanted to talk about how they love Americans,

language in the way that we both wished we

to try and practice their English, or to say that

could. But the broken conversation we had was

their cousin or brother lives in Florida.

also the most rewarding and fun half hour of my

One time I was out all alone taking pictures

entire three weeks in Cuba.

of some boys playing soccer in the street. They

His name was Ernest, like Ernest Hemingway,

began meandering through the streets while

and he loved to run. He told me about all of the

juggling the ball as they made their way to a

places to go see, asked me how I liked Cuba and

basketball court, which was nestled inside an

why I was here, and explained how different Cuba

abandoned community center. Just as I made

is from anywhere else on the earth, especially

my way deeper into the center to photograph a

America. After talking for a while, I asked him for

destroyed, empty pool, all of a sudden another

a picture and he gave me the usual response that

downpour soaked me and my camera. I ran under

I would get from camera-shy individuals— “Soy

a stadium that overlooked a field where a man was

feo,” I am ugly. But no, these people are not ugly,

also hiding from the rain. He had been stretching

the destroyed buildings are not ugly, the rundown

earlier to warm up to run laps around the dirt

streets are not ugly. There is beauty hidden in

track. I nervously smiled and walked closer, and he

this old city that became so obvious to me after

said to me while shaking his head “Oi, la lluvia,”

having the chance to indulge in the amazing

the rain. I began to attempt to speak to him in

Cuban culture. People are oblivious to this gem

Spanish and time flew by as the rain continued

lost in the treasure islands of the Caribbean.

Photo by Nikki Roche

On English Story by Raina Levin, Study Abroad

Yes, I’m studying abroad in Lima, Peru, taking all

audibly groaned upon hearing this, and several

of my classes in Spanish, but hear me out.

turned to look at me.

In my Psychology, Culture and Education

On the bus every morning, I people watch. I

class, the first lecture included infographics from

see some scrolling through their social media,

an analysis called “The Weirdest People in the

with half the content they consume in English. I

World” with “WEIRD” standing for Western,

see students studying from English workbooks

Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic.

or reading complex economic theory – in

The lecture focused on our habit of studying a

English. Even the street lights serve as English

small, privileged subset and generalizing the

advertisements, plastered with papers that loudly

unrepresentative results to the rest of the world.

announce private English lessons from a real

The professor translated the English text on her

American, or occasionally, a real Brit.

slide on the spot. She warned us that while the

In another class, the professor started with

majority of the required readings are in Spanish,

a get-to-know-you activity, a variation of bingo.

more than a few are in English. My classmates

Each square on our scorecard contained an

attribute, and we were asked to find a student

he added other languages to speak to the locals;

in the class to whom it applied. For example,

Aymara on the floating islands and Quechua on

someone who played football, or wrote poetry,

the solid-ground islands. I think he was surprised

or was a vegetarian. One box requested a person

when I spoke to him in Spanish, so accustomed

who spoke three languages. In a class of about

was he to catering to English-speaking tourists.

25, at least eight people filled that requirement.

My point is, I’m exceptionally lucky. If you’re

Several of them surpassed that, speaking between

reading this, you are too. We’re privileged to speak

four to seven languages.

English, not because it’s inherently better than any

English was always one of them.

other language, but because it is widespread.

I know English is a common second language

Through colonization and globalization, it’s taken

and it’s popular in academia, but I was still

hold of the world. If we wanted to, we’d never

surprised by how often I hear it. So many Limeños

have to speak another language. Many of us in the

are fluent; generally, I found their English is worlds

U.S. choose not to; we don’t prioritize language

ahead of my Spanish. In fact, in order to take

learning the way others do. Part of that is proximity;

classes in their major, students at my university

Europeans drive 45 minutes and arrive in another

must pass a test of English fluency. In casual

country, while we drive six hours and maybe make

conversation with my friends from the US, I’ve

it to another state. But part of it is that we just

been joined by Peruvian students who continue

don’t need to; the rest of the world does the hard

speaking our language, even though we’re in

work of becoming multilingual for us.

their country. I very much appreciate when these

I appreciate the convenience of being able to

students later speak to me in Spanish, though my

communicate in a common language, but that

halting responses must be maddening to listen

also shouldn’t come at the cost of indigenous

to. I’m here to practice, and it’s clear to me that

languages. Considering the enormous historical

they need absolutely no practice in English.

and linguistic losses at the National Museum of

English has also been prominently featured

Brazil this year, I am reminded of the fragility of

throughout my travels. When I trekked Colca

languages, especially of those in shrinking or

Canyon, I was the only American in my group;

underserved communities.

the other 12 tourists came from Europe or

I can’t fix these problems. I can’t unburn

Africa. Represented among the languages they

a museum, revitalize languages on the brink

spoke were Polish, Dutch, Arabic, and French,

of extinction, or solve decades of linguistic

but naturally all spoke English as well. English

discrimination. All I can do is recognize my privilege.

was our lingua franca, and at some point, it

So, while I’m in Peru, I set aside my English. I place

didn’t even register as odd to hear the German

it carefully on a shelf in my mind; within reach,

couple conversing with the Sudanese man as

but only when on tiptoe. I scoot Spanish to the

the Portuguese pair pitched in. It stopped being

forefront, where it’s easily accessible, flawed though

strange to me, but my awe and jealousy of their

my command of it may be.

multilingual capacities never wore off. A month later, at Lake Titicaca, my guide repeated every piece of information twice, once in

Like I said at the beginning, I’m in a Spanish-speaking country. My focus should not be “On English.”

English and once in Spanish. As we disembarked,

19 Photo by Kyle Bianchi

An Outsider’s Experience from the Inside Story by Taylor Niederland, Co-op

“Oh that Jackie Baillie is a bloody b****.” My

smiled and said, “I will be interning for Member

mouth dropped and he followed up this comment

of Scottish Parliament Jackie Baillie.” From this

with more graphic insults of both Jackie and

moment on, I became extremely cautious of

the Scottish Labour Party. My landlord voiced

which individuals I chose to share my internship

these affronts after I casually shared with him

position with.

my internship position. He then asked whom I

For centuries, the people of Scotland have

would be interning under. At the time, I had no

disagreed about whether they should remain part

idea of the magnitude of his question, for I simply

of Great Britain or become an independent state,

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

â€œ

I assumed my opinion does not matter because I am American and, consequently, do not know what it is to identify as Scottish or British.

and there are valuable and passionate views on both ends of the argument. Currently, the Scottish National Party is the political party in power in Scotland. The National Partyâ€™s primary objective is to obtain an independent Scotland, believing that Scotland is restricted in its current position within Great Britain. On the other hand, Jackie Baillie is a member of the Scottish Labour Party: a party that is wholly against an independent Scotland

â€?

due to the massive economic repercussions of becoming an independent state.

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

One day, my supervisor, Shonagh, asked

Scotland. Thus, I thought I could not hold a

me what my personal opinion is on Scottish

valid opinion due to my inability to relate, and I

independence. I was baffled at first. I assumed my

explained exactly this to Shonagh.

opinion does not matter because I am American

Shonagh responded by saying my opinion did

and, consequently, do not know what it is to

matter, because it is how we identify as human beings

identify as Scottish or British. This identification,

on a much bigger scale, whether or not we value

I believe, is the ultimate divider of whether an

being Scottish, British, European or global citizens.

individual campaigns for Scottish independence

These identities are all dividers that place people

or not, for if an individual prioritizes her Scottish

into categories with the biggest category, that of a

identity over that of her British identity, more

global citizen being the end goal. We cannot step

often than not, she is in favor of an independent

backwards and make these divisions smaller, for we

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

“

I hesitantly said no, and asked if he had gone or had plans to go. He responded: ‘No. I believe in unity, not division.’

”

must aim for the bigger overreaching category that incorporates everyone with no outsiders. A few weeks later I was taking a taxi ride to the airport to visit my sister in Denmark. This day happened to be the day where a massive Scottish Independence march was taking place with over tens of thousands individuals participating. My taxi driver commented on the march and asked if I had gone. I hesitantly said no, and asked if he had gone or had plans to go. He responded: “No. I believe in unity, not division.”

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

When an American Girl Meets an Italian Samaritan Story by Jolaade Okanlawon, Study Abroad

After spending four months attending a study

May 17th, I took a train from Palermo to Catania in

abroad program at John Cabot University, I

the hopes of visiting the beautiful volcano, Mount

decided to pursue my own passion of traveling

Etna. Once I got to Catania, I knew that my train

solo for a couple of weeks and with my visa

back to Palermo would leave at approximately

ending on May 22nd, I still had the liberty to do

5:30 p.m., giving me roughly five hours to explore

so. On May 5th, I hopped on a plane from Rome

the city, culture, and the prestigious volcano.

to Palermo, Sicily, the capital of the Italian island.

As an active stratovolcano on the east coast of

The island was beautiful; but I knew, given my

Sicily, Mount Etna had always been on my travel

passion for adventure, that a trip to another city

bucket list. However, I did not have any idea how

was inevitable and highly necessary. Therefore, on

to get to the summit. With the trusty help of

Photo by Jolaade Okanlawon

TripAdvisor, I eventually found my way; there is

unsure how I would return to Palermo. The

a train that makes its way around the volcano,

other downside of my misfortune was that I

offering picturesque views and a connecting bus

inadvertently did not bring my travel adapter

to the summit. When I finally arrived to take the

with me; with my portable charger out of juice,

connection bus up to the summit, one of the

I knew my phone would surely die any instant.

conductors informed me that the buses were

At least on the train ride back to Catania, I was

no longer running. My heart dropped, knowing

able to capture some Instagram-worthy pictures

that I wasted over two hours on a train in hopes

of Mount Etna through Trenitaliaâ€™s glass window,

of seeing one of the most active volcanoes in

making the whole misadventure worthwhile

the world. What seemed like a great idea at

When I arrived at Cataniaâ€™s Central Station,

the time turned to disaster when I realized that

I approached the woman at the ticket booth

I had missed the last train to Palermo. Stressed

and asked if there were any trains to Palermo

and concerned, I had no idea what to do. Not

departing that evening. Before I could even finish

only did not I not make it to the summit, I was

my sentence, she sharply replied â€œNO, NO and

Photo by First Last

Photo by Jolaade Okanlawon

NO.” I found myself in quite a quandary on what

the night. Luckily, one of the drivers quickly

to do next. Fortunately, the woman informed

uttered that there was a hotel right nearby and

me that there was another train leaving at 5:00

offered to escort me there. Relieved and excited,

a.m., and so I had to buy new tickets. Luckily,

I walked with him towards the hotel hoping to

purchasing these new tickets wasn’t an issue but

finally find place to sleep. I entered the lobby,

finding a place to sleep with a dead phone in my

giving the receptionist my biggest smile and

pocket proved to be a challenge. I approached

asked if there were any rooms available for the

the woman at the ticket booth once more to ask

night. Unfortunately, without giving it a second

if there were any hostels nearby, but since her

thought, the receptionist said “no we’re all full.”

English was limited, she couldn’t provide me

My heart dropped; I just couldn’t stand the

with much information.

thought of facing rejection everywhere I looked.

Feeling hopeless, I spoke to a couple of bus

Feeling sympathetic, the bus driver outside

drivers outside of the train station to see if they

offered to drive me in his car to Piazza Duomo

knew where I could find a hostel or hotel to pass

where I would be more likely to find somewhere

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

to stay. Although getting into a stranger’s car

what happened, and without a second thought

as a foreigner was the riskiest decision I’ve ever

she consoled me. In fact, through the warm

made, in my circumstances I didn’t have much

kindness of her heart, she told me that she had

of a choice.

a spare room in her apartment for me to spend

When I got dropped off, I walked around the

the night till my train back to Palermo the next

piazza for hours looking for a place to rest my

morning. My heart was overjoyed and I couldn’t

head. After stopping at six different hotels, my

thank her enough; without realizing it I knew I just

hope was nearly gone; without a place to stay, I

witnessed a miracle. If you’re a student looking

could possibly end up spending the night on the

to study abroad don’t let the foreignness scare

street. Luckily, as I stood by a Sicilian Restaurant,

you; who knows…someday you too may receive

the most unbelievable thing happened! Great

a random act of kindness by a local.

Samaritans do exist: in this case, Federica was mine. She saw me standing outside of the restaurant and asked me if I was okay; I told her

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

A Renewed Sense of Purpose Story by Aeverie Polintan, Dialogue

I have always dreamed of becoming a diplomat.

witness diplomacy at its highest level at the United

As a child, I saw it as an opportunity to travel

Nations Office in Geneva, I was beyond elated.

and see the world without obtaining a visa; as a

The dialogue was a remarkable experience

Filipino citizen procuring visas is a bureaucratic

that gave me the opportunity to interact with

nightmare. It was not until my family moved to

ambassadors, diplomats, and experts in both

Dubai that my interest in joining the diplomatic

global governance and international relations.

corps really solidified because it was there that I

It offered me a glimpse of what life is like for

experienced and saw first hand the importance

a top-level diplomat; a career that I have been

of diplomatic relations between countries. Thus,

dreaming about since my childhood. Yet it took

when I was given the opportunity to learn and

seeing these diplomats in action for me to realize

Photo by Francesca Batault

“

It took seeing these diplomats in action for me to realize the enormity of their responsibility.

”

the enormity of their responsibility. It was such as surreal moment when it finally dawned on me that the people in front of me are the same individuals who painstakingly debated and wrote the international treaties that I spend hours learning about in the classrooms at Northeastern.

However, seeing these ambassadors in action led me to question whether it was the right career path for me. I asked myself repeatedly whether I really wanted to be in those diplomats’ shoes. My wavering conviction about the job boiled down to one question: what if I don’t agree with my country’s foreign policy? Yes, it would have been a great honor to be of service to my country and its people but I suddenly could not imagine myself in the position of those diplomats. I am unsure if I have the capacity to utter words in front of the international community defending or advocating certain measures that I do not fully agree with. Would I be willing to take

Photo by First Last Photo by Kyle Bianchi

on the job of a diplomat wherein I am my country

diplomats who are able to represent their country

first and an individual second? I don’t think I

professionally even when their personal opinion

could. Don’t get me wrong. I have great respect

clashes with official foreign policy. However, I

for diplomats and an even greater one for those

don’t think I can suddenly undo what I have been

“

taught my entire life: to think for myself and to

However, I don’t think I can suddenly undo what I have been taught my entire life: to think for myself and to stand for what I believe in.

”

stand for what I believe in. With that realization, my dream of becoming a diplomat met its demise yet it also served as an awakening of a new one. I have been so focused on becoming a diplomat that I have failed to recognize that there are so many other individuals working in different capacities that make an enormous difference in this world. I met countless of these individuals during the dialogue but who taught

me the most were those working for international

where states are the dominant actors, her story

and non-governmental organizations, campaigns

showed me that the opinion of individuals also has

and movements. One such individual whose

a place in international relations. She made me

story resonated with me was Beatrice Fihn, the

realize that we can all, as individuals, be agents

executive director of the International Campaign

of change in our own way. It is the dedication and

to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a global

the passion of individuals like her to be a force

civil society coalition committed to nuclear

for good in this world that inspires me to follow

disarmament. ICAN is the very same organization

in their footsteps. My experience at the United

who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize months

Nations is one that I would forever treasure

after our initial meeting for their role in the

because while it marked the end of a childhood

adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of

dream, it also left me with the best souvenir one

Nuclear Weapons. I think Beatriceâ€™s story stuck

can ask for - a renewed sense of purpose.

with me most because it is a testament of the collective power of individuals. In a global order

Photo by Kristin Terry

Sarajevo: Changing Perspectives Story by Kristin Terry, Dialogue

Before this Dialogue of Civilizations, I wasn’t

organizations before this program, I still had a

entirely sure what to expect from the Balkans – I

relatively positive outlook on the international

had done some research of course, but even so

community; that changed three days into the

I definitely felt that I was going in with minimal

Dialogue after we heard from Hasan Nuhanović,

information about the region. On this Dialogue we

who was a survivor of the Srebrenica genocide

visited Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo;

and later tried to sue both the UN and the Dutch

however I will only be speaking about Bosnia-

government over the atrocities committed there.

Herzegovina here, as it was the most impactful part

Hearing from Hasan was my first “a-ha moment”

of the trip for me. I had never learned about the

and honestly probably the most impactful from

Balkans region before in any class, and I only had

the entire program; it was the first time I had ever

a basic understanding of the politics in the region.

heard about Srebrenica, and how the international

While I was aware of many faults with international

community played into what occurred there.

The first city we visited on the Dialogue was

wounds are still fresh and the dead are still being

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. What surprised

buried today. More than anything, learning about

me the most about Sarajevo was how much of a

Srebrenica and specifically the UN’s involvement

city it is; before we arrived I was picturing much

in it made me want to enact change in the UN.

more of a small town sort of place. The second

My initial reaction after hearing about Srebrenica

thing that shocked me about Sarajevo was seeing

was anger at the UN, and a complete 180 reversal

the red roses everywhere around the city, first

of my opinion on it; but after giving it some

just the very existence of them and then realizing

time, the sentiment that rose out of that anger

just how many there are. These red roses aren’t

was wanting to make a change, wanting to turn

actually roses; they are marks scattering the

something broken and dangerous into something

ground around Sarajevo where mortar shells

that actually lives up to its intention. Hasan

killed at least three people during the siege. The

Nuhanović’s story continues to stick with me more

marks were filled with red resin, and resemble a

than anything else from the trip, particularly how

rose – or perhaps splattered blood. The Sarajevo

he was unable to directly hold the UN responsible

red roses are hauntingly beautiful, in a very dark

for the crimes committed in Srebrenica by the

sense of that word, in that they keep history fresh

Peacekeepers. I believe that is something that

while at the same time giving those who died a

absolutely must change: there needs to be some

way of being remembered.

way to hold the UN directly accountable for its

Sarajevo seems to be in many ways a divided

actions. If the UN is going to act like the queen

city – both physically by the literal east/west line

of the chessboard, then it needs to have an

in the center of town, as well as by the ethnically-

accountability mechanism equivalent to that role.

divided politics of the country. And yet, as

I went into this Dialogue with minimal

divided as it could be, Sarajevo seemed in many

knowledge about the Balkans region; I came

ways to be harmoniously coexistent; the different

out of it with completely new and unexpected

cultures of the city for the most part seemed

perspectives not only on the region but on

to thrive side by side, without much obvious

the international community as a whole. This

conflict. The politics of the region would speak

was definitely one of the most eye-opening

very differently to these cultural divides, but

experiences of my life, and I am forever grateful

as always people are less divided than are the

that I was able to take part in it. I encourage

politicians who speak for them.

everybody reading this to just take five minutes

Visiting Srebrenica was the most powerful

and google “Srebrenica” and “Hasan Nuhanović”;

part of the Dialogue for me, especially walking

read about it, and be critical of information that

around and hearing echoes of Hasan Nuhanović’s

seems glossed-over – because it probably is. I

stories. The video we watched at the museum

hope that one day international organizations,

will stay with me forever – as will Hasan’s plea

namely the UN, see the change that has been

for everyone to tell somebody about Srebrenica.

desperately needed for the past few decades;

When we visited the cemetery what struck me the

until then, it’s up to us to spread that information

hardest was seeing the fresh graves - the shoveled

and plant those seeds of thought.

dirt, the green markers, the still-fresh flowers. Srebrenica may have happened in 1995, but the

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

A Truly Godly Experience Story by Catherine Hogan, N.U.in

What does enlightenment feel like? I often wondered what it would feel like when I finally understood the universe and my place in it. What I never wondered though, was when that understanding would come, when the feeling would wash over me and suddenly I would see

everything for what it was. For me, this feeling came while standing on the Throne of Zeus, at the highest peak of Mount Olympus. The twoday hike didnâ€™t seem daunting, as my group of friends and I are fit and exercise frequently, but nothing could have prepared us for this. The first

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

â€œ

What does enlightenment feel like? I often wondered what it would feel like when I finally understood the universe and my place in it.

â€?

day of the journey was difficult yet satisfying. For every push up a steep incline, there were several hundred yards of flat trail. The air was thick and smooth with fresh oxygen. The scenery was beautiful, and the clouds overhead created a scene that radiated peace. The second day, however, made the first day look like a light walk on a flat road. Our day started promptly at 7 a.m. with a near vertical climb up a very rocky mountainside. This was followed

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

by about a mile of scaling a mountain, where

but from where I stood, I could hear everything

all that stood between us and certain death

and nothing at the same time.

were a few wobbly stones. We may have only covered four miles that morning, but my limbs had never felt so shaky, and my lungs so empty. We crawled onto the plateau and looked over what we had accomplished and I breathed in the cold, thin air. I curled my toes over the edge of the mountainside and looked out into the nothingness. The clouds created a blanket over Greece, covering the small country towns and metropolitan city from the inclement weather,

â€œ

Everything around us has been placed here using careful consideration; every tree and lake has a purpose, and we do too.

â€?

Photo by Kyle Bianchi

stood

put mind over matter, they force you to stop

overlooking the country I was visiting and I

This

was

enlightenment;

listening to your muscle aches and start listening

understood the way of the world. Everything

to your heart. I want to say that day changed me,

around us has been placed here using careful

but it didnâ€™t, it changed my outlook. It changed

consideration; every tree and lake has a purpose,

the way I look at each day, the way I experience

and we do too. I realized atop that mountain that

it, the way I reflect on it. In that moment, I was

although I do not know my purpose, the feeling

in pure control, of my mind, my body, and my

of understanding that washed through me and

spirit. That mountain taught me two things: first,

the clearing out of my uncertainties showed me

pack light always, and second, you cannot say

that my purpose remains to be discovered. I now

no for fear of pain or failure, because pain and

know why people love climbing mountains; the

failure make success so much more satisfying.

steep inclines and shallow breaths force you to

39 Photo by Francesca Batault

Don’t Forget About the Children Story by Drew Baldwin, Dialogue

She was sitting in the front row of her first-grade

her work she asked me the same question; “I

class, studying the newest algebra lesson. Her

think I want to be a lawyer. Maybe a diplomat.

hair was pulled back in to dozens of oval-shaped

Possibly both, haven’t quite decided yet.” It

braids that met at the base of her neck to form a

was then that she looked me straight in the eyes

low ponytail; it was fastened with two bright pink

and told me to be very careful: “I don’t want

bobble hair ties, like the ones kids love to wear

you to defend bad people.”

during the few years of childhood in which they

For some reason Johanna’s comment stuck

can actually can pull them off. She was clad in her

with me for weeks and now, months later, I still

green and pink school uniform with white ruffled

remember our conversation as though it were

edges (a tad too girly for her, but yet again, she

yesterday. I seem to somehow always forget how

pulled it off). Her ears were almost doll-like, shyly

innocent and honest children are, but Johanna

poking out from in front of her braids, with dainty

was far from the innocence I’m used to. She

white studs pierced into the lower lobes. But

had already witnessed more in her eight years

possibly her most striking feature was her eyes:

of life than I have seen in my 19. Her parents

she had large doe eyes with a dark, milky brown

left her when she was a year old to find jobs in

center to compliment her dark skin. I couldn’t

London, placing her in St. Anna’s. There, Johanna

help but feel as though she was looking straight

and various other children from a variety of

through me every time our eyes met. As I sat

backgrounds – orphans, lost children, runaways –

down next to her, she slipped me her homework;

all came together to form a family.

she was learning algebra I learned in middle school. Johanna was only eight years old.

Family is an important term in Ghana: it’s deeply rooted in African Traditional Religion

I owe it to Johanna; my love for Ghana, that

which, to this day, plays a part in their everyday

is. Sure, like everyone else on my Dialogue I was

lives. The students I spoke to often told me they

taken aback by the bright colors and bustling city

weren’t just in school to better their country,

streets, but Johanna simply charmed me. We met

but to make their families proud. Many said

after a week of my being in Ghana, during the visit

their parents were never able to obtain a higher

to the St. Anna’s Family Home in the coastal town

education, creating a sense of obligation to fulfill

of Winneba. St. Anna’s was the first of two visits

the goals unachieved by their parents. But for the

to orphanages over our month-long study abroad

children who don’t have parents, their passion

where we spent our time studying education and

and drive came from pure grit and determination,

college student development.

not love for their family.

I remember asking Johanna what she dreamt

Johanna told me that one of the reasons she

of being when she grew up: “a doctor” was her

dreams of becoming a doctor is because she

simple reply. It was immediate and nonchalant,

wants to prove to her parents that she can. She

as though she had no doubt in her mind it

speculated that maybe if they had stayed with

would be achieved. Without looking up from

her, she would be given more opportunities,

Photo by Tanya Modde

such as going to real basic school. “I forgive

education – denied entry because of their rural

them though. I just want to be able to learn” she

location, race, sex, or religious affiliation.

said sullenly.

“

I met children just like Johanna during my time in Haiti over two years ago. They were the

I owe it to Johanna; my love for Ghana, that is.

kids who would stand in our assembly lines and

Johanna had the ability to articulate thoughts

about the English names for things. “What’s

with the poise and maturity of a full-grown adult.

this?” they’d ask, pointing at a shovel, or a red

But the thing is, there are millions of Johanna’s in

brick, or a plastic Nalgene water bottle.

”

help us lay bricks to build their school; they were the kids who sat with me to teach me Creole for hours until dinner was forced upon us; they were the kids who never stopped asking us questions

the world: millions of children who have learned

A world without Johanna’s would be a world

more in their few years of living than most learn

without hope. Right now, it’s simply a twinkle, a

in a lifetime; millions of children who have felt

star just outside of our reach; but when Johanna

unfathomable loss; millions of children with

and her peers start to learn and grow they will be

the intellect and passion that Johanna has. But

unstoppable.

millions of them are lost within the system of

Photo by Mackenna Mejdell

Graffiti: A Story of Regeneration and Resilience Story by Mackenna Mejdell, Dialogue

South Africa is a nation that has experienced great

Graffiti in South Africa began as a form of

oppression in many forms, including apartheid

passionate protest against oppressive ideologies

and crippling poverty. Unsurprisingly, its three

that ran rampant under the apartheid government

megacities mirror this division and hostility which

in the late eighties. Artists would fervently

has been carved into every facet of society. An

spray paint across the walls of governmental

unsung hero, however, has risen from the ashes of

offices they saw as oppressive and risked harsh

a broken, post-apartheid state: graffiti.

punishment if caught. This outpouring of emotion

During my six-week dialogue program in South

morphed into a movement and artists became

Africa, I had the opportunity to visit its three most

skilled in creating razor-letters, bubble font, and

populated metropolises â€“ Johannesburg, Cape

more. These artists â€œtagged,â€? or marked, their

Town, and Durban. In each of these geographically

street art name in places across the city as a way

and politically divergent cities, the common thread

of expressing their frustrations towards these

of graffiti wove together a story of resilience.

oppressive institutions. For example, present-day

Newton, Johannesburg still bears the graffiti tags

all of society and reflects the ideas of this

that artists left during the 1960s to declare their

diverse nation.

frustration at various injustices that occurred in

The renewed meaning that graffiti has come

the milling industry – abuses such as depriving

to embody in art pieces across the city continues

local workers of adequate pay and forcing them

to inspire many. Tagging is now recognized as an

to labor in horribly unjust work conditions.

instrument through which local artists can connect

Once apartheid fell in 1994, however, new

and unite with individuals in communities across

individuals bubbled to the surface and used

the nation. The work of artists such as TAPZ,

graffiti in a more malicious form as a tool to mark

BIAS, and Chow Mien, for example, can be seen

territories during periods of violence. This new

on structures all around Johannesburg. Many

form of graffiti ran rampant through the central

building owners even give the newly emerging

business district. These new artists transformed

graffiti artists express permission to create new

the once intentional and politically relevant

pieces. Graffiti art is no longer even seen as a

essence of graffiti into a crude marking system

punishable offense within the social sphere. This

for delineating territories – that is, until the true

air of free speech and expression makes the city

intention of graffiti art was realized.

feel more approachable, as if you already have

The present purpose of graffiti contradicts its

a family member or friend leaving breadcrumbs

historical use as a tool of division. Each year, the

throughout the district. Graffiti has made one of

South African government holds Mandela week,

the most impressive transformations as an art form

which celebrates and memorializes the life of

in South Africa, and its course is not yet complete!

Nelson Mandela and his monumental leadership.

South Africa is truly the most beautiful place

The city of Johannesburg commissions numerous

that I have had the honor to visit. It is a vibrant and

South African graffiti artists to paint the pillars

resilient nation of wholesome, genuine people

in Market Square and express their vision for the

and gorgeous scenery. Its strong, collective spirit

future of a freed South Africa. The content of these

is exemplified through the metamorphosis of

pieces can range from political commentaries,

South African graffiti, the brave revolutionaries

to the artists’ personal stories, and even to life

who dared to redefine an entire art form and

philosophies. This year, for instance, an artist by

society-at-large. These efforts have generated

the pen name of SEC created a display which

and continue to create stronger connections and

alluded to the power of interracial cooperation

more diverse communities.

in creating a more resilient urban community.

It was astonishing to see such a vibrant

This piece incorporated popular idioms, “same

mixture of perspectives expressed through such

air” and “colour is fokol” to describe that we

an approachable art form that makes an effort to

are all the same and that we must break down

welcome and represent each unique individual.

barriers in order to thrive. Artist SEC depicts a

Thanks to my experience in South Africa, I am

beam of light emanating from a black and white

excited to return to this incredible place knowing

hand and through a multicolored prism to reach

that this experience has helped me gain a new

out and touch every walk of life. This represents

lens through which I can find ways to mirror the

the power of cooperation and understanding as

change I witnessed in my own community!

a simple gesture of sympathy which permeates

The Veils We Don Story by Lucy Murrey, Dialogue

“Woah, cool! Marrakech…where is that again?”

sentences: “you choose what you want to do—

This is what became the typical response upon

for us, to wear it is just a hassle.”

telling people that I was to spend two weeks

Rather, in the context of my homestay

in Morocco analyzing the impact of Moroccan

experience, a normal outing for a Moroccan

immigration and the female Muslim experience

woman is to put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt

last summer. Honestly, I wasn’t totally sure myself

and walk the stretch of the Menara Mall dancing

– I knew next to nothing about the reality of this

and singing to Morocco’s top radio hits. Fully-

region of the world. My only understanding of

veiled women clutched the hand of their robed

the Maghreb, in general, was the exoticism that

husbands, younger women in tank tops and

Africa is so often portrayed as. In my imaginings,

tight pants strutted as we window-shopped. I’d

the country of Morocco was synonymous with

be lying if I said those younger, liberally-dressed

the Muslim headscarf: ambiguous and complex,

women didn’t receive special attention from their

beautiful but mysterious, foreign and unnerving.

onlookers (men and women alike). But, judgement

As such, this trip was a chance to peer behind

of a familiar kind: the gently disapproving look of

that veil, so readily denounced, exposing a reality

my mother as I walk out the door in a short dress or,

far from my expectations.

later, the derogatory shout from a strange man in and

the street as I saunter past. Nothing encumbering

circumstances that were far more familiar than

What

discovered

were

people

or oppressive, rather traces of looming dogma

they were foreign. In fact, neither my host sisters

from a time before our time.

nor my host mother even wore a headscarf –

One night, we visited my host family’s

ever. At first sight, this was a shock to me, but as

neighbors. Though none of the women next

I learned, it is a circumstance that is increasingly

door could speak particularly good English and

common in urban Morocco: contrary to popular

my Darija was decidedly incomprehensible, I was

assumption, to don the headscarf is a matter of

overwhelmed by a form of unconditional kindness

personal choice. Further, the discussion of the

and hospitality that surpassed the barrier of

headscarf, especially as a symbol of oppression,

language. The room continuously filling and

has evidently become painfully tiresome. When

draining with laughter, these women quickly felt

I brought up the seeming-controversy of their

like old friends from a life I had lived and could

exposed heads at the dinner table, I was received

only hazily remember. The next day, my host

with an initial silence and what seemed to be just

mother and I were walking down the stairs of our

short of an eye roll. My western perspective had

apartment complex when she stopped to greet a

taught me that the headscarf was an especially

woman wearing a burqa in the hallway. Upon sight

sensitive and overwhelmingly important issue,

of her dress, I felt my chest involuntarily tighten;

yet my mother and sisters responded with

my openness became constricted by her cloak of

nonchalance, answering what I thought would

difference. Then, a set of familiar eyes met mine

be a dinner-long conversation in a couple of tired

through the small slit in her dark, draping fabric.

Photo by Connor Oâ€™Shea

Suddenly, our respective veils vanished, mine of

unlike us, attributing fear to the latter. Though

ignorance, hers of attributed fear, just as they

these Moroccan women were certainly different

had the night before when we were laughing

from me, harboring beliefs and practicing norms

together in her living room. Flushed with guilt,

distinct from my own, what I found in Morocco

I greeted my long lost friend, my Moroccan

was an eagerness to connect in light of those

neighbor, whom I had accepted unquestionably

different veils we don. My beliefs are not cast

when she was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt

across my face for the world to judge; I do not

just the night before.

drape them across my shoulders, unlike the

To belittle cultural differences is just as much

Muslims who so choose to. But my unexamined

of an injustice as is to aggrandize them. However,

biases can becomes just as much a barrier as a

my time spent in Morocco made me realize that

physical veil. And so, I learned it is important for

we often use our differences to substantiate

me to consider the beliefs I harbor, my invisible

our fears. We use veils of difference to separate

headscarf, so I may better see, accept, and rejoice

ourselves between people like us and people

in the choices and beliefs of others.

47 Photo by Karina Masri

Photo by Katherine Fitzpatrick

House of Nidal Story by Sydney Wise, Dialogue

“It is great to be in Amman – but Amman is

for our group to attend a traditional iftar, the feast

not Jordan.”

by which those practicing Ramadan break their

I will never forget the night, after a day trip

daily fast, at his family home. The Bina Issa tribe

viewing the ruins of Umm Qais, that my classmates

made a home for itself in Irbid, a rural region a few

and I studying abroad in Jordan were welcomed

hours outside of Amman, beginning in just 1983.

into the home of Abu and Om Nidal. Abu Nidal, the

As a Bedouin tribe, the Bina Issa broke from the

father of our tour guide Nidal, is the leader of the

nomadic tradition just recently. Jordan itself is a

Bina Issa tribe; Nidal had graciously coordinated

melting pot of different nationalities; outside the

hustle of the capital, however, we were able to see

Nidal speak about the experience of Bedouins in

the roots of the country.

Jordan. He implored us to imagine a different life:

I remember lining up with my comrades, single

one without electricity or even clean water. He

file, outside of Abu Nidal’s home. Even though

recalled the nomadic history of the Bina Issa, and

we would be eating outside, we took off our

challenged us to picture a tent over our heads

shoes at the threshold of the home: a practice of

that night instead of a roof. He spoke about the

sanctity that is innate to Middle Eastern custom.

importance of Ramadan in this context; despite

We congregated outside on the terrace, where

what we might consider these hardships, the

mats lined the floor for us to sit on. You could not

Binna Issa begin their daily fast knowing that they

imagine a more picturesque scene: my classmates

can expect food at sundown. For many in the

and I, barefooted and smiling, lifting our sunkissed

world, however, this is not the case. Ramadan is

“

a time of sacrifice for everyone in honor of them.

Voices mingled as renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ in both Arabic and English were sung, and it was impossible to feel anything but warmth.

In the most heartwarming turn of the night, Nidal stood up to wish a happy birthday to the students who had celebrated on the trip, and we made our way into the living room. As it turned out, it was Nidal’s young nephew Safwan’s birthday as well. Inside, we were met with not one, but four cakes, lined up like presents on the floor. Voices mingled as renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’

”

in both Arabic and English were sung, and it was

brothers laid down plates of steaming mensef

that night feeling inspired by the hospitality of

in front of us, all of which were prepared by Om

our hosts. Although their home already housed

Nidal and her daughters. The scent wafted from

over a dozen people, Abu and Om Nidal

under the pastry that blanketed the contents of

welcomed another forty. I cannot imagine the

each dish: lamb and rice, nurtured by a layer of

time that the women must have spent preparing

spices. Once the sun had set and the fast has

the home and the meal for us. “Our sons and

been broken, Abu Nidal traversed the lines of

daughters, brothers and sisters”, they called us.

students eating, squatting to show us the proper

Although I do not speak Arabic fluently enough

way to eat mensef with our hands: by rolling the

to adequately express the depth of my gratitude,

rice in your palm and pushing it into your mouth

I did my best. I mustered the courage to tap Om

with your thumb. It was funny – as Northeastern

Nidal on the shoulder and smiled “yatik al-afia”

students, we thought we were so intelligent – but

in her ear. She pulled me in and kissed my cheek.

impossible to feel anything but warmth. This is Jordan.

faces to the sunset above us. One by one, Nidal’s

I mounted the bus for the trip back to Amman

as simple as his directions were, we just couldn’t seem to follow them properly. After dinner, we nursed our food comas with a pot of cardamom tea as we sat and listened to

Photo by Rachael Sverdlove

On Coexistence: A Take from Tel-Aviv Story by Lauren Rothschild, Co-op

As my Tel Aviv-bound flight took off from

and of itself. One of my favorite parts of the city

American soil, a sense of panic and angst

is Shuk HaCarmel, the Carmel Market, which is an

enveloped by body. A few months prior, I had

amazing outdoor area where you can find anything

accepted a position as a research assistant at

from unique art and jewelry to fresh falafel and

the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism

tahina. I quickly learned that going on a Friday,

in Israel. This being my top choice for my first

in the time before Shabbat begins at sundown, is

co-op, I jumped at the chance to dive into the

when the market reaches its peak and bartering

world of international security alongside some of

intensifies. Just a few blocks away from the

the worldâ€™s leading experts and academics. But

market is Tel Avivâ€™s crown jewel, its beaches. The

suddenly, sitting in my plane seat, not knowing

shore draws everyone from the city to admire its

anyone in my surroundings and unsure how the

view, and throughout my time in Israel it became

next 24 hours, and even six months would pan

almost a daily routine to walk along the boardwalk

out was setting in at all too overwhelming pace.

and soak in the Mediterranean beauty with the

After landing in Israel and settling in to a new

other Tel Aviv. Another outstanding aspect of Tel

apartment, city and job, I almost entirely forgot

Aviv is the neighborhood of Jaffa in the south of

that once unshakable feeling on the plane. Living

city. This area is revered as a premier example of

in Tel Aviv is an absolutely vibrant experience in

Jewish-Arab coexistence, as both demographics

Photo by Rachael Sverdlove

live peacefully together, and Jaffa’s old city feel

conversations with coworkers and friends from

gives the air of a mini-Jerusalem right next to the

different backgrounds. I noticed that I became

metropolitan and secular Tel Aviv.

more comfortable analyzing news sources for

Coexistence was a motif of my experience in

reports on conflicts between Israel and Palestine

Israel, a country that frequently makes headlines

because of the first-hand knowledge I was

for encounters with the bitter inverse of this

exposed to.

concept. As a political science major with a focus

Learning to work effectively with people

in security studies, this was all quite fascinating

coming from different levels of knowledge and

“

places of bias was a skill that I had to rely upon

Coexistence was a motif of my experience in Israel.

heavily while on co-op. Just as my coworkers

”

had varied life experience that allowed them to differentiate themselves, I found my own niche and used my experiences to advance my work. The Israeli attitude towards work can sometimes

to me. I found that every person I spoke with

be confusing because of its lack of hierarchy, but

about the conflict between Israel and Palestine,

in the end I found this to be a beneficial quality in

and even the broader Arab world and world at

the workplace and beyond. It’s an aspect of being

large, not only had a different opinion on the

abroad that I will always treasure; the harmony

situation, but also had a different framing of the

of several walks of life using both similarities and

issue altogether. I found myself learning so much

differences as strengths.

from research done during my co-op, as well as

Photo by Katherine Fitzpatrick

Uncertainty in Amman Story by Maddie King, Co-op

When I close my eyes and try to find the words

overwhelming, peaceful, dangerous. It is all and

to describe Jordan, my mind is filled with images

none of these things and settles itself comfortably

of a small coffee cup with a chipped edge, a

in the discomfort of complexity.

beautiful sunset over a sea filled with plastic,

Prior to coming to Jordan, I took a class

and a quiet moment on a crowded street filled

with the late Dr. Kimberly Jones. In this course,

with people and honking car horns. Jordan is a

she taught us to shift away from binaries, to ask

country of contradictions that donâ€™t contradict.

questions without clear answers, and to reject

It is chaotic, yet I feel more peaceful here than I

the notion that everything in this world can be

ever have in my life. It is messy and dirty yet when

perfectly measured, understood, or described.

the sun sets it is so beautiful it takes my breath

She reminded us of the nuances of humanity and

away. It is different and overwhelming yet the

encouraged us to embrace the uncomfortable

people make me feel at home no matter where

feeling that comes with holding multiple truths to

I am. It transcends labels and rejects binaries;

be true. Upon hearing of her unexpected passing,

good, bad, pretty, ugly, open, closed, welcoming,

I opened the last email I had sent her, which read:

“I am now even more sure of how important

to decision-makers as they map the political and

being unsure is, and even more sure that I want to

economic future of the country. Diving headfirst

continue learning about things I am unsure of for

into this work, I am often confronted with ideas

the rest of my life.”

that directly contradict my own, individuals who

As I reflect on my co-op experience in Jordan,

challenge my perceptions of good and bad, and

I find that I, like the country that is my temporary

projects that stretch my ability to learn on the job.

home, have settled comfortably in discomfort.

I am constantly pushed outside of my comfort

Every day, I do something I am unsure of, learn

zone and as a result have grown in ways I could

something that challenges my beliefs, and feel

not have foreseen.

something I cannot describe. I never feel settled

As I reflect on my observations I have begun

or in control, yet I am calm and confident here.

drawing connections between countries and

The complexities that I face in Amman have

people. In my work, I find that just like people, the

forced me to be vulnerable in ways that I never

best countries are the ones where people come

have before. I admit when I am unsure, when I’m

together in partnership and community to build

uncomfortable, and when I make mistakes. I also

the country up. Within the country, people are

admit when I am moved, when I am proud, and

willing to admit mistakes and point out failings in

when I am happy. I have found that myself and my

the pursuit of a more perfect union. This country

ideas are strengthened by the process of sharing,

then builds a whole network of dependency

reflection, and interdependence. As I embrace

with other countries, understanding that it is

my intricacies as a human being, I am more open

not isolation that makes them strong, but the

to learning from the intricacies of others.

ability to connect and learn from others. These

“

I am now even more sure of how important being unsure is, and even more sure that I want to continue learning about things I am unsure of for the rest of my life.

are the characteristics that grow a developed and resilient human, and the characteristics we should be striving for as we build developed and resilient states. My time on co-op in Jordan has transformed my definition of development to one full of contradictions, complexity, and nuance. I now understand that political change is not separate from personal change and is not solely created

”

based on the content of a policy or an argument.

This lesson in uncertainty continues on my co-

discomfort, and how willing we are to learn and

op, where I work to create data-driven solutions

grow together as the human family. Each day, I

to solve the development problems facing

find the only thing I am certain of is what I wrote

Jordan. In my position as a Research Assistant

in my email to Dr. Jones: I want to continue

at NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions, I

learning about things I am uncertain of for the

spend my days analyzing public perception in

rest of my life.

It is about how deeply we allow ourselves to explore nuance, how comfortable we are with

Jordan, writing policy proposals, and listening

Photo by Lydia Ioannidou

55 Photo by Karina Masri

Photo by Deborah Madueke

Asian Miracles Story by Deborah Madueke, Study Abroad

In high school, I studied the “Asian Miracle” – the

of Economics and even then, I wanted to know

immense growth of the economies of the Asian

more. I wanted to understand this “miracle”; the

nations. At that time, I could not comprehend

policies that drove this rate of growth and even

how these countries were able to completely turn

more intriguing, the time frame in which it was

developing nations into strong emerging markets,

achieved. When I discovered that there was a

highly recognized by the rest of the world. The

school that offered all the classes I needed in one

“Asian miracle” fueled my interest in the world

of the countries I’ve been in awe of since I can

remember, fate decided, opportunity found me

things that the classes I signed up for would never

ready and I knew it was meant to be. I was going

have taught me and I now understand why being

to Hong Kong.

in an environment that interests you is a hundred

Upon my arrival, I was determined to learn all about the culture, the people and the country. In an effort to do so, I tailored all my time and classes in Hong Kong towards that goal. I believed that my experience here was going to be determined by the classes I took and the places I visited. Now, I understand that the popular saying, “experience is the best teacher” could not be more relevant. During my time in Hong Kong, I have visited most of the tourist attractions and historic sites, some of the surrounding islands and even witnessed one of the biggest typhoons to ever hit the

times better than reading about it.

“

I now understand why being in an environment that interests you is a hundred times better than reading about it.

”

country, Typhoon Mangkhut; my time in Hong

It’s been almost two months since I arrived

Kong has been interesting to say the least. But

at Hong Kong International Airport, bright-eyed

merely, being in an environment with people that

and expectant, and going on this program is

have different cultural values and beliefs, eating

still one of the best decisions I have ever made.

their food, speaking, or trying to in my case, their

Being in Hong Kong has not only allowed me to

language is in itself an education.

appreciate this part of the world, but it has given

“

me an opportunity to learn more about myself

It is fundamental for everyone to understand the importance of having a wide view of this world’s different cultures.

as an individual: how I handle being out of my comfort zone, adapt to new environments or even make new friends. The Northeastern Husky Ambassadors have a saying, “We all have stories to tell, what will yours be?” I intend to make my time in Hong Kong a significant part of my story. At a time like this,

”

in which the world is truly one global village, it

I’ll tell you this for free – there is no place

different cultures. So, I urge you to go wherever

like Hong Kong. It is a mix of the deepest parts

your interest lies. There are hidden treasures to

of Lagos, Nigeria and New York City, USA with

discover both within yourself and in whatever

the street food and busy streets, tall buildings

country you decide to visit. Make your experience

and bright lights. It is the best form of organized

a part of your story.

is fundamental for everyone to understand the importance of having a wide view of this world’s

chaos, where there are millions of people walking down a street, with arrows that guide your movement to be strictly abided by. I have learned

Photo by Charlotte Fall

Social Entrepreneurship Dialogue in India Story by Charlotte Fall, Dialogue

India, home to almost 1.4 billion people, holds

The next step in our journey placed us at

one-third of the world’s poor. Living on less

Navdanya: an Indian based non-governmental

than $1.90 a day – the international poverty line

organization focusing on biodiversity conservation,

established by the World Bank – causes citizens

organic farming, and the consequences created

to live in severe conditions, lacking access to

by the Green Revolution. As a student from the

basic survival necessities such as water, food and

Western world considering a career in international

shelter. During a Summer 2 Dialogue, sixteen

development, it was incredibly thought-provoking

other Northeastern students and I were able to

to witness firsthand the resulting aftermath –

travel to India to study Social Entrepreneurship

initiated hopefully by good intentions to end

and Sustainable Development. Our studies

starvation during the 50’s and 60’s in India – of the

began in New Delhi focusing on international

Green Revolution that these farmers dealt with

development strategies, and concluded in the

every day. It forced me to contemplate whether

South of India in Cochin. In between we stopped

being an outsider of a community would always

in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Lucknow, Agra, Jaipur

lead to certain detriments and where my role in

and Tilonia, Mumbai, and Kovalam.

international development now lays. We eagerly

learned about hands-on sustainability practices,

Next, we stayed in Mumbai for a week to

visited their seed bank, and were warmly

complete our biggest project, working with

welcomed and hosted at their farm. Afterwards,

social enterprises and nonprofits in the slum of

we were lucky enough to connect with Indian

Dharavi. At least 45% of Mumbai’s population

culture even further during our homestays

lives in slums; Dharavi, recognized as the largest

in Dehradun. Staying with some of the most

slum in the world, is estimated to be home to

welcoming families, they encouraged us to hold

1 million people. After studying the history of

stimulating conversations about modern issues

Dharavi from Liza Weinstein’s book, The Durable

in India. Through this experience we felt the raw

Slum, we learned about the consequences citizens

similarities of our characters, but also realized

face due to the corruption and fragmentation of

the additional daily stamina needed to live in a

the Indian government as the population joins

historically disadvantaged country.

the global modern world. For the past 50 years, the

plans for redevelopment have fallen through

underprivileged continued at one of the most

Our

exposure

the

realities

because of political conflict. Over the years,

inspiring visits of our trip with Study Hall Educational

the government has forced people out of their

Foundation (SHEF). We were based in Lucknow,

homes without warning, or with the promise to

Uttar Pradesh, for two days studying the extreme

relocate them to new housing (which is rarely

inequalities faced by women in India. SHEF is a

followed through), leaving residents to live in

traditional private school for middle class students

constant fear or complete homelessness.

that helps fund the tuition of students at Prerna

Just days before the Kerala floods – the

– a school created by Dr. Urvashi Sahni – for the

worst to hit the state in the last century –

poorest girls in Lucknow. Prerna uses a feminist

which displaced over one million people and

pedagogy to empower girls by facilitating critical

killed over 400 people, we were scheduled to

“

It was a clear reminder of the incredible privilege we have been born with: easily exiting the situation, while others’ homes and lives were wiped away.

end our travels in India and fly on to our next travels, or home to the US. We were notified about potential flooding in the area, causing stress about delayed and cancelled flights and distracting us from the prospective disaster and destruction that citizens would be faced with. It was a clear reminder of the incredible privilege we have been born with: easily exiting

”

the situation, while others’ homes and lives

dialogues to educate them on their rights as women

studying, working, and traveling in India, and

and create support systems to battle conventional

would highly recommend Northeastern students

sexism. After just an hour of conversation with

to participate in this program in the future.

were wiped away. I am eternally grateful for the experiences and relationships I built while

these students it was transparent the level of confidence, autonomy, and overall strength they had developed since being at Prerna.

Photo by Mia Aldrich

New Zealand & Nature Story by Waverly Jackson, Study Abroad

As I drive down Route 73 I pass farm after farm,

boasts incredible views the entire way. I am

admiring the sheep and their baby lambs. I take

constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to be

my eyes off of the road for a second to look to

in a place so beautiful.

my right and see the mountains in the distance

As I pull onto the gravel near the goods

still covered in snow at the top. I look ahead and

lift I realize that I haven’t had the radio on the

see nothing but a winding road and trees ahead. I

entire drive. I haven’t thought about reaching

am driving from Christchurch to Temple Basin Ski

for my phone once. I have been alone with my

Field in the Arthur’s Pass region of Canterbury,

surroundings for the past two and a half hours

New Zealand. A two and a half hour drive that

and I have enjoyed every minute of it. There is

Photo by Mia Aldrich

something so calming about the scenery here.

wooden steps I know I am close to the top. I take

It captivates my attention the second I get on the

a moment break and look back at the mountains

main road outside of town and holds it until I get

behind me. I realize I am in a cloud. Misty and

to where I am headed.

cold, I can’t help but smile. I am almost at the

I hop out of the rental car when I get to the parking lot and begin my trek up to the base of the ski field. A 45-minute hike up into the mountains, the way up is steep and pushes my lungs just five minutes in. I take a break at one of the switchbacks and look down at the road. It’s getting smaller. My car now looks like the size of a raisin. I keep walking and notice the gravel has become a bit icy. I watch my footing a bit more carefully and continue up. When I reach the

base of the mountain where I will be greeted

“

I had no idea that the most important part of my experience would be the mindset the environment has allowed me to attain.

” 61

Photo by Waverly Jackson

with fresh snow and a view that will be etched in

tighter as the mountain gets much steeper. I let go

my mind forever.

of the nut-cracker and ski off of the rope. I wait for

I put on my skis and head over to the main rope

my friends to get to the top so we can ski over to

tow. Iâ€™ve gotten used to using the nut-cracker to

the back side of the mountain and enjoy the fresh

get up the rope tow, but it will always intimidate

pack of snow for the rest of the day.

me when I step up to use it for the first time during

At Northeastern, I am used to the littered

the day. I lineup my skis, unhook the nut-cracker

city streets, the smells of gas and trash and

from my waist and reach for the rope. I grasp it,

cigarettes in the air, and the constant movement

swing the nut-cracker around it, and hold onto

of cars, buses, bikes, and skateboards. I am used

the handle with my right hand. I look behind me

to the ever-present noise of chatter, honking and

and see my friends below waiting to get on and

construction. I have been living in Boston for

then behind them at the mountains. It is a sunny

three years now, and have become accustomed

beautiful day up in the mountains. I look forward

to the non-stop movement of city-life, adjusting

again as we approach the top and hold on a bit

to the chaos around me at all times.

Photo by Mia Aldrich

I came to New Zealand to study abroad for many

I am relaxed here. I am able to appreciate all

reasons: I wanted to spend five months outside,

of the small moments because there aren’t as

exploring the earth and in effect, exploring what

many distractions competing for my attention.

my passions and my hopes and my dreams are. I

I don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car

wanted to ski in the Southern Alps, drive across

every time I walk to class or to my apartment or

the country and sleep in a tent on the side of the

to the grocery store or to yoga. Instead, I walk

road, swim in the Pacific Ocean, explore a city that

with a calm appearance on my face and look at

has had to rebuild itself after an earthquake shook

the tree’s around me and the sun shining above

it to the ground in 2011. I wanted to meet people

me the just went behind a cloud. I acknowledge

from around the world and immerse myself in a

the beauty of New Zealand in every way and am

culture I knew nothing about. All of these things

so grateful to be immersed in it.

have been great, but I had no idea that the most important part of my experience would be the mindset the environment has allowed me to attain.

65 Photo by Jacob Grondin

Life on Ice Story by Jacob Grondin, Co-op

The phrase “every student is encouraged to

glacier, but also boat to about 20 nearby islands.

travel abroad” has stuck with me since I attended

The station staff has a recreational hut for overnight

a Northeastern information session as a junior in

stays and a moment of tranquility under the stars.

high school. My parents wanted to know where I

Even without high-speed internet connection and

hoped to live, study or work– fully expecting me

restricted access to sites like YouTube, Facebook,

to choose a tropical, “vacation-worthy” location.

Netflix or Skype, there was never a dull moment.

Instead, I had my heart set on Antarctica.

Colleagues are always out and about, ready

Fast-forward five years later, and my six

to go for a hike, watch a movie, or have a nice

month co-op at Palmer Station is (nearly) coming

conversation, and contacting friends and family

to a close. Although it has been quite a lifestyle

from home was always a possibility.

change to live on such a harsh continent, this has

On my first hike to the top of our backyard

been the best decision of my life. Throughout

glacier, the Marr-Ice Piedmont, my friends and

the winter, the community at Palmer Station sits

I passed by ice caves, glacial cliffs, and some

at 20 people, a number which remains the same

wildlife, eagerly waiting for the moment that

from June through October. I arrived in May to a group of 40. Half left for the winter. The days were cold and dark, with the sunlight averaging at only four hours at its lowest point. Yet, Palmer Station is relatively ‘warm’ for the Antarctic region, where the average temperature is around 20°F in the winter.

“

The station thrives on acts of kindness to ensure everyone contributes equally.

”

This kind of environment may seem rather

we could finally see over the top of the glacier.

isolating, but it actually facilitated social bonds

As I peeked over the horizon, I witnessed the

and connections within our team at a speed and

incredible Antarctic Peninsula mountain range,

intensity far greater than what occurs in most

covered in snow. I had never seen sierras lined

other workplaces. We are essentially required

and clearly outlined from peak to base so

to do everything together—we all eat the same

perfectly. Once atop the glacier, you can bear

meals, work in the same buildings, and live

witness to all of the nearby islands, with their

together in dorm-style housing. Even if we leave

constantly changing pattern of icebergs and

to explore the station, we are encouraged to do

freezing or thawing ocean ice.

so as a group.

The entire continent is protected by the

Palmer Station is situated at the foot of the

Antarctic Treaty, of which the United States is

Marr-Ice Piedmont, a glacier covering about half

a state party. Signed by 12 nations, this treaty

of Anvers Island, which is situated in the Palmer

establishes Antarctica as a scientific continent,

Archipelago of Antarctica. Our unique location

with no one country laying any claim to the land.

allows us to not only hike up and ski down the

It provides conservation methods to ensure

Photo by Jacaob Grondin

little to no pollution, and to keep the human

duties equally amongst all staff. The station

footprint as minimal as possible. With this legal

thrives on acts of kindness to ensure everyone

framework in place, everyone living at Palmer

contributes equally.

Station is obliged to avoid interacting with

My experience at Palmer has been an

any wildlife we encounter, and to live a waste-

unforgettable experience, and I will forever

free lifestyle. In the winter, we are often lucky

cherish the opportunity I have had to explore

enough to be treated with sightings of nearby

Antarctica. I am grateful to the people of Palmer

seals, or the occasional seal on station. The

for giving me an icy family, and for welcoming me

summer months bring even more wildlife such

into their lives. And I have to thank Northeastern

as birds and penguins to the area!

for giving me the opportunity to live here â€“ this

Life at Palmer is not, however, all play. The reality is that everyone on station works six days

home is a bit cold, but it is cozy, and I will miss it so much.

a week, and the workday starts at 7:30 a.m. Since

If anyone actually wants to visit Antarctica,

we do not have a dedicated cleaning staff we

there are cruises to the continent, or three US

split and rotate the kitchen and station-cleaning

bases to work at!

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Special Thanks The N.U.in Program Global Experience Office The School of Journalism Student Government Association The International Affairs Program College of Social Sciences and Humanities

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