....and after not too long he turned around from the front seat of the van and asked me, "so what do the people in the US think about it?" My eyes darted back and forth nervously and I don't think I blinked or took a breath for many seconds before mustering up the courage to answer. The question came from a young doctor from Afghanistan who is now a fellow student in the Thammasat University Master's in Global Health Program. The war, of course, is what he was referring to. The ride from Rangsit to Bangkok is roughly an hour. Only 3 minutes into the drive I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and had to ask my new friend his opinion about the US troops in his home country. He expressed grave concern that a majority of national funding is going towards the military and very small amounts are going towards education, agriculture and other important social services that will benefit his people long term. 60% of the Afghani population are of a young age (30 years or younger) and the education systems have nearly collapsed due to lack of funding so this large demographic of people are finding themselves without work or support to gain higher education. These under educated young people are being lured into various militaristic groups and if they are lucky enough to get out the PTSD is so traumatic it is as if their lives were lost. Farmers are losing their farms, teachers are losing their jobs, and the war goes on. Wow, I thought to myself, that sounds pretty darn familiar.
This is one of many conversations that has captivated my brain in the past three days. I am honored to be a part of a group of 16 students from around the world who have gathered at Thammasat University in Rangsit, Thailand to participate in an intensive Global Health graduate degree program. I am the only student from the USA and the other students are from Myanmar, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Germany. We completed orientation today and will begin classes on Monday. This upcoming year in Thailand will be a personal and academic adventure. I have a feeling this small group of international minds will become like a family very quickly. I will occasionally pop into this blog site to update how the program is going and post some photos. Hugs and love to the friends and family who are lovingly supporting me through this challenging and rewarding journey.
Wow....your life will never be the same....and thanks to you sharing...neither will ours!!!! Love you Geneva and I am so very proud of you...Aunt Peggy
ReplyDeleteThe future of our good earth lies in the hands of people like you and your fellow students. Go with strength and wisdom and continual learning. I look forward to reading your blog and seeing pics of beautiful Thailand. with love and respect, PAXX, Penny
ReplyDeleteStrange - after such a tumultuous time in the Nation's capitol and working for Congress, my faith in the U.S.A. is probably stronger than before. The opportunity that abounds - even for those trapped under decades of poverty - still exists. We have so much room, so many resources, reliable institutions, an organized civil society. I guess I can say I take pride in the foundation of this country - even though I disagree with many things we do. hmm. I will be interested to hear about the mix of emotions your classmates have for the U.S. I imagine it is near the same. OR maybe we are the evil empire. love ya sis. aaron
ReplyDeleteHey Aaron, I imagine that living in DC would provide a stronger sense of loyalty to the US as you are surrounded by people who are dedicated to improving systems. It is good that you remain confident, we need people like you in our nation's capitol. In my experience, your sentiment is not shared by most of my peer group in the US or abroad. I certainly do not feel the same pride in the resources, institutions or foundations...not to say that I don't want to, because I do. In living abroad my views and sentiments on the US becomes heightened. Take this article for example: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14903732
ReplyDeleteI am in the midst of academia so I spend my days analyzing systems on a global sense...so these thoughts consume my days. My thoughts on my own country versus my thoughts on those more and less fortunate than my people. It is fascinating really. What is certain is the conversations at Christmas will be very interesting!!!