La Vida Diaria

Usually I post about trips I take or events happening in Ecuador. But believe it or not, life here is more than travel and celebration. I live in the dormitory of Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar, one of the most luxurious places I have ever called home. I have my own bathroom, television with cable (rarely used), and a common kitchen area. These are especially fancy amenities in Ecuador where one usually puts used toilet paper in small trashcans and hopes hot water will flow from the showerhead. The reason is that the University is a project of the Andean Community, and as a result, we have many high ranking officials and dignitaries stay in the residency. It is more like a hotel than a dorm in this way.

The other consequence of being an Andean Community institution is that my peers come from all the five countries of the region - Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia. The diversity here is one of the reasons I applied, and I have not be dissapointed. It is intellectually and emotionally engaging to be surrounded by so many different cultures. We constantly tease one another over different accents and slang, expressions and foods. We bring unique experiences and viewpoints to bear on issues ranging from political philosophy to how best to cook rise. Above all, we take a genuine interest in one another.

Finally, with regards to my studies, the University's International Relations Masters Program has been a challenge in the best sense of the word. We read an impressive amount - nearly all in Spanish - on subjects ranging from international institutions to theories of development to economic and political systems. Not all of the material is easy to digest, nor are the perspectives of some of my class mates. While I came to Ecuador expecting some resentment towards the United States, I did not understand the depth of frustration held by many students. As a result, my classes are a powerful learning experience. I have grown not only through formal academics, but also in coming to understand other opinions, experiences and forms of expression. Over time, I have learned how to best engage with my classmates on touchy subjects of politics and economics and culture - of how to accept criticism of the country I love and how to explain its strengths and values.