Of boots and leaders

Posted on January 13. 2010 by Valentina

My first week back has been packed. There have been small things, like discovering that one of my two plants dried up, and big things, like attending the SLC.

I won’t go into great detail about the SLC, it’s enough to say that I really enjoyed Shane Koyczan in a live presentation of a poem that I had posted a few months ago in this blog, laughter yoga, a workshop called ‘So you want to “save” Africa’ and, of course, the insight of General Romeo Dellaire (no, I didn’t fall asleep like most people). Now I get why everyone was talking so much about the SLC, and I definitely want to volunteer for it next year.

Classes are OK, but I’m not as excited as last term because I’m doing a lot of requirements. Not so funny fact: what class with 60 students has only 3 guys? Women’s and Gender Studies 102. Seriously, just because it’s women’s studies it doesn’t mean that only women can take it. Weird.

I’m excited about a lot of things going on on campus this term. There’s the Africa Awareness Conference Week (from the 18 to the 22), the Liu Research Group on Gender and Sexuality in Latin America inaugural series’ events (from January to March) and the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) (January) which was the result of the much discussed rape article in the Underground.

I’ll post more details about these events, but remember that today is the last day of the UBC Campus Involvement Showcase in Brock Hall, with representatives of every UBC organization in which you can get involved!

Also, today at 6:00 in IKBLC 182 there will be a screening of the movie Dissolve as part of the SAAM.

Anyway, I have to go to a lab (yak) but I hope to see you all at some of these events (there’s free food in almost all of them!!!).

Oh yeah… I almost forgot! Boots? Well, today marks the day of a new era, an era with no more weet feet!! Yes, I finally bought myself rainboots! :)

Posted in Recreation | 3 Comments

One Eighth

Posted on January 1. 2010 by Valentina

It’s the first of January and I’m sitting in a hammock under the sun. Weird, right? I can’t imagine how hard it’s going to be to go back to rainy and cold Vancouver in a few days.

I’m happy though, because going back also means going back to the great friends I made this term, to my dear [small and messy] double room and well… to UBC.

I can’t believe how fast this term went by – one eighth of my university education. I laugh remembering how scared I was a few months ago about UBC and all the changes that it meant. Now I see those changes and I want them to keep coming at me, because I’ve loved all of them.

Someone asked me if I thought I had made the right decision by choosing UBC and all I could say was that I really can’t imagine myself somewhere else. If I had to chose again it would take less than a second.

I’m excited about going back and keep exploring the huge campus and finding friends among the 44,900 people that I don’t know yet.

Thinking about a new year and a new beginning made me want to make a list of the things I want to do again and the things I need to work on to make next term even better than this one. Here are some of the things I came up with:

GOOD

  • doing the readings when they’re due
  • going to every event I can fit in my schedule
  • taking courses that have almost nothing to do with my major (as long as they’re in Arts)

NEED TO WORK ON  [bad]

  • exploring Vancouver
  • taking advantage of office hours
  • writing essays before the night they’re due
  • avoiding the cookie section of the cafeteria
  • facebook addiction
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

:)

Posted on December 24. 2009 by Valentina

Merry Christmas everyone!! Have a great time and enjoy it where ever you are :)

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On Obama and Peace

Posted on December 10. 2009 by Valentina

Just a quick note to vent my indignation with Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize…

What is wrong with these people? He totally does not deserve it. If you haven’t heard his speech, please take a look at it here. In my opinion, it’s pathetic.

“I am responsible for the deployment of thousands of young Americans to battle in a distant land. Some will kill. Some will be killed.” — I wonder if he has ever had someone close to him get killed. He just sent 30,000 soldiers into a war that has killed thousands. Can someone please explain to me how that is supposed to be the retreat from the war?

“The use of force is not only necessary but morally justified.” — While receiving the Noble Peace Prize, seriously?

And now… some stolen comments from facebook:

“Obama only changed the color of the government… I feel bad for those who believed in the change he promised.”

“Imperialists are imperialists, regardless of skin colour or party colour.”

Honestly, I’m one of those that has hope in Obama… But he does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize!!!

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3 Finals, 1 Term Paper and 8 Days…

Posted on December 6. 2009 by Valentina

…until I go home!!

I’m attempting to study in Koerner’s 1st floor, but all that I seem to concentrate on is whether or not this can be considered an  underground floor… Any ideas?

Anyway, I think that a short summary of my courses this term may help people who are still deciding which ones to take next term…

GEOG 121 – Interesting material but quite general. The readings were OK, with the exception of two that were too long and too boring. The professor was good and was always trying to make the lectures interesting. The midterm was not that hard if you went to class and there was only one essay. Overall it was what I expected it to be and I learnt some new stuff even if it was mostly material that I had already covered. I give it 8 out of 10.

LAST 100 – Very interesting, possibly my favorite course this term. This course took a very different approach on Latin American studies from what I was used to. I liked the fact that we covered many different themes, events and social movements. It should be a two term course. I’m not a fan of one of the professors though. Don’t take it if you don’t like writing essays because that’s how the class is graded as there are no midterm and final exams. 9.

CRWR 202 – Take this course if you want to learn a little about different styles of writing, not if you want to actually write and improve your skills as a writer. Unfortunately that’s what I wanted, and I didn’t find the professor as funny as he thought he was. It’s an easy grade. 6.

ANTH 100 – The material covered was very interesting, but I feel that the class was too big (and too early) for the professor to be able to inspire students. The readings were interesting and the assignments weren’t too hard if you did them with time. I’ve heard Gordillo teaches the same class with much better results. 7.

RELG 100 – Super, super interesting. Absolutely recommend this class if you want to learn about religion. It’s a big commitment because it’s all about the lectures, which aren’t on Vista, so if you miss one you miss a lot of material. We didn’t have a midterm so the material for the final is A LOT. Not an easy grade. The professor is very engaging and definitely knows what she’s talking about, but she doesn’t seem to have a lot of time to talk with students outside of class which was a big disappointment. Excursions to temples included delicious lunches! 9.

Posted in Academics | 2 Comments

Letter to the Arts AMS Council Members

Posted on November 30. 2009 by Valentina

Dear Arts AMS Council Members,

My name is Valentina Vargas Ricca and I am an international student from Guatemala. I understand that there is a motion to remove the International Representative Seat from the AMS Council. I have to say that I can’t even believe this is happening. International students are 15% of the student body and there are many issues that are exclusive to us, such as an extremely high tuition. If we are important enough to make UBC a ‘world university’ we are important enough to have a voice in the AMS Council. In fact, instead of trying to remove our voice in the council there should be a move to give this seat a vote.
I am ashamed that this motion came from an Arts Council Member and hope that you will reconsider your position. International students are very important contributors to UBC’s diverse environment. Taking our voice away from the student council will worsen the reputation of the AMS and put a set back on the growing international popularity of our university.
As my representatives I urge you to take action on this issue and protect the international students’ voices.

Valentina Vargas Ricca,
First year Arts student


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Go Global update

Posted on November 25. 2009 by Valentina

Carol Zachs, from Go Global, put this comment in response to the Go Global Fiasco post. Please read it, as it offers some useful information about opportunities to travel to African countries as a UBC student.

Unfortunately, for a wide range of beliefs, ISL is not the travel experience that I would like to have with African countries, or any other country in the world…. but that’s another story.

Hello Valentina,

We appreciate your feedback regarding the Go Global program options currently available in Africa as well as the responses and words of encouragement from your peers. We do want to clarify some of this information for you and other UBC students who might be interested in participating in an international learning program so below you will find a summary of the breadth of opportunities currently available (and upcoming) in Africa.

We invite you to speak to an advisor (who are available by email or in person) if you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities further and as always, we are happy to address any concerns regarding Go Global programs directly.

Best Wishes,
Carol Zachs,
Go Global

EXCHANGE:

University of Cape Town:
We continue to have a partnership with this university. The partnership is reciprocal; that is we send and receive students. As UCT has not sent many students to UBC, they cannot accept UBC students on tuition waiver students this year. We will be able to send again next year. We are continuing to explore alternative options for students like you to access this opportunity in other ways (i.e. study abroad paying tuition fees directly to UCT). As soon as we are able to formalize these opportunities, we will make the information available on our website.

University of Botswana:
As you mentioned, this partnership is currently being developed and we hope to be able to finalize shortly. As above, once we have finalized this process, we will immediately update our program information online. Our goal is still for the 2010/2011 cycle.

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB): This European partner offers a unique opportunity to complete a two-month field course in rural development and project management at Makerere University as part of their Development program. Students spend the first semester at UMB and then travel with their cohort to Uganda. This is open to UBC students via exchange paying tuition to UBC (any additional program fees are assessed by UMB): http://www.umb.no/study-options/article/master-of-science-in-development-studies

GROUP STUDY PROGRAMS:

Canadian Field Studies in Africa:
This program is offered by McGill and more information can be found at:http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/group-study-programs/canadian-field-studies-in-africa/ Tuition is paid to UBC and you are correct that the program fee is $12,550. However, keep in mind that this includes flight to Africa from Montreal, accommodation, transportation and food for the duration of the program as well as other costs as listed on our site. Students also remain eligible for student loans and awards.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING:

Go Global’s International Service Learning (ISL) program engages students in meaningful projects led by community partners around the world. By taking part in an ISL program, students connect academic studies with real-world experience and become aware, active, and caring citizens.

Community development through sanitation and clean water programs (Lesotho): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/apsc-sanitation-and-clean-water-programs-summer-term-1/

Children’s Rights and Advocacy: Community Development (Swaziland):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/childrene28099s-rights-advocacy-swaziland-summer-term-1-or-2/

Community development through HIV/AIDS programs and services (Uganda): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/hivaids-program-support-uganda-full-summer/

Community development through HIV/AIDS programs and services (Swaziland): http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/hivaids-program-support-swaziland-summer-term-1/

Literacy, community libraries, and achieving primary education (Uganda):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/literacy-and-reading-cultures-uganda-full-summer/

SOCI 435: Perspectives on Global Community Partnership (Uganda):http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/learning-abroad/international-service-learning/choosing-a-program-and-applying-to-go/summer-programs/soci-435-perspectives-on-global-community-partnership-uganda/

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Iguazu falls, Brazil and Argentina

Posted on November 23. 2009 by Valentina

iguazy

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meet your dean – yet another update

Posted on November 22. 2009 by Valentina

As I mentioned somewhere else on this blog, the dean of Arts, Nancy Gallini, had a Meet your Dean session last Wednesday.

First of all, I was super impressed by the turn out. The Dean’s office, the AMS, the AUS, student clubs, students, professors and even Arts alumni were present.

I have to admit that I was very inspired by the way in which every group contributed ideas to create measures that can and will be taken to make this campus a safer place for women and minorities.

That being said, all the good spirit is worth little if it’s not put into action, so this is the perfect time to keep speaking out our concerns on the issue of violence on campus. Let’s make sure that the Dean keeps her promises!

On another note, last Wednesday I went to see the Laramie Project, a play put on by our talented BFA Acting students. It was fun and full of emotion, and it made me question my opinions on the death penalty. I really encourage all of you to go, you won’t regret it!

Posted in Academics, AMS, Faculty, Residence Life | Leave a comment

Go Global Fiasco

Posted on November 16. 2009 by Valentina

For the last month I’ve been super excited about Go Global. I kept imagining myself doing a beautiful term abroad, learning and living in South Africa. O Africa. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XNaihNT5aQ[/youtube]

Today I equipped myself with boots and umbrella and came to Go Global advising full of dreams and expectations. What did I find? –> Cape Town University is no longer a partner university.

After a deep breath I looked at the good side of things and remembered that there is another partner university in Africa. BUT… —> the University of Botswana is not a partner university yet.

Luckily for me, there was a final option: Group Study in West Africa. What did I find? –> the fee is $12550 for ONE TERM without including tuition! How can I be expected to pay for one term what I spend in two terms?!

I don’t want to go to other universities in North America, Europe or Australia because I want something completely different from what I have experienced so far and they are way too expensive. I don’t want to go to any of the two Latin American options because I come from a Latin American country, I know what it’s like to live there. So what am I left with? A technological university in India. Seriously?

I feel let down by the promise of opportunities and all the “we bring you the world” talk. What happened with the map that I saw in the UBC brochure that had lines going from UBC to all parts of the world under a “Go Global” title?

I can’t remember what the writing trope is called for when the character’s mood in the novel reflects the weather, but I feel just like that. And now let me go back out to this cloudy, windy, rainy day.

Posted in International | 8 Comments