Hello everyone!
I will be leaving for my field placement on Wednesday, September 7th, which is 100 days from today (if you include the start & end dates). To celebrate this, each day I will be posting a new fact on Machu Picchu. The Los Angeles Times are celebrating 100 years since Machu Picchu's discovery by unveiling 100 facts about it, and I would love to share these interesting tidbits of information with you, so here goes!
Fact #1: At 496,218 square miles, Peru, in western South America, is the size of about three Californias. California, however, has about 8 million more residents than Peru.
I will still be writing longer posts each Thursday, but I thought this would keep you entertained as I count days the days to the start of my internship! Enjoy! :)
Sheila
p.s. Machu Picchu was actually discovered on July 24th, 1911 - but more to come on that later!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
College Conspiracy: An interesting take on education in North America
Hello,
This week I would like to share with you a video that I recently watched on YouTube. It's called "College Conspiracy":
Now while I must admit that I have not watched the entire hour-long video, I would highly recommend taking a look at the first three minutes or so. First of all, I feel that the combined voice, background sound, and graphics make this quite a captivating clip that draws viewers in. Although the producer of this video does use figures and statistics that do not necessarily represent all of the colleges in the U.S., the underlying message that I have taken away is that we are all trained (programmed, shall we say) to achieve well in school so that we can one day make it to college, and then go on to having a high-paying career. And I would agree with this statement to a certain extent.
As I am nearing the end of my undergraduate degree, I definitely feel as though there are certain things that have lacked in my education thus far (and others that have surpassed expectations, of course). When I started university, my Grandpa told me that if I learned nothing else, I would definitely learn to think this year. That, I believe, is entirely true. I learned to think. And write academic papers. But in terms of 'hard skills', I do not feel as though I possess that many. I may have learned to lay bricks on volunteer trips to Guatemala and El Salvador, but this does not mean I could go build a house on my own tomorrow. Perhaps this is because I am not in a program leading to a professional designation such as a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. So this means that I must find my own way.
The video also talks about the rising cost of tuition and other fees (such as textbooks). Oh boy, is this ever something I know about. Since I have been in university (4 years), tuition (including ancillary fees) has risen from approx $5,000/year to approx $6,000/year. That's a $250 increase per year! This coming year, I will also be completing a field placement in Peru, and this has quite a few additional costs associated with it. To give you an idea of the money that I am trying to earn/fundraise over the next few months:
Return flight: $1,500
Travel and health insurance: $300
Vaccines: $250
Living costs (incl. accomodation): $4,380
WUSC Field Placement Fee: $3,000
Tuition: $6,000
Total: $15,430
Alright so my living expenses in Peru will definitely be less than those here in Waterloo (or last year when I was in Lyon), but it is still quite a hefty amount to pay when you consider that I will be unable to work during those 8 months and that I am currently in school and therefore unable to work full-time.
So this semester, we are fundraising! Our class is coming together this semester in order to fundraise to help cover the costs of our field placements. We have branded ourselves INDEVOURS (get it? INDEV for International Development and a play on the word endeavours). You can check our out blog here: INDEVOURS, or find us on facebook or on twitter. Our goal: raise $30,000 this summer (just over $1,000 per student, or less than 10% of what our field placement will cost). Will you help us?
I'll keep you posted with upcoming events and the progress that INDEVOURS is making. Have a great week!
Sheila
This week I would like to share with you a video that I recently watched on YouTube. It's called "College Conspiracy":
Now while I must admit that I have not watched the entire hour-long video, I would highly recommend taking a look at the first three minutes or so. First of all, I feel that the combined voice, background sound, and graphics make this quite a captivating clip that draws viewers in. Although the producer of this video does use figures and statistics that do not necessarily represent all of the colleges in the U.S., the underlying message that I have taken away is that we are all trained (programmed, shall we say) to achieve well in school so that we can one day make it to college, and then go on to having a high-paying career. And I would agree with this statement to a certain extent.
As I am nearing the end of my undergraduate degree, I definitely feel as though there are certain things that have lacked in my education thus far (and others that have surpassed expectations, of course). When I started university, my Grandpa told me that if I learned nothing else, I would definitely learn to think this year. That, I believe, is entirely true. I learned to think. And write academic papers. But in terms of 'hard skills', I do not feel as though I possess that many. I may have learned to lay bricks on volunteer trips to Guatemala and El Salvador, but this does not mean I could go build a house on my own tomorrow. Perhaps this is because I am not in a program leading to a professional designation such as a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. So this means that I must find my own way.
The video also talks about the rising cost of tuition and other fees (such as textbooks). Oh boy, is this ever something I know about. Since I have been in university (4 years), tuition (including ancillary fees) has risen from approx $5,000/year to approx $6,000/year. That's a $250 increase per year! This coming year, I will also be completing a field placement in Peru, and this has quite a few additional costs associated with it. To give you an idea of the money that I am trying to earn/fundraise over the next few months:
Return flight: $1,500
Travel and health insurance: $300
Vaccines: $250
Living costs (incl. accomodation): $4,380
WUSC Field Placement Fee: $3,000
Tuition: $6,000
Total: $15,430
Alright so my living expenses in Peru will definitely be less than those here in Waterloo (or last year when I was in Lyon), but it is still quite a hefty amount to pay when you consider that I will be unable to work during those 8 months and that I am currently in school and therefore unable to work full-time.
So this semester, we are fundraising! Our class is coming together this semester in order to fundraise to help cover the costs of our field placements. We have branded ourselves INDEVOURS (get it? INDEV for International Development and a play on the word endeavours). You can check our out blog here: INDEVOURS, or find us on facebook or on twitter. Our goal: raise $30,000 this summer (just over $1,000 per student, or less than 10% of what our field placement will cost). Will you help us?
I'll keep you posted with upcoming events and the progress that INDEVOURS is making. Have a great week!
Sheila
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A special evening with former Governor General Michaëlle Jean
Hello everyone,
Last Thursday I had the privilege to attend quite a special event here on campus at the University of Waterloo. The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean came to campus to give the 2011 Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Service Lecture, and beforehand there was a special, Haïtian-flavoured dinner organized for seventy or so people. Four International Development students were invited to attend the dinner at the University Club, and I was a part of that group.
We were asked to arrive a little bit early to get some group pictures in and help with the set-up for the reception and dinner. Two of us were to greet the guests as they arrived, and the other two were to mill around and strike up conversation with the other attendees (mostly faculty in Environment or INDEV, people from RBC, and other major donors). I was quite excited to volunteer myself to mingle with the guests as we all waited for Mme Jean to arrive. The evening brought back memories from summers working at Rideau Hall.
For two summers, I worked as a guide/interpreter at Rideau Hall (in Ottawa), the official workplace and residence of the Governor General of Canada. This was during the time of Mme Jean's mandate, so I have already met her on a few occasions and had the chance to attend quite a few events where she presented awards and gave speeches. One of the most valuable skills I learned during my time at Rideau Hall was how to feel comfortable in a room full of strangers, enter into conversation and remain professional. At Rideau Hall, we occasionally had events of 200+ people, and my job as a guide would be to talk with the guests, tell them a little bit about the history, art or architecture of the room they were in, and just have general conversation. Let me tell you that it is much easier said than done! The first major event that I worked was the closing ceremony for the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference. With a little bit of help from our coordinators, we learned to introduce ourselves to people who were deep in conversation and integrate ourselves into their groups. Nerve-wracking to begin with, but after a while you pick up some tricks and a lot of courage.
The evening last week felt oddly familiar. As guests began to arrive, I would walk up to clusters, introduce myself, and then tell them a little bit about my studies, the International Development program, or just join into whatever discussion they were having. This allowed me to meet many faculty members, high-ranking university officials and other guests of the university that were eagerly awaiting to meet Mme Jean.
When Mme Jean arrived, she went around from group to group to say a quick hello and take pictures with them. The International Development students present had the opportunity to take a picture with her as well:
We also got a picture taken with the rest of the International Development staff:
It was very nice to meet with Mme Jean again. I have always found her to be a positive, energetic and caring person, even though she has an incredibly busy schedule (she was in Dubai the day before her talk at Waterloo, and was leaving for Haïti the following day). In the talk she gave that night, it was incredibly well tailored to her audience. She spoke directly to the International Development students to give us words of strength and encouragement, and to remind us not to do 'for' but to do 'with'. She spoke about youth engagement, the evolution of humanitarianism, its strengths and shortfalls, and about her role as the UNESCO Special Envoy to Haïti.
Hearing her speak gives me hope for the future: I often get told that I am too optimistic or that my energy will soon fade when I head out into the 'real world', I see people becoming jaded or cynical about their ability to make a difference and have doubts in others. While I recognize that not everything is perfect and that it may never be, the fact that Mme Jean still has the enthusiasm and energy to do what she does gives me faith that if I continue to stay positive and to do what I can, no one will be able to bring me down and that I will leave my mark on the world, whatever that may be. And that is a great gift to be able to give to others.
Don't let the fire inside of you get put out by others. That is what I took away from that night. Not because it was explicitly stated, but because actions speak louder than words. And hers were ringing loud and clear.
Have a great week!
Sheila
[to read more about the event, follow this link: Investment not aid: Michaëlle Jean calls on young Canadians to champion inclusive international development.]
Last Thursday I had the privilege to attend quite a special event here on campus at the University of Waterloo. The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean came to campus to give the 2011 Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Service Lecture, and beforehand there was a special, Haïtian-flavoured dinner organized for seventy or so people. Four International Development students were invited to attend the dinner at the University Club, and I was a part of that group.
We were asked to arrive a little bit early to get some group pictures in and help with the set-up for the reception and dinner. Two of us were to greet the guests as they arrived, and the other two were to mill around and strike up conversation with the other attendees (mostly faculty in Environment or INDEV, people from RBC, and other major donors). I was quite excited to volunteer myself to mingle with the guests as we all waited for Mme Jean to arrive. The evening brought back memories from summers working at Rideau Hall.
For two summers, I worked as a guide/interpreter at Rideau Hall (in Ottawa), the official workplace and residence of the Governor General of Canada. This was during the time of Mme Jean's mandate, so I have already met her on a few occasions and had the chance to attend quite a few events where she presented awards and gave speeches. One of the most valuable skills I learned during my time at Rideau Hall was how to feel comfortable in a room full of strangers, enter into conversation and remain professional. At Rideau Hall, we occasionally had events of 200+ people, and my job as a guide would be to talk with the guests, tell them a little bit about the history, art or architecture of the room they were in, and just have general conversation. Let me tell you that it is much easier said than done! The first major event that I worked was the closing ceremony for the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference. With a little bit of help from our coordinators, we learned to introduce ourselves to people who were deep in conversation and integrate ourselves into their groups. Nerve-wracking to begin with, but after a while you pick up some tricks and a lot of courage.
The evening last week felt oddly familiar. As guests began to arrive, I would walk up to clusters, introduce myself, and then tell them a little bit about my studies, the International Development program, or just join into whatever discussion they were having. This allowed me to meet many faculty members, high-ranking university officials and other guests of the university that were eagerly awaiting to meet Mme Jean.
When Mme Jean arrived, she went around from group to group to say a quick hello and take pictures with them. The International Development students present had the opportunity to take a picture with her as well:
 |
| From left to right: Sarah Voegeli (INDEV student), Feridun Hamdullahpur (6th president of the University of Waterloo), Dana Vanthof (INDEV student), the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Sheila Ball (INDEV student), Eric Christensen (INDEV student). |
 |
| From left to right: Larry Swatuk (INDEV Program Director), Dana Vanthof, Eric Christensen, Sarah Voegeli, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Sheila Ball, Gráinne Ryder (INDEV Field Placement and Language Program Coordinator), Bruce Frayne (INDEV Professor). |
Hearing her speak gives me hope for the future: I often get told that I am too optimistic or that my energy will soon fade when I head out into the 'real world', I see people becoming jaded or cynical about their ability to make a difference and have doubts in others. While I recognize that not everything is perfect and that it may never be, the fact that Mme Jean still has the enthusiasm and energy to do what she does gives me faith that if I continue to stay positive and to do what I can, no one will be able to bring me down and that I will leave my mark on the world, whatever that may be. And that is a great gift to be able to give to others.
Don't let the fire inside of you get put out by others. That is what I took away from that night. Not because it was explicitly stated, but because actions speak louder than words. And hers were ringing loud and clear.
Have a great week!
Sheila
[to read more about the event, follow this link: Investment not aid: Michaëlle Jean calls on young Canadians to champion inclusive international development.]
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Crossroad of cultures
Hello!
This week's post is based on the words "Crossroad of cultures" that can be seen on this advertisement for Peru (this is the last advertisement in the series):
A crossroad of cultures, in my opinion, is a great way of describing much of the state of the world right now. If I take myself, for example, my background is a crossroad of cultures: I am half French-Canadian, half English-Canadian, and so I proudly speak both French and English at home (and Spanish when I travel). In September when I arrive in Peru, I will bring with me my Canadian culture, mixed in with some habits I may have picked up while living in France last year, and learn to adapt to a whole new Peruvian way of life. I will be living amongst people who may be descendants from the Incas, Spanish, Japanese, or any other group of people who have moved to Peru to make it their home.
I think that when you are at a crossroad, you often have the choice with which path you want to go down. The easy, straight road? The one with the dark cloud looming ahead? The curvy twisty up and down path? There are endless possibilities... I am looking forward to embracing this eight-month internship experience with open arms. I know that things will be different; this does not mean that they are better/worse. I will have the opportunity to share my culture, language and traditions with others, and cannot wait to learn more about them as well.
I think that this advertisement describes the direction in which the world is shifting: you have people travelling and moving from area to area (covering much greater distances in a much shorter period of time than before), and settling down in unfamiliar territory. When tourists come to Peru, they get to experience the sights and culture, a different language (Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua), .... the list goes on and on.
How do you approach crossroads when you are presented with a challenge? Or with an unknown outcome? I'd love to hear your stories!
Have a great week!
Sheila
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Lay out your own path
Happy Thursday everyone!
When you think of the phrase "Lay our your own path", what does that mean to you? Check out this week's add promoting travel to Peru:
I have spent some time reflecting on the quote in this week's Peruvian ad and I have had quite a few different thoughts about it. I think that laying out your own path means doing what you want. Last week I wrote about "daring to imagine more", and I think that laying out your own path is the next step in the process to freedom and independence. It means choosing which direction you want to lead your life in, not following the direction that someone else has laid out for you. But more than that, it also means undertaking the steps to figure out which decisions need to be made and when, and not relying on other people to hold your hand and help you down this crazy path called life. Society may dictate how certain things should be done, but you ultimately have the power to decide what (and how) you are going to do things. This is not to say that we should all go against everything that has already been established - not at all. But it means that if you want to wear red or black (or any other colour) at your wedding instead of white, go ahead and do it! And if you want to travel the world and believe that that is how you are going to make a difference, but having an impact on people's lives one smile at a time, then all the power to you.
Until next week, have a great one!
Sheila
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