backyard•escape

experiencing glocal

Posted by yeasl in general discussion, GRS

Glocal (adjective), pronounced /ˈɡlōk(ə)l/, is defined as “reflecting or characterized by both local and global considerations” (definition from: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/glocal). Field experiences, internships, volunteer opportunities which occur abroad I think at times encroaches upon this word: glocal. This is because in some cases, individuals are contributing to efforts taking place locally for a global cause. One example could be the programs which deal with sustainability. Currently, the various efforts which encourage sustainable practices may differ from one city to the next and are likely to be structured in a way as to accommodate how the…read more

Dec.22

thinking critically

Posted by yeasl in general discussion, GRS

Back in September, a discussion surrounding the assigned reading “Food appropriation through large scale land acquisitions” (Rulli & D’Odorico, 2014) was pursued in regional groups. After being provided an opportunity to talk freely about subjects which arose from the reading and during discussion, it was quite clear that the paper had many questionable aspects in its study that proposed a possibility in closing the yield gap through large scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). Questionable aspects included the the authors’ assumptions of the crops produced from LSLAs to be used to increase food security of the…read more

Dec.19

#guilty

Posted by yeasl in general discussion, GRS, guest speaker

This was the second time I witnessed “A Vision of Students Today” (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o). It draws an image with little hope; and, it never fails, every, single, time, to be disheartening. This is not simply of the problems we see today that was written and flashed on-screen but rather the reality that there are students who lead such a lifestyle. Really, it is heart-breaking. As a student, being surrounded by masses of students, staff, faculty members daily, over time it becomes easy to forget that I am part of a select, privileged few…read more

Dec.18

reflections II 2014

Posted by yeasl in GRS

Coffee. What other drink option would complement the phrase “day-to-day” besides coffee? Tim’s or Moneybucks, or Vlendz may have been better representation of the phrase even more so but, this cup of coffee should suffice. It is surprising how day-to-day, the daily routine stays pretty much the same but, at certain moments during the day, time seems to flow by dreadfully slow, such that one could potentially assume the river of time had hit a lake where its calm surface waters show no sign of movement. Yet once again as…read more

Dec.17

reflections 2014

Posted by yeasl in GRS

This past academic year has been filled with many blessings. Never had I thought to be at the place I am now, and as I reflect on the past year, once again I am reminded of how unpredictable the future may be regardless of how much preparation I may have put in beforehand. Last year, on this day, I would have been returning home from work, maybe thinking of plans for the weekend and in-between these times, fervently checking my inbox to see whether or not I have been accepted…read more

Apr.20

why do we do the things we do?

Posted by yeasl in general discussion, GRS

Couple years ago, through a certain program, I was able to receive a three-week orientation on various methodologies for teaching English as a foreign language to young learners. There were two key points that still remains with me today: The instructor should try to stimulate children’s interest in the subject. This interest then must transition into self-motivation to facilitate long-term learning of the subject. Simply stated yet what hard work to achieve! At times, an entire class could be used just for warm-up exercises to generate the young learners’ interest…read more

Apr.20

Place and Community

Posted by yeasl in GRS

During the last week of March, the Global Resource Systems class devoted their time and efforts in taking part to help move the Orchard Garden at UBC transition onto a new location. Though it may seem like a simple task, I think much of the significance of an effort like this lies in what the action symbolizes. Generally, in most of the courses I’ve taken so far at an educational institution, it has taken place in a classroom setting or a lecture hall where the lectures are given in…read more

Apr.20

#focus

Posted by yeasl in GRS, guest speaker

It was on a Wednesday evening, during the early weeks of February where once more, the GRS class were treated to a guest speaker who openly spoke of the current realities of working in development projects with non-governmental organizations. On that night, I took away two refreshing pieces of thought: what are my values, ethics, goals? do they govern how I behave or do I take them as guidelines – flexible to situations? & what am I focusing on? Yes, what am I focusing on? It was suggested that rather…read more

Apr.10

A case study: “water stress”

Posted by yeasl in general discussion, GRS

It seems that there are no absolute or prefect answers in regards to ethics. The case study “Water Stress” presented a situation where a loss of access to electrcity for an indefinte amount of time implied no piped water access, as the water was only accessible through electric-powered pumps. Our group decided to rent a generator to pump water for team use as having water would be better than being without it. At first, I thought it would be wrong for only volunteers to have access to water. Even if…read more

Dec.05

“Global” vs. “International”

Posted by yeasl in GRS, guest speaker

November 05, 2013 Dr. Dharamsi’s lecture was nothing less than a simultaneous mind-opener and a mind-boggler all in one. I don’t think it is every easy to let someone know what they are in the wrong. Dr. Dharamsi was not pointing out that we were in the wrong per se but was presenting a fact that in a bigger picture of things, in the scope of participating in international engagement in whatever form, what we do has an effect: on the world and on us. Thus, before doing anything else,…read more

Dec.03