8-9-08
Favorite Music: Supa G-Four Men aka Ole; Collie Buddz- Blind to You Haters (yea Caye Caulker snorkeling)
Favorite Outing: Rio On Pools in Pine Ridge, Cayo; Snorkeling at Caye Caulker (more for the experience of sailing, rum punch, FRESH conch ceviche, and reggae rather than the actual snorkeling)
Meal: Rice and Beans w/ Marie Sharp's Hot, tortilla, coleslaw; French toast @ Erva's; Egg Curry and Palappam at South Indian
City: Dangriga
Kids: Cesar (Barnabas), Keenan (Barnabas), David Lopez (Barnabas), Shivaun and Vidal (Barnabas), Jorge (Andrews), Cason (Queen's), Kevin (Queen's), Papito (neighbor in 'Griga)
Reflections on our Duke Engage group: Every member of our Engage group contributed to the dynamic of our three hour dinner escapades. I appreciate that because our differences, we could always have compelling conversations (turf, fish teeth, smells of different races, etc.). I had a thoughtful conversation with every member of the group. At times, I grew frustrated with members of the group (some of the girls) because I felt trapped by their idealism, lack of pragmatism, and laziness. However, I will maintain good relations with everyone. Next year, I might become friends with Matt and most definitely Kevin.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Reflections on my first post
8-7-08
Upon coming to Belize, I had a few goals in mind. My goals were, in order:
1.) Gain perspective in a 3rd world nation
2.) Cultural Immersion
3.) Powerful dollar
4.) Service, working with kids
This project destroyed my preconceptions about what the Duke Engage project was all about. I expected Duke to throw me into a third world culture. I considered community service to be a large component of my experience, but for someone who has lived such a lavished life, I expected the daily struggles to play a more prominent role in my experience. In short, I expected to be a Peace Corps worker.
What was I thinking?
Obviously Duke wouldn't send me on a Peace Corps-esque mission. Given their history of serving their students off a silver platter, they once again followed through. For 6/8 weeks, I had AC. I used only 800/1200 of stipend. Internet access and cable were readily available. Most importantly, I was never forced to make difficult decisions in my daily life, whether it be creating a budget, cooking food, or improvising with limited resources. Drew did that for us.
At first, this vexed me because my first and second goal relied on a completely immersive experience. It seems counterintuitive to spend all this money to send kids all over the world just to perform a service that could be done in America.
Ultimately, the conditions ceased to annoy me. Because it was a short term project, it's an unrealistic expectation to 'be a local,' and see the country. Both I and Duke would choose the latter. Also, I figure that being comfortable would allow me to perform my service better.
In fact, I don't even know why I'm complaining. I ultimately got a healthy dose of Belizean culture. I considered myself a Belizean for these two months and I acted accordingly. I began to understand and speak the language; I listened to the music; I ate the food. I definitely feel too cultured and experienced to call myself a tourist.
Goals rewritten: 4, 2, 3, 1
I still don't feel like I changed anyone's life. However, if this camp continues this year and beyond, the cumulative effect of these changes will undoubtedly change many kids.
Upon coming to Belize, I had a few goals in mind. My goals were, in order:
1.) Gain perspective in a 3rd world nation
2.) Cultural Immersion
3.) Powerful dollar
4.) Service, working with kids
This project destroyed my preconceptions about what the Duke Engage project was all about. I expected Duke to throw me into a third world culture. I considered community service to be a large component of my experience, but for someone who has lived such a lavished life, I expected the daily struggles to play a more prominent role in my experience. In short, I expected to be a Peace Corps worker.
What was I thinking?
Obviously Duke wouldn't send me on a Peace Corps-esque mission. Given their history of serving their students off a silver platter, they once again followed through. For 6/8 weeks, I had AC. I used only 800/1200 of stipend. Internet access and cable were readily available. Most importantly, I was never forced to make difficult decisions in my daily life, whether it be creating a budget, cooking food, or improvising with limited resources. Drew did that for us.
At first, this vexed me because my first and second goal relied on a completely immersive experience. It seems counterintuitive to spend all this money to send kids all over the world just to perform a service that could be done in America.
Ultimately, the conditions ceased to annoy me. Because it was a short term project, it's an unrealistic expectation to 'be a local,' and see the country. Both I and Duke would choose the latter. Also, I figure that being comfortable would allow me to perform my service better.
In fact, I don't even know why I'm complaining. I ultimately got a healthy dose of Belizean culture. I considered myself a Belizean for these two months and I acted accordingly. I began to understand and speak the language; I listened to the music; I ate the food. I definitely feel too cultured and experienced to call myself a tourist.
Goals rewritten: 4, 2, 3, 1
I still don't feel like I changed anyone's life. However, if this camp continues this year and beyond, the cumulative effect of these changes will undoubtedly change many kids.
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