Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Magician
This Wedsenday was the start of a new school year for Intercultural Life! We had our first artist, Gabriela Garcia Medina, come to campus. As a new Intercultural Educator I was a little nervous about how the whole event would go and how things went, but when Wedsenday came along I was pumped to meet Gabriela!
On Tuesday night, I spent some time checking out all of her poetry. As I was sitting there in my pajamas getting ready for bed reading through all of her poems, I was truly amazed. This woman had a talent! I couldn't wait to meet her on Wedsenday.
Once Wedsenday rolled around, I watched the clock very closely so I wouldn't be late for dinner. Jesse and I got to dinner a little bit earlier than everyone else so we sat there by ourselves for a bit. After a couple of minutes, a cute nicely dressed (Her outfit was adorable!) woman came in with Lupita. It was Gabriela. She greeted us with a spunky hello. I noted very quickly that she was the type of person that was bubbly and didn't have any trouble saying what was on her mind.
After everyone had gotten there, we began dinner. I was super excited because Gabriela was vegan, which meant that the whole meal was vegan (aka: I could eat it). I was a little anxious about Catering making vegan food, but the food ended up being delicious.
During dinner we had some nice conversations about what inspired Gabriela to travel around visiting colleges doing spoken word. She talked about how she opened for Black Eyed Peas and Pitbull. She told us that she realized she wanted to do work with colleges when one guy had asked her to open for him and he paid her fifty dollars. At the time, she thought this was great! When she realized how much she had been paid, she thought about how she could do this for living. It worked out for Gabriela. She has a talent and a love to write and share her poetry. She is good at it, too! So that is how she began her career.
After dinner we all headed over to cox snow for the show. The atmosphere felt perfect there. The lighting and the closeness of the stage made the show much more intimate.
Once everyone had arrived, Gabriela started the show. One of the first poems she read was her poem called "Magician". She talked about how her parents were able to turn something into nothing. Even when her parents didn't have much money, they were able to make a feast for their whole family. One of the things she said really struck with me. She described how she wanted a tree for Christmas, but her parents really couldn't afford one. A christmas tree was a luxury. When Gabriela woke up for Christmas; however, there was a tree with lights and ornaments. Her mother had made a christmas tree out of a plant. As a child this was like magic to her.
As the night continued she shared many poems with us. Her performances invoked a plethora of feelings from the audience. We laughed at her Lingerie poem. We felt despair when she shared her poem on 4 women in abusive situations. Some of us felt sympathy for her when she described how she couldn't cook.
By the end of her first couple of poems the audience ,including me, had grown to love Gabriela. She seemed like this powerful woman. She was funny, artistic,and compassionate towards life.
As the night came to a close she gave us a background story to her last poem. She told us how she had a stalker who had written her all of his deepest darkest secrets. Because of this, she felt compelled to share with her audience her deepest darkest secrets. She said she wanted us to see her beyond her performance, but as a human being that is not always perfect.
I won't reveal what she said in her last poem because you just had to see it, but her last poem was the most meaningful to me. She made me, as well as many of the audience members, feel a little closer to her. She was no longer just this performer on a pedestal, but she was a human being that we could relate to. I really appreciated this last poem.
Ultimately, I loved having the chance to meet Gabriela, and hope that we can bring her back to campus so more of you can see her great performace!
Have a lovely friday!
Shelby
On Tuesday night, I spent some time checking out all of her poetry. As I was sitting there in my pajamas getting ready for bed reading through all of her poems, I was truly amazed. This woman had a talent! I couldn't wait to meet her on Wedsenday.
Once Wedsenday rolled around, I watched the clock very closely so I wouldn't be late for dinner. Jesse and I got to dinner a little bit earlier than everyone else so we sat there by ourselves for a bit. After a couple of minutes, a cute nicely dressed (Her outfit was adorable!) woman came in with Lupita. It was Gabriela. She greeted us with a spunky hello. I noted very quickly that she was the type of person that was bubbly and didn't have any trouble saying what was on her mind.
After everyone had gotten there, we began dinner. I was super excited because Gabriela was vegan, which meant that the whole meal was vegan (aka: I could eat it). I was a little anxious about Catering making vegan food, but the food ended up being delicious.
During dinner we had some nice conversations about what inspired Gabriela to travel around visiting colleges doing spoken word. She talked about how she opened for Black Eyed Peas and Pitbull. She told us that she realized she wanted to do work with colleges when one guy had asked her to open for him and he paid her fifty dollars. At the time, she thought this was great! When she realized how much she had been paid, she thought about how she could do this for living. It worked out for Gabriela. She has a talent and a love to write and share her poetry. She is good at it, too! So that is how she began her career.
After dinner we all headed over to cox snow for the show. The atmosphere felt perfect there. The lighting and the closeness of the stage made the show much more intimate.
Once everyone had arrived, Gabriela started the show. One of the first poems she read was her poem called "Magician". She talked about how her parents were able to turn something into nothing. Even when her parents didn't have much money, they were able to make a feast for their whole family. One of the things she said really struck with me. She described how she wanted a tree for Christmas, but her parents really couldn't afford one. A christmas tree was a luxury. When Gabriela woke up for Christmas; however, there was a tree with lights and ornaments. Her mother had made a christmas tree out of a plant. As a child this was like magic to her.
As the night continued she shared many poems with us. Her performances invoked a plethora of feelings from the audience. We laughed at her Lingerie poem. We felt despair when she shared her poem on 4 women in abusive situations. Some of us felt sympathy for her when she described how she couldn't cook.
By the end of her first couple of poems the audience ,including me, had grown to love Gabriela. She seemed like this powerful woman. She was funny, artistic,and compassionate towards life.
As the night came to a close she gave us a background story to her last poem. She told us how she had a stalker who had written her all of his deepest darkest secrets. Because of this, she felt compelled to share with her audience her deepest darkest secrets. She said she wanted us to see her beyond her performance, but as a human being that is not always perfect.
I won't reveal what she said in her last poem because you just had to see it, but her last poem was the most meaningful to me. She made me, as well as many of the audience members, feel a little closer to her. She was no longer just this performer on a pedestal, but she was a human being that we could relate to. I really appreciated this last poem.
Ultimately, I loved having the chance to meet Gabriela, and hope that we can bring her back to campus so more of you can see her great performace!
Have a lovely friday!
Shelby
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The End of Summer is Just the Beginning of Autumn
In this post: titles that were once considered as names for love ballads.
More to the point: While hot days, cool nights, bugs chirping and hissing, and the occasional smell of a nearby grill may still be in effect for students summer is pretty much over. The first classes have passed leaving some running for the administration office to "fix" their schedule. Books have been bought and found for lower prices elsewhere. Yes, it's officially autumn. Which means we in the Intercultural Life office are back to work.
Yay.
And while the summer has chipped away all but the most base of work ethic there's still a lot to be excited about with the return of the Intercultural Life team. New employees for one. Most of the office seems new, as we have lost three Intercultural Educators and our beloved Sarah. Oh sure, we still have Brandyn running around but now your Intercultural Life office comes with a new administrative assistant, Graci, and two new Intercultural Educators, Shelby and Lupita. Returning for a second year is Jessie, and someone I'm forgetting.
Oh well, it's probably not important.
And I expect all of our readers to stop by the office and give a fond hello to Graci. Also, don't tell her why you're doing it. Nice to keep the office on its toes.
Alright, so we have a new team of interculturally competent educators but what does that mean for you, dear reader? After all, why should you care what the office is plotting and planning? Maybe because we're plotting and planning the best year ever!
Well, best is a relevant term. But it'll still be an awesome year.
Why's that? Because with our new eyes looking over our schedule and knowing the needs and wants of the student body we've come up with a pretty rocking year. And yes, I just used the word "rocking". Don't ask me why. Already the activities are starting. Come Friday, September 9th, Intercultural Life will be hosting a Welcome Back BBQ in the backyard of the CMCC House. The menu looks amazing (hint: there will only be kabobs until I get there and then y'all are out of luck) and it'll be a great way to make new friends! There's no reason not to go!
The BBQ begins at 5:00 pm and if you want to attend please, please, please sign up in the office (located on the second floor of Maytag between Housing and Counseling) or at the Activity Fair which will be Wednesday night in Maytag. All you need is your ID so we can estimate how many people will be there.
There are a million awesome things happening this year and even cynical old me can get excited so you should too! Go to the events! Encourage your friends to do it too! Hassle them if you have to!
Because if you don't go to our events, who will?
Your certainly-not-panicking-about-graduation-already Intercultural Educator,
Izzy
More to the point: While hot days, cool nights, bugs chirping and hissing, and the occasional smell of a nearby grill may still be in effect for students summer is pretty much over. The first classes have passed leaving some running for the administration office to "fix" their schedule. Books have been bought and found for lower prices elsewhere. Yes, it's officially autumn. Which means we in the Intercultural Life office are back to work.
Yay.
And while the summer has chipped away all but the most base of work ethic there's still a lot to be excited about with the return of the Intercultural Life team. New employees for one. Most of the office seems new, as we have lost three Intercultural Educators and our beloved Sarah. Oh sure, we still have Brandyn running around but now your Intercultural Life office comes with a new administrative assistant, Graci, and two new Intercultural Educators, Shelby and Lupita. Returning for a second year is Jessie, and someone I'm forgetting.
Oh well, it's probably not important.
And I expect all of our readers to stop by the office and give a fond hello to Graci. Also, don't tell her why you're doing it. Nice to keep the office on its toes.
Alright, so we have a new team of interculturally competent educators but what does that mean for you, dear reader? After all, why should you care what the office is plotting and planning? Maybe because we're plotting and planning the best year ever!
Well, best is a relevant term. But it'll still be an awesome year.
Why's that? Because with our new eyes looking over our schedule and knowing the needs and wants of the student body we've come up with a pretty rocking year. And yes, I just used the word "rocking". Don't ask me why. Already the activities are starting. Come Friday, September 9th, Intercultural Life will be hosting a Welcome Back BBQ in the backyard of the CMCC House. The menu looks amazing (hint: there will only be kabobs until I get there and then y'all are out of luck) and it'll be a great way to make new friends! There's no reason not to go!
The BBQ begins at 5:00 pm and if you want to attend please, please, please sign up in the office (located on the second floor of Maytag between Housing and Counseling) or at the Activity Fair which will be Wednesday night in Maytag. All you need is your ID so we can estimate how many people will be there.
There are a million awesome things happening this year and even cynical old me can get excited so you should too! Go to the events! Encourage your friends to do it too! Hassle them if you have to!
Because if you don't go to our events, who will?
Your certainly-not-panicking-about-graduation-already Intercultural Educator,
Izzy
Monday, March 28, 2011
Overcoming Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious issue that is often looked down upon and kept secret in communities. Terri Jendusa Nicolai spoke last week about her abusive relationship with her ex-husband that almost cost her life. Although, Terri had been through hardships most of us will never have to experience, she has a positive outlook and a great sense of humor.
Terri stated, just as many other victims of domestic violence do, that her husband did not show very many signs that he was abusive at first. She said his seemingly "loving" habits were actually controlling habits. For example, when she would want to see a movie with her sister, he would tell her he wanted to take her. However, they would rarely do things Terri wanted to do and as time went on she became more secluded from her family.
On the night of their first day of marriage her ex husband hit her several times in the head because she didn't want to eat what he wanted her to eat. At first she thought she would just leave him, but the thought of not having financial stability and being a single mother led her to put up with his abusive behavior. Eventually, she finally left her ex husband in fear that her two daughters would be abused and that they were constantly living in fear.
Her ex-husband then continued to try and control her by making her change babysitters and having multiple custody hearings. However, when Terri remarried he realized he had lost all control of her. Therefore, he decided to coax her into his home, beat her to the point of near death, and place her in a garbage can. He then placed the garbage can in a storage facility with freezing temperatures. The police eventually found Terri barely alive and took her to the hospital, luckily she only had to get her toes amputated.
Terri's chilling story reminds us that we should be very observant about our partners or any other person we have reliationships with. They should never be abusive verbally or physically. Often the signs are being controlling, pushing other loved ones away, saying hurtful things when they are upset, and if one of the parents are abusive.
Terri was just happy to be alive and blessed with three children, one of which with her new husband. She was very clear that she believed God was the reason for her survival and she believes it is her purpose to spread her story to help others before they get into these type of situations. I'm glad I was able to see her speak and listen to her positive outlook, it made me more appreciative towards domestic violence cases. There are many shelters around the U.S. and they are always donation locations-anything from shampoo and toys can be donated for these families. Anyone that wants to donate can bring it up to the Intercultural Life Office.
Felicia
Terri stated, just as many other victims of domestic violence do, that her husband did not show very many signs that he was abusive at first. She said his seemingly "loving" habits were actually controlling habits. For example, when she would want to see a movie with her sister, he would tell her he wanted to take her. However, they would rarely do things Terri wanted to do and as time went on she became more secluded from her family.
On the night of their first day of marriage her ex husband hit her several times in the head because she didn't want to eat what he wanted her to eat. At first she thought she would just leave him, but the thought of not having financial stability and being a single mother led her to put up with his abusive behavior. Eventually, she finally left her ex husband in fear that her two daughters would be abused and that they were constantly living in fear.
Her ex-husband then continued to try and control her by making her change babysitters and having multiple custody hearings. However, when Terri remarried he realized he had lost all control of her. Therefore, he decided to coax her into his home, beat her to the point of near death, and place her in a garbage can. He then placed the garbage can in a storage facility with freezing temperatures. The police eventually found Terri barely alive and took her to the hospital, luckily she only had to get her toes amputated.
Terri's chilling story reminds us that we should be very observant about our partners or any other person we have reliationships with. They should never be abusive verbally or physically. Often the signs are being controlling, pushing other loved ones away, saying hurtful things when they are upset, and if one of the parents are abusive.
Terri was just happy to be alive and blessed with three children, one of which with her new husband. She was very clear that she believed God was the reason for her survival and she believes it is her purpose to spread her story to help others before they get into these type of situations. I'm glad I was able to see her speak and listen to her positive outlook, it made me more appreciative towards domestic violence cases. There are many shelters around the U.S. and they are always donation locations-anything from shampoo and toys can be donated for these families. Anyone that wants to donate can bring it up to the Intercultural Life Office.
Felicia
Friday, March 4, 2011
Daryl Davis "Klan-Destine Relationships"
In the first week of February Central had the privilege of having Daryl Davis present Klan-Destine Relationships. Before the presentation we had a dinner with Daryl in which a few of the Intercultural educators and other students were able to ask Daryl questions about his travels. It was interesting to learn how he could not understand how people could hate him just because of the color of his skin. He believed that you should not hate (not that you should hate at all) someone that you didn't even know. However, his mission was to "befriend the enemy". He felt if he could just get to know those who hated blacks, perhaps both sides could get to understand each other a little better.
During his presentation, he told us numerous stories of the encounters he had with members of the KKK, some civil and some much more aggressive. One member he met with several times and the first few times were very tense, however eventually the two grew to have a form of respect. Daryl would come watch him speak at KKK rallies, and this member would eat dinner with Daryl. Daryl explained that while he did not respect the view points of the KKK members, he did respect their right to express it. Daryl felt the key to a successful conversation was one in which both parties listened respectfully to the other. It can be very difficult to accomplish this, especially when we feel so heated about the topic. However, it is important to learn these skills to become a better communicator and also to help us grow. Sometimes we have to have these difficult conversations in order to learn and grow.
This advice really hit about two weeks after Daryl’s visit. I had my own much unexpected encounter with a person who felt negatively towards blacks and other races. I stood listening, feeling so hurt and angry at the things this person was saying to me, but I did my best to try to understand why this person felt the way that they did. Unfortunately there was no major break through, I'm sure this person is as ignorant as the moment we had that conversation. However, I learned something about myself. I was proud that I did not attack them for their view points and that I stood up for something I believe in. I think that what Daryl was really trying to say to us, stand up for your beliefs respectfully and perhaps eventually we'll get somewhere.
Your Intercultural Educator,
Shannan O
During his presentation, he told us numerous stories of the encounters he had with members of the KKK, some civil and some much more aggressive. One member he met with several times and the first few times were very tense, however eventually the two grew to have a form of respect. Daryl would come watch him speak at KKK rallies, and this member would eat dinner with Daryl. Daryl explained that while he did not respect the view points of the KKK members, he did respect their right to express it. Daryl felt the key to a successful conversation was one in which both parties listened respectfully to the other. It can be very difficult to accomplish this, especially when we feel so heated about the topic. However, it is important to learn these skills to become a better communicator and also to help us grow. Sometimes we have to have these difficult conversations in order to learn and grow.
This advice really hit about two weeks after Daryl’s visit. I had my own much unexpected encounter with a person who felt negatively towards blacks and other races. I stood listening, feeling so hurt and angry at the things this person was saying to me, but I did my best to try to understand why this person felt the way that they did. Unfortunately there was no major break through, I'm sure this person is as ignorant as the moment we had that conversation. However, I learned something about myself. I was proud that I did not attack them for their view points and that I stood up for something I believe in. I think that what Daryl was really trying to say to us, stand up for your beliefs respectfully and perhaps eventually we'll get somewhere.
Your Intercultural Educator,
Shannan O
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Singles' Awareness Day
Yesterday was Valentine's Day.
A day to spend with your loved one,flowers,dinner,gifts...
What about all the people who have to suffer through that one day of the year knowing that "Yes I am Single" is not necessarily a good thing. Everywhere we look we see advertisements meant for couples. Even the school's anti-Valentine night played a romance movie..The two characters fell in love at the end.
My friends got hand-cooked meals, coach purses, flowers, and someone to celebrate it with.
I tried to treat February 14th like any other day of the year except for a group of girls and I had a great time watching tv and eating our Valentine..Ben&Jerry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
We danced to songs from the '90s, took too many pictures and attempted to forget that we are single.
This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout this week of love, lets keep in mind that some people do not have that special love one yet..or that love one is not really a loving one. Just like I plan on not letting a couples drive me crazy...
- Jessie
A day to spend with your loved one,flowers,dinner,gifts...
What about all the people who have to suffer through that one day of the year knowing that "Yes I am Single" is not necessarily a good thing. Everywhere we look we see advertisements meant for couples. Even the school's anti-Valentine night played a romance movie..The two characters fell in love at the end.
My friends got hand-cooked meals, coach purses, flowers, and someone to celebrate it with.
I tried to treat February 14th like any other day of the year except for a group of girls and I had a great time watching tv and eating our Valentine..Ben&Jerry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
We danced to songs from the '90s, took too many pictures and attempted to forget that we are single.
This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout this week of love, lets keep in mind that some people do not have that special love one yet..or that love one is not really a loving one. Just like I plan on not letting a couples drive me crazy...
- Jessie
Friday, November 5, 2010
Work of art.
On Tuesday I was blessed enough to attend one of Ralph Moisa's workshops.
Maybe I’m just a sucker for these types of things… but I found myself so touched by the history and lives of Native Americans.
I was first moved when Ralph explained the symbols on the teepee—the colors especially. The teepee is outlined in circles created by the colors white, yellow, red, and black. Why? Because this is how the world describes themselves and others, by colors. I’m yellow, you’re black. I’m red, you’re white. Ralph enlightens us, “Yes, our identity is deeply rooted in these colors. We cannot have them prevent us from interacting with those who are different from us. The colors work together to form the circle. We must work together to form the world.”
That’s beautiful isn’t it? The world will be so much better if we work towards better it by breaking down walls and allowing ourselves to shine through others.
Another thing that I absolutely loved…
Every year, Ralph and his clan hold a huuuuge pow wow. They invite the public to participate with them. Not just that, but they invite people from many many cultures to join in and dance with them. This pow wow is a big celebration and an opportunity for Sudanese, Vietnamese, Irish, Thai, Cambodian, Indian, and etc. to dance together.
We are all different, that is what makes it beautiful.
We all work and play in harmony while embracing our similarities and differences, that is what makes a work of art.
Ralph briefly shared the heartbreaking history of Native Americans. He doesn’t dwell too much on it though. He acknowledges the horrible treatment that his people endured. Yet he tells us that we only need to know the history so that we can prevent it from repeating.
This is why he hosts the Pow Wow every year—so others can learn about his people’s past and work towards preventing anything like that from happening again.
How beautiful.
your's truly
Trinh
To learn more about Ralph Moisa and the White Eagle Pow-Wow please go to http://www.whiteeaglepow-wow.org/1.html.
Maybe I’m just a sucker for these types of things… but I found myself so touched by the history and lives of Native Americans.
I was first moved when Ralph explained the symbols on the teepee—the colors especially. The teepee is outlined in circles created by the colors white, yellow, red, and black. Why? Because this is how the world describes themselves and others, by colors. I’m yellow, you’re black. I’m red, you’re white. Ralph enlightens us, “Yes, our identity is deeply rooted in these colors. We cannot have them prevent us from interacting with those who are different from us. The colors work together to form the circle. We must work together to form the world.”
That’s beautiful isn’t it? The world will be so much better if we work towards better it by breaking down walls and allowing ourselves to shine through others.
Another thing that I absolutely loved…
Every year, Ralph and his clan hold a huuuuge pow wow. They invite the public to participate with them. Not just that, but they invite people from many many cultures to join in and dance with them. This pow wow is a big celebration and an opportunity for Sudanese, Vietnamese, Irish, Thai, Cambodian, Indian, and etc. to dance together.
We are all different, that is what makes it beautiful.
We all work and play in harmony while embracing our similarities and differences, that is what makes a work of art.
Ralph briefly shared the heartbreaking history of Native Americans. He doesn’t dwell too much on it though. He acknowledges the horrible treatment that his people endured. Yet he tells us that we only need to know the history so that we can prevent it from repeating.
This is why he hosts the Pow Wow every year—so others can learn about his people’s past and work towards preventing anything like that from happening again.
How beautiful.
your's truly
Trinh
To learn more about Ralph Moisa and the White Eagle Pow-Wow please go to http://www.whiteeaglepow-wow.org/1.html.
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