Creating Change in Costa Rica

Please read this important post from Stephanie Flackman, RJ class of 2010:

 

As a firm believer in the power of humanity to initiate positive change, I have found my experience as an RJ Fellow in the Class of 2010 to be transformational and thought provoking.  Dr. Taub’s entry, “Change is not a spectator sport” motivated me to share some information about a special opportunity, strongly connected to the RJ mission of change. 

 

A unique RJ-designated course, entitled Environmental and Cultural Conservation in Latin America, is offered in the spring semester by Dr. Niesenbaum, followed by a 2-week service-learning and research experience in Costa Rica that empowers YOU to create change in a focused and impactful setting. 

 

What do I mean by this? 

 

Students prepare, through discussions and study of the ecological diversity, political, cultural, and social issues of Costa Rica, to ultimately descend upon the rural community of Las Juntas de Abangares as a team focused on change.  Students develop research projects (ranging from topics in biology, environmental studies, and public health, to economics, sustainability, cultural preservation, studio art (NEW!), and more)!  My own experience last spring was focused on a public health issue — the effects of pesticides on the well-being of farmers (who, due to a long history of pesticide use for sustenance, do not acknowledge the correlation between specific ailments and documented pesticide hazards).  Participants in this course also engage in service-learning.  Teaching English at a private school gave me a special opportunity for immersion, putting my command of the Spanish language to the test and permitting me to delve into the culture and see the dynamics of the community from an insider’s perspective.  Other types of service include beautification, river clean-up, assisting at a women’s recycling cooperative, and many other worthwhile efforts where students are continually surprised by the gratitude of the community!  The local population is often inspired to make positive changes too; working side by side with the students to improve an aspect of their society, we planted trees to prevent runoff pollutants from contaminating the watershed in an aesthetically pleasing way.  This course is something you can do to meet the needs of a community, where you will see and feel the impact of your efforts, while gaining an appreciation for a way of life that is amazing and so different from our own. 

 

Why did I mention all of the above details?  

 

Because I want to encourage you to learn more about Muhlenberg’s Interdisciplinary Study and Exploration in Costa Rica (the course code is EST 350, in the course catalog).  Students from the 2008 program, including myself, will be presenting their research and service-learning experiences in a seminar to be held on Thursday, October 16th at 4:30pm in Shankweiler 440S.  

 

Please note that I did not even mention the FANTASTIC field trips.  I cannot do justice to the supreme beauty of a Cloud Forest or flora and fauna that are beyond exotic.  You must see it to believe it!

 

Interested yet?  I hope so.

 

For more information, please go to the following website for a database of prior research projects as well as the application and more in-depth information:

http://www.muhlenberg.edu/depts/biology/faculty/niesenbaum/cr.html

Flyers with pictures from the 2008 experience will also be posted around campus so you won’t forget the details of the seminar! You can contact Dr. Niesenbaum (niesenba@muhlenberg.edu) or me – Stephanie Flackman (sf235082@muhlenberg.edu) with any questions.   As we contemplate how to create change, as members of the RJ community, I strongly suggest not letting this extraordinary opportunity pass you by!

 

An evolving system

Thanks everyone for making tonight’s dinner event awesome.  David Cooper (‘11) and Sarah Sansolo (‘09) served up an incredible menu (great call on the peanut butter cream pie!).  The a cappella groups helped make things festive–and I didn’t realize so many RJs are in these groups (confirming my sense of the talent in this community).  And the Provost’s announcement made an already wonderful evening even more amazing.  I can only imagine that the Endowed Chair will open up new opportunities–for all of us.  I know that I will welcome the additional time to reflect (chapter 5 of Mr. Scheller’s updated edition of Think, Decide, Do) on the program, incubate new activities, and keep the program continually evolving.  You’re part of this living, breathing system.  Mr. Scheller encouraged everyone to share your assessments, ideas, suggestions, and wishes with me.  By creating this blog I hope you have an accessible way to do just that.  My door is always open–here, electronically, and in Walson 200.  How can we make this year matter?  What can we, as a community, do to make a real difference?