Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thinking Ahead
As much as I want to immerse myself in the present, I do realize that this amazing year will eventually come to an end. In order to keep my options open I have dedicated more time than I would like to remember completing my application for Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Let me clarify, in case anyone was doubting, how difficult it is to request transcripts, enlist old professors and bosses for references, and remember all those important activities in which I participated during college. Unreliable internet access made the entire process even more complicated, yet I finally finished and am rewarding myself with Christmastime travels. I have decided that I will be heading back to Atlanta after relinquishing my responsibilities as Ambassadorial Scholar, but am not quite sure if I want to gain more work experience in the public health hub of the US or continue my education. Time and scholarship decisions will tell, but for now I can return my focus to my daily Colombian life.
Jardin
My new personal goal is to get to know as much of Colombia as possible. This means taking advantage of any three day weekends or school breaks, and so although all of my friends had other engagements for the last national holiday I was resolved to visit a new pueblito outside of Medellin. I thus got on a bus on a rainy Saturday evening to head by myself to the famous town of Jardin. It did not stop raining for the entire weekend, but that did not stop me from taking a 4-hour hike through the gorgeous countryside, tromping through banana groves, sloshing through muddy cow pastures, and getting caught on barbed-wire fences as I trespassed on private land. I walked up to a trout farm where I ate lunch with the family running the establishment, consuming the most tasty fried trout, patacones, hogao, and guarapo in Colombia. The parque was full of visiting city-folk, so I sat around with the old couples drinking hot chocolate and watching the kids riding by on horseback. When I tired of the perpetual cold dampness, I headed back to the finca-like hotel with a gorgeous view of the river valley. Inspired by the wet beauty of the landscape, I painted the patio while sitting and talking with the guests filtering through, as well as the caretaker and her polar-fleece sweater-wearing Chihuahua. Despite what people say about the dangers of traveling through Colombia, I find that wherever I go I am greeted by the most friendly people ever who look out for me and make me feel so welcome and well taken care of that I am never left truly alone.
Recent Rotary Activities:
-Bello: Presenting with a Doctorate-seeking Rotarian on familial violence to an audience of mothers and school-age children. I talked about the hotlines and structural services available in the US, and how even though a woman being abused by her husband won’t necessarily be helped if she calls the police, Colombian family structures are so strong that anyone will always have an aunt or second cousin who would take them in if in need. We stressed education about what constitutes violence, whether it is verbal or physical, so that people realize what their rights are. In some parts of the country, over 60% of women report abuse in their home. Imagine what the figures would be if the cases that weren’t reported were included…I was also interviewed after the lecture by the local news station!
-Colpaul factory: Visit with my host Rotary Club to the largest factory in South America making medical supplies that is used within Colombia and exported to other countries. The company is a for-profit sector that supports the university teaching hospital (directed by a Rotarian) ‘Hospital Universitario San Vicente Paul,’ along with 13 parking structures located throughout the city. I don’t think I have ever seen so many plastic bottles and caps in one space in my entire life. Nor have I ever thought about how important sterilized water is in producing IV fluids…
Friday, November 14, 2008
Holy Matrimony!
Dearly beloved...I was fortunate enough to return to the US last week for my first official family wedding. My cousin Ashley has been like an older sister to me since the day I was born; her three extra years giving her plenty of time to be one of my most prominent role-models. It was thus much more emotional than I expected to see her wed off and all grown up right before my very bridesmaid's eyes. She looked absolutely gorgeous, her (now) husband is an awesome addition to our family and makes her happier than anyone else could, and the ceremony contained a good balance between laughs and tears, but now that the whirlwind of family and avoiding reverse culture shock and 5 plane trips is over, I am left stupefied by the idea of...marriage!?!
In the US it is normal for a middle-class woman to get married at 26 years of age, like Ashley. We usually leave home at 18 to live at college, figure out how to live on our own and get accustomed to independence, graduate and start working or continue our studies to get a better job, meet the person of our dreams, and have a few years to date and possibly cohabit before sealing the deal. At least that is what I have grown up thinking.
Since coming to Colombia I am surprised at how few of my friends of a similar age are considering marriage before the age of 30.* Even those who have been in relationships for eight years and have a good job. This has struck me as surprising since in the past month I have been alerted every week that a new friend back home is engaged, and makes me wonder why things here are so different. Considering people generally live at home with the parents until they get married, I thought that maybe this put some sort of imposition on one's personal independence. When you can never bring someone home and always have to include family members in one's romantic relationship things obviously progress in a different manner than if you have lots of space--physical and metaphorical. But when I hopped in a cab the other day on my way to school as it started to rain outside, I was intrigued to hear two women discussing why youngsters these days get married so late in life. They were saying it was because there was a cultural aversion to commitments, that the couple want to be established (with a car, finca, apartment, job, money, etc. etc.) before they settle down, like the comfort of being taken care of at home, and in general are basking in the different opportunities and freedoms their generation is allowed.
Which makes me wonder...is marrying young(er) another first-world privilege? Because it is easier for us to make our own way in the world, does that allow us the ability to choose our mates easier too? Or is this jut a reflection of the upper class status mentality? Obviously very few people can afford all of the amenities mentioned above, but even people of different socioeconomic standings get married later in life, if at all. The generations of my friends' parents and grandparents wed at age 25 or 25 and early 20's respectively, so what could have caused such a huge cultural change in such a short amount of time?
Or, to look at marriage in the reverse cultural standpoint, why do people in the US deem it so acceptable to get married before the age of 30? Since divorce has become such a hazardous social epidemic maybe we should be afraid of commitment until we no longer crave single 'freedom' and 'know what we want' (if that is not overly cliche). If young North Americans thought it strange to tie the knot before completing three decades perhaps they would be more likely to keep their families together for the long haul.
For whatever reason, all my girlfriends at the university--who are all at least 26--started screeching when they heard that they were older than my now-wed cousin...
*Mind you, more women have children before the age of 30 than are married. Teen pregnancies and starting a family out of wedlock is a huge issue in Colombia.
In the US it is normal for a middle-class woman to get married at 26 years of age, like Ashley. We usually leave home at 18 to live at college, figure out how to live on our own and get accustomed to independence, graduate and start working or continue our studies to get a better job, meet the person of our dreams, and have a few years to date and possibly cohabit before sealing the deal. At least that is what I have grown up thinking.
Since coming to Colombia I am surprised at how few of my friends of a similar age are considering marriage before the age of 30.* Even those who have been in relationships for eight years and have a good job. This has struck me as surprising since in the past month I have been alerted every week that a new friend back home is engaged, and makes me wonder why things here are so different. Considering people generally live at home with the parents until they get married, I thought that maybe this put some sort of imposition on one's personal independence. When you can never bring someone home and always have to include family members in one's romantic relationship things obviously progress in a different manner than if you have lots of space--physical and metaphorical. But when I hopped in a cab the other day on my way to school as it started to rain outside, I was intrigued to hear two women discussing why youngsters these days get married so late in life. They were saying it was because there was a cultural aversion to commitments, that the couple want to be established (with a car, finca, apartment, job, money, etc. etc.) before they settle down, like the comfort of being taken care of at home, and in general are basking in the different opportunities and freedoms their generation is allowed.
Which makes me wonder...is marrying young(er) another first-world privilege? Because it is easier for us to make our own way in the world, does that allow us the ability to choose our mates easier too? Or is this jut a reflection of the upper class status mentality? Obviously very few people can afford all of the amenities mentioned above, but even people of different socioeconomic standings get married later in life, if at all. The generations of my friends' parents and grandparents wed at age 25 or 25 and early 20's respectively, so what could have caused such a huge cultural change in such a short amount of time?
Or, to look at marriage in the reverse cultural standpoint, why do people in the US deem it so acceptable to get married before the age of 30? Since divorce has become such a hazardous social epidemic maybe we should be afraid of commitment until we no longer crave single 'freedom' and 'know what we want' (if that is not overly cliche). If young North Americans thought it strange to tie the knot before completing three decades perhaps they would be more likely to keep their families together for the long haul.
For whatever reason, all my girlfriends at the university--who are all at least 26--started screeching when they heard that they were older than my now-wed cousin...
*Mind you, more women have children before the age of 30 than are married. Teen pregnancies and starting a family out of wedlock is a huge issue in Colombia.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Frustrations
Forever caught up in the review process, I have yet to start the research I came to Medellin to complete. While still involved at the university with some English classes, my beloved painting workshops, and participating in PAHO international health conferences (maybe they will offer me a future job?), I am getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of academic structure I have right now. Not sure if I should have signed up for more classes or projects from the start, I now am waiting until the start of the next semester in January (after a long Christmas vacation) to feed my mind. Even though the emphasis of the Ambassadorial Scholarship is to become involved in the community and Rotary activities more than academic life and studies, I feel like I am missing out on a key possibility for helping me understand the culture and field of public health here. Ready to unwind the red tape suffocating my research intentions, I am still just waiting.
Coveñas
For the much-needed 'puente' (three-day weekend) celebrating 'el dia de la raza': aka Columbus Day, I had many travel options. Wanting something relaxing and further away than I would normally be able to visit in a weekend, I chose to go to the Caribbean coast with the friends of a friends's boyfriends brother. Coveñas is a 10-hour drive from Medellin, which was an awesome road-trip to do in a car because I got to see the change in landscape from the Andes to the jungle to the marshy cattle-grazing prairies. Although I should have anticipated the intentions behind 15 friends migrating to the beach for a weekend, I was not able to keep up with their 24-hour partying gala. Instead, I played the true gringa and lay by myself on the beach, sober, with my book avoiding the sun and taking power swims for exercise. By excluding myself from some of the activities I unintentionally offended their group culture, and felt more strongly than ever the cultural differences between my US upbringing and paisa friends. The vallenatos were on full blast until 4 in the morning, the rum and aguardiente never stopped flowing, and the ceviche/shrimp coctail vendors walking up and down the beach had loyal customers for 3 days straight. It was like Spring break for hard-working 30 year olds. Awesome, yes, but not when I was needing to sleep in and recover from the accumulated sleep-deprivation of many grueling weeks. More than anything it made me realize I still have a long way to go before I adequately adapt to living in Colombia, and the entire weekend served as a wake-up call to remind me that after being here for 4 months I have lots of close friends whose company I always enjoy and with whom I should be focusing my rare spare time even if it means spending a week at a finca rather than lying on an idyllic Caribbean beach with desconocidos.
Rotary Activities
Not to worry, the reason why I haven't posted for over a month is because I have been managing an action-packed schedule filled mostly with Rotary events. Including:
--RYLA Seminar (Rotary Young Leader Awards): An international seminar offered by Rotary clubs to promote youth leadership in the communities. Last weekend I attended one held by the Club Rotario Envigado entitled "Democracy and Youth Participation." It involved two conferences given by government officials, a visit from the Envigado mayor who himself attended RYLA conferences as a teenager, 4 interactive workshops on human rights and the culture of democracy, lots food, and even a Rotary-sponsored party complete with DJ and beverages. Although most of the students who attended were from Interact (14-18 years old), and the level of the discussions and information presented was at a lower level than I had hoped, I still learned a lot about the different constitutional rights to which Colombian youngsters are entitled and what positions of leadership/representation within the schools and municipalities they can hold. My presence was important to inspire these aspiring youngsters to utilize the possibilities Rotary offers through international scholarships, emphasizing that they shouldn't get discouraged by their economic or national situation. As a highschooler I was very involved in committees and events supporting diversity and open discussion, but I don't remember ever hearing teenagers so impassioned about their rights with resolve to change the system. Perhaps it is a result of the general apathy that has overtaken the US, but it made me realize more than anything how lucky I was to grow up in a country, and more specifically a community, where the young population has the ability to participate in the system.
--Visiting Rotary clubs all over the city to make presentations: Club Rotario Medellin Nuevo, Club Rotario Medellin Occidente, Club Rotario Nutibara, Club Rotario Itagui Santamaria, Club Rotario Envigado, Club Rotario Sabaneta
--Become more involved in my host Club Rotario Medellin--the largest and second oldest club in the country. Many of the members are some of the most wealthy and powerful people within Colombia, but all are very friendly, tell hilarious jokes, and make a huge impact within the community. I now show up at meetings every Thursday and not only remember people's names but have ongoing conversations with them and am always greeted with big smiles. This week the governor of Antioquia came (with his very own secret service) to speak about development projects in the department including bettering education and safety, hydroelectic plants, reforestation, mining expansion, and increasing public participation among other things. The club also gives out an annual award of around $75,000 to people who have contributed immensely to the community; this year's cash prize went to environmentalists who established Medellin's famous botanical gardens and have created large natural reserves to protect the valuable flora and fauna found in the area.
--Attended a regional seminar for new and old Rotarians to inspire within them the spirit of Rotarism and review project and monetary goals for the year. Afterwards went to an "integration" party with members of my host club at the most gorgeous finca I have ever seen that reminded me of a house out of an old movie complete with famous art and full service.
--Become familiar with the 4280 District Governor by attending meetings at clubs throughout the city. Also took a day trip to Ciudad Bolivar where there is a small but strong club; stopping throughout the coffee region to take pictures, try local treats, avoid the massive landslides almost making the roads impassible, falling more in love with the gorgeous Colombian scenery, and learning about how a year ago the same region was dominated by guerrillas and too dangerous to visit.
--Started a new project at a house for HIV-positive children with the Rotaract Club Medellin; I will be teaching them art lessons and taking them on visits to museums throughout the city.
--Volunteering once a week at an amazing organization for children with Spinal Bifida, run by the district governor elect, where I also lead art projects and participate in music/stretching activities for babies and tottlers affected by the disease.
--Attended an induction ceremony for a community police program sponsored by the Club Rotario Nutibara; establishing an important relationship between the police forces and the Rotary clubs in the city to get logistical safety from them for projects carried out in dangerous communities or for transporting children. I was very impressed with the calibur of men and woman in the program since most of them speak at least one language, are well educated, extremely dedicated to the police force, and have undoubtable faith in the public institution.
--Helped run a massive eye-examination program also with the Club Rotario Nutibara offered at a clinic in a lower-income neighborhood; reviewing over 15o children in one Saturday morning for eye problems, referring around 30 of the worst cases to an optomologist (also the club president!), and then outfitting those in need with donated glasses.
I love my 'job'.
--RYLA Seminar (Rotary Young Leader Awards): An international seminar offered by Rotary clubs to promote youth leadership in the communities. Last weekend I attended one held by the Club Rotario Envigado entitled "Democracy and Youth Participation." It involved two conferences given by government officials, a visit from the Envigado mayor who himself attended RYLA conferences as a teenager, 4 interactive workshops on human rights and the culture of democracy, lots food, and even a Rotary-sponsored party complete with DJ and beverages. Although most of the students who attended were from Interact (14-18 years old), and the level of the discussions and information presented was at a lower level than I had hoped, I still learned a lot about the different constitutional rights to which Colombian youngsters are entitled and what positions of leadership/representation within the schools and municipalities they can hold. My presence was important to inspire these aspiring youngsters to utilize the possibilities Rotary offers through international scholarships, emphasizing that they shouldn't get discouraged by their economic or national situation. As a highschooler I was very involved in committees and events supporting diversity and open discussion, but I don't remember ever hearing teenagers so impassioned about their rights with resolve to change the system. Perhaps it is a result of the general apathy that has overtaken the US, but it made me realize more than anything how lucky I was to grow up in a country, and more specifically a community, where the young population has the ability to participate in the system.
--Visiting Rotary clubs all over the city to make presentations: Club Rotario Medellin Nuevo, Club Rotario Medellin Occidente, Club Rotario Nutibara, Club Rotario Itagui Santamaria, Club Rotario Envigado, Club Rotario Sabaneta
--Become more involved in my host Club Rotario Medellin--the largest and second oldest club in the country. Many of the members are some of the most wealthy and powerful people within Colombia, but all are very friendly, tell hilarious jokes, and make a huge impact within the community. I now show up at meetings every Thursday and not only remember people's names but have ongoing conversations with them and am always greeted with big smiles. This week the governor of Antioquia came (with his very own secret service) to speak about development projects in the department including bettering education and safety, hydroelectic plants, reforestation, mining expansion, and increasing public participation among other things. The club also gives out an annual award of around $75,000 to people who have contributed immensely to the community; this year's cash prize went to environmentalists who established Medellin's famous botanical gardens and have created large natural reserves to protect the valuable flora and fauna found in the area.
--Attended a regional seminar for new and old Rotarians to inspire within them the spirit of Rotarism and review project and monetary goals for the year. Afterwards went to an "integration" party with members of my host club at the most gorgeous finca I have ever seen that reminded me of a house out of an old movie complete with famous art and full service.
--Become familiar with the 4280 District Governor by attending meetings at clubs throughout the city. Also took a day trip to Ciudad Bolivar where there is a small but strong club; stopping throughout the coffee region to take pictures, try local treats, avoid the massive landslides almost making the roads impassible, falling more in love with the gorgeous Colombian scenery, and learning about how a year ago the same region was dominated by guerrillas and too dangerous to visit.
--Started a new project at a house for HIV-positive children with the Rotaract Club Medellin; I will be teaching them art lessons and taking them on visits to museums throughout the city.
--Volunteering once a week at an amazing organization for children with Spinal Bifida, run by the district governor elect, where I also lead art projects and participate in music/stretching activities for babies and tottlers affected by the disease.
--Attended an induction ceremony for a community police program sponsored by the Club Rotario Nutibara; establishing an important relationship between the police forces and the Rotary clubs in the city to get logistical safety from them for projects carried out in dangerous communities or for transporting children. I was very impressed with the calibur of men and woman in the program since most of them speak at least one language, are well educated, extremely dedicated to the police force, and have undoubtable faith in the public institution.
--Helped run a massive eye-examination program also with the Club Rotario Nutibara offered at a clinic in a lower-income neighborhood; reviewing over 15o children in one Saturday morning for eye problems, referring around 30 of the worst cases to an optomologist (also the club president!), and then outfitting those in need with donated glasses.
I love my 'job'.
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