ChangeMakers in Peru - Spring 2015
During the spring of 2015, I had the opportunity to join 12 other UC students in taking the course OLHR2011: ChangeMakers- "Lessons Learned through Travel in the Developing World." This course, taught by Professor Jon Weller, helped us explore social and environmental issues around the globe and determine the impact we can make toward abolishing these challenges. We focused specifically on the country of Peru, learning extensively about the nation's ancient roots, troubled past, astonishing diversity, political turmoil, and its tremendous beauty. This course culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a ten-day trip to Peru to see this marvelous country in all it's glorious imperfection. While there, we heard lectures from experts in their fields about various social issues, including education, discrimination, terrorism, environmental law, and economics. We also heard from the directors of several Peruvian NGO's, who helped us understand the role of these organizations in society. These lectures fascinated me as I began to understand the parallels between this developing society and our own and realized the effect of such issues on a global scale.
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In addition to these lectures, we explored the diverse realms of Peru with the help of our guides Danny and Carlos, and bore witness to sites that changed my perception of history and the present forever. These places ranged from the dreadfully poor, dry Shanty-towns of Lima, to the humid, cultural richness of Cusco, to the weathered stone streets of ancient Ollantaytambo, to the magnificent peaks of Machu Picchu. Each place bore a diverse message and the mark of a different culture. I was shocked by the differences between then and now, here and there. Yet I was also surprised by the similarities. Despite the lessons we stand to learn from one another because of our differences, we stand to help one another because of our similarities. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity and my newfound desire to be a global citizen and a servant, not just for my nation, but for people around the world.
Upon returning home, we were asked to choose one issue we bore witness to in Peru, pursue it with extensive research, and write about our findings and what we could do to make a difference. I chose to learn more about education in the developing world after I was captivated by a marvelous lecture by Professor Cesar Guadalupe. Professor Guadalupe shared his theories on human development and the flaws in the Peruvian education system, as well as potential solutions for these challenges. I realized a newfound passion for education and it's interdependence on many other facets of society. Specifically, I am intrigued by the effect of non-educational factors on academic success. More information on this topic can be found in the aforementioned research paper, provided at the right.
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"Casa Blanca," Señor and Señora Ulises' sustainable farm
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"Just like Señor and Señora Ulises used their academic background to create their farm and make the earth a better place, I learned that my education is not only a key to my own future, but also the means by which I can make the world a better place." -written 3/17/15
My absolute favorite part of this trip was our two hour ride on the Inca Rail in order to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu. I had never ridden on a train before, and I was spoiled with such a glorious first experience. We rode through the stunning valleys of the Andes mountains next to bubbling rivers and lush forests, with mountains looming so high above us that the peaks were hidden in the clouds. I think I grinned the whole two hours. Utter beauty was a commodity there in the mountains of Peru. This relaxing ride was also a perfect time to reflect upon the first part of our trip. It was very rare for us to be sitting still for so long, to just think. I thought about the talent of the native weavers we visited, the glorious Peruvian homestead where we had dinner, and the artisans who worked so simply to mass produce homemade ceramics for a living. I pondered the complexity of the Peruvian education system and the stark contrast of mountainous Cusco to desert Lima. I bubbled with the anticipation of beholding Machu Picchu the next day. I thought about beautiful cathedrals and green hillsides and potatoes and chicha and Inca Kola and all that is magnificent about the beautiful country of Peru.