Day: April 28, 2011

Throughout the term we’ve been encouraged to reflect on THE PROCESS. I think reflection is great but putting down your thoughts is tough because it requires that you think and reflect some more!!!

I think the main things that this class has blessed me with is:
1) trained diligence in writing down my thoughts and experiences
2) an appreciation of knowledge (not eurocentric knowledge but indigenous knowledge)
3) delight in the various talents, personalities, and HEART of my classmates.

I think our class has been seeking to be compassionate. Gloria Anzaldua writes that “compasssion triggers transformation” I think this has been true of our class.

We all rave about how great a course this is! I think it’s true that the students are awesome and Professor Sundberg is wonderful but it’s really the knowledge and thinking that comes from this class that counts for something. This processes of learning has been tough, exhilarating, and rewarding and it has changed me. I think that is what sets this class and this education apart!

It is unbelievable how fast time has passed, four months ago I walked into a classroom atmosphere that was unlike any other I had experienced at university. The style of teaching was not a linear model where the professor pours their knowledge into students, but rather an atmosphere where each individual can learn from his or her peers through class discussion. The amazing Professor Juanita Sundberg facilitated this kind of learning environment by creating a safe space where each individual could express his or her opinions, thoughts, and experiences. To me this learning experience was tremendously valuable, but at the same time it took me a while to get used to.  I want to acknowledge the great contribution that each and every one of my classmates made to my learning experience, and the overall value of this course. I also want to thank Professor Sundberg for a tremendous job in stimulating interest in the subject matter, and passionately presenting us with  the social, political, economical and cultural processes that are taking place in Mexico.

In my opinion the best aspect of Geography 495 is that it takes the form of a community service model, where I could apply what I was learning to real life situations, and event organizing. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with our community partner La Mano from Vancouver, and put solidarity into action with Jolom Mayaetik from Chiapas. It was an amazing time working with Celia and Marla the two representatives that joined us from Chiapas, Mexico. Throughout the term our class put on four main events; each event had the goals to raise awareness for women’s autonomy, educate individuals about weaving as a form of creative resistance, and help Jolom Mayaetik sell their weavings. In my opinion, the class reached their goals in all four events, and had an amazing time, and unforgettable experience in doing so.

My most memorable events throughout the term were at Rhizome café, and the final event. At the Rhizome café I was happy that I had the opportunity to witness the amazing talent of my classmates in this energetic and well-planned event. It was also special because both our visitors from Chiapas, Mexico where with us for this event. I am happy that they could both enjoy what geography 495 had planned. The next event that is most memorable is the Final event. This event took a lot of work the night before, most of the class got the opportunity to cook with Marla until 1am! Which was such a fun experience, to be with your colleagues in a kitchen until 1am. The event itself was a total hit, it included, dancing, food, prizes, silent auctions, weavings, and a very emotional and well articulated speech from Marla Gutierrez.

To conclude, I find it adequate to thank all my classmates for the contribution they made in making this an amazing class. I would also like to thank our community liaison Jennifer Boundy founder of La Mano for helping us establish this relationship with Jolom Mayaetik. A huge thank you to Celia and Marla from Jolom Mayaetik for all the knowledge, and friendship they gave us, and finally a Special Thanks to Professor Juanita Sundberg for all her hard work in creating this class, and all the administrative processes that take place behind the scenes.

Acquiring the ability to critically locate oneself within global social, political and economic processes is truly invaluable in understanding the role solidarity plays in shaping one’s interpretation of their surroundings.  Reflecting on my experience in geography 495, I feel as though I have become more critically aware of the interrelation between individual and social processes, and the role that knowledge and power play within this.  By examining how knowledge is produced and within what context, I feel as though the relationship between perspective and the impact of such, has been integral in broadening my understanding of solidarity in the sense that I may position myself within a more global context.  In recognizing the role that I play in reinforcing unequal structures of relational divisions, I believe has deepened my understanding of what I understand solidarity to mean.

Reflecting on the term, “Songs, Stitches and Slams” stands out to me perhaps the most.  In exploring the politics of North-South solidarity, the meaning behind the practice of weaving for me has evolved greatly from the first day of class, as I feel I am now more in touch with the processes which act to represent a culture and history behind each piece of art, and with that, an individual struggle.  Not only engaging with the weaving on a more tangible level, we were able to bring together the community, communicating through forms of art, poetry, song and weaving, and creating a space for open dialogue.  This I feel, demonstrates weaving as truly a lived practice, the embodiment of solidarity which has acted to strengthen my own understanding.

I feel extremely privileged have been given the opportunity to be involved in a collaborative community partner based class in my final term of study at UBC.  Through our partnership with Celia and Marla, the knowledge and experience I have gained through forming these cross-cultural relationships has been something I will not forget.  While when I walked into the classroom at the start of the semester I did not expect to become this involved, I am very appreciative to the experience it has given me and the perspective I have gained.  I feel extremely fortunate for the experiences I have shared with the class of geography 495.  Through our incredible teamwork, we were able to turn a vision into a reality.

Geography 495 is unlike any other class experience that I have had at university. The basis of the learning was through community service, and all of the classes work culminated in our final event, “ Weave Got the to Right to Party“, which took place at the Wise Hall. The event brought together first,  the class together in  an informal setting without being confined to the social constructions of the classroom, and secondly it brought together the family and friends of  my fellow classmates to celebrate Solidarity. Attendees got to experience authentic Mexican cuisine with meat and vegetarian tortas, a silent auction, take part in a raffle,the oppurtunity to purchase one-of a kind authentic garments woven by the women of Jolem Mayetik, here accounts from both Professor Sundberg, and Marta one of the two women who come up from Jolem Mayetik weaving cooperative located in Chiapas, Mexico, and dance the night away all in celebration of Celbrating Solidarity.

The major thing on took out of the experience was how people from all walks of life  came together through this class and made such a big impact on change. Through all of our busy schedules as university students everybody used there connections, provided their best effort big or small, to put on four great events that helped raise money, and get the word out about Jolem Mayetik. Its crazy to think about what people can do when they work together, and its beautiful to see and live the accomplishments of the work the class did together as one. Geography 495 is the class for any body, and you are guaranteed a possibly life perspective changing positive experience.