J-Term Practica, 20161st Latin American Experience
February 26, 2016
My area of expertise is Post-Soviet Union Republics because my undergraduate work and language of study is Russian. However, after taking Dr. Jan Black’s Human Rights Seminar in Fall of 2015, I decided to apply for the J-term trip to Chile. Also, since the trip did not have a requirement for a certain level of Spanish, this particular trip was more appealing to me than the other trips offered. Overall, this trip is a trip of “first times” for me.
First, I was able to visit a primarily Spanish-speaking country. Fortunately there was an interpreter for every occasion that was required, but still allowed for the native languages to include; Spanish, English, and Mapudungun (the native language of the Mapuche people) to be heard in all contexts.
Second, I have grown accustomed to traveling alone, and this was my first group travel trip. Therefore, I appreciate when there is a group of 25 people, special thanks to Lejla Marvis MAIPS ’02, that are able to travel to other cities with relative ease. As an introvert, it is crucial for me to debrief not in the moment, but rather after the events are completed. The overnight bus trips allowed for the team members to bond, and share our experiences thus far.
Third, it was my first experience of learning from someone of such a high stature that was so humble and genuine. Once viewing “The Judge and the General” it was apparent that being in daily contact with Judge Juan Guzman was my highlight of Santiago. The ability to tour Villa Grimaldi, one of many former torture centers during the Pinochet regime, allowed for the personal accounts Guzman relayed and facts come to life being a visual and kinesthetic learner. His lectures were insightful and more than supplemental to the information already received.
Also, the ability to reach rural communities has always fascinated me because it tells a different story than “city life”, and being invited into indigenous communities is even more spectacular. The level of trust we built with the Mapuche through sitting in a circle and talking for 3 hours, playing the traditional game of Palin (similar to field hockey, but with a rock and the ability to “ice” the ball), or passing around matte (the traditional herb tea, now being popularized in the States). The hospitality is such that the Mapuche are struggling beyond what can be put in words, including financially, and yet they still found a way to provide us with a home-made meal or snack as a symbolic way to become further connected.
In conclusion, I will never forget the cause for which the Mapuche are fighting because of the physical evidence is seen through pictures as the words “Chaltu May” and “Peyu Kay yan,” or thank you and goodbye, there were many more unspoken words. The emotions relayed from what seemed like a simple handshake from a single community leader inexpressible in words of the pain and suffering as a result of his needs and rights not being met over the course of several years. This trip has provided me with long-lasting friendships, and a chance to broaden my horizons.
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