I don't know about you, but between the amazing TED talks on TED.com, the incredibly eye-opening and mind-expanding discussions at school, and just the glut of resources I read daily, I'm finding it hard to stay focused on one area of interest.
I've just completed a seminar course on Conflict Resolution research methodologies and walked away with some great ideas for my final comprehensive exam project in the spring: I'll be exploring the concept of resilience in higher education and proposing that my own niche department (Leadership for Sustainability Education) begin to truly embrace an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, incorporating Conflict Resolution, peace education, spiritual leadership, urban studies, and student leadership activities to expand the curriculum and offer more opportunities for growth, skills development, and collaboration in social sustainability. (They've already got the gardening and farming and environmental part down).
Also up this term is a long-term strategic assignment for the Oxford symposium: World Politics. In it, I argue the case that most tensions seem to rise around the issue of who will be the top 2 superpowers in 2050. India is often overlooked and underappreciated though it will have the largest population, the largest democracy in the world, and the third largest economy. India is pursuing a policy of soft power (spreading its cultural influence through music and dance, media, and food) and winning the hearts and minds of the world, while also balancing hard power (economics and military). Though the US and China will continue to dominate through hard power, India is well on its way to establishing a new kind of pluralistic democracy, exemplified by tolerance and joy!
Finally, I'm getting some hard skills in applied demography. I've had to do a crash course in statistics just to keep up. My project is a look at refugee populations in Portland and access to community gardens (either in backyards, schools, or neighborhood gardens). Data shows that within one generation of arriving in America, refugee populations lose their close connection to nature, forgetting the names of plants and animals. I want to find out if they have found a local garden where they can celebrate their own cultural heritage (by growing familiar plants and preparing traditional foods and ceremonies), while also assimilating into the American way of life through language and social networks. And if they have not found a garden, how far away is the closest garden or green space which might accommodate multicultural needs?
I'll complete my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy in June. Then, hopefully, I'll get a chance to vacation with family a bit up here in the great northwest. Then, I'll pack up the car, head back to Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas as I get ready to ship my belongings to wherever my new home is. I hope I'll have enough time and money left over to walk for a few weeks along the camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Another pilgrimage would be a great way to start my sojourn in Europe, if I decide to pursue the European plan.
I don't really want to leave Portland....it's been a beautiful, magical, healing place for me. I'll miss the sheer natural beauty of the mountains and rainforests and the wonderful citizens who are passionate about the earth and people.
P.S. See subsequent blogs for an update on my doctoral studies..
P.S. See subsequent blogs for an update on my doctoral studies..
