My Global Studies Events

Caitlin Wolfe Reflection September 28, 2017 Caitlin Wolfe’s event though short, was quite transformative. She opened my eyes to just how dangerous disease can be for mankind, more so to those in developing nations. Her stories of her work on Ebola and malaria in Africa, specifically Senegal, made it clear that our skills in combating and preventing these diseases needs to be improved. What was quite exciting was her work with satellite imagery and measuring in order to decipher areas for potential infection of the Schistosomiasis. This disease is is spread from snails that typically live in warm tropical, and very wet lands. Ms. Wolfe was using satellite to find areas in Senegal that matched this description then informing the locals of where dangers that could linger there.

Justice Breyer Reflection September 29, 2017 1. Breyer talked about many many topics**. What topics were most interesting to you and why? What did you agree and/or disagree with? One topic Justice Breyer repeatedly spoke about was women joining the Supreme Court. Its truly a step in the right direction as the first women to ever join the highest court of law in the United States was only in 1981. Today there are three women serving in the court. Justice Breyer commented that while it has changed the diversity of the group, it has not changed how they treat each other or vote on a case. Another remarkable topic Breyer spoke about was when he worked under Senator Ted Kennedy. It was through his stories that I truly got a sense of what the Senator was like, an earnest and kind man. 2. Breyer spent a good deal of time talking about how the Supreme Court works. What new learning did you experience around the SC? Up until that day I was completely unaware that cameras were not allowed in the Supreme Court. Although mysterious, I am certain the court has its reasons for disallowing such kinds of media. Something I also was not aware of is that there is a hierarchy to the Supreme Court, (though I’m sure this is something I learned in U.S. History I just forgot). There are eight associate Justices, which Breyer is one of. Then there is the ninth Chief Justice, which is the highest position as a judge one can achieve. That seat currently belongs to John Glover Roberts. 3. Respond with any other thoughts, impressions, your thoughts on the format of the Forum (especially if you have never been to one before), etc. Besides the tiny and cramp seating conditions I found the forum to be very informative. The moderator first went though a number of her own questions she had about the Supreme Court’s inner workings and Justice Breyer's latest book. She then asked audience questions selected beforehand which I found very fun, indulging to the audience in the conversation. I hope we can get enough tickets to see Ms. Obama as I feel that would make for an amazing Global Studies event.

Oneika Raymond Reflection November 4, 2017 1. Over the course of her visit to Wat, what did you learn about travel, your ability to travel or the world of travel? I think the greatest thing I learned from Oneika’s visit to Watkinson was that the best way to truly experience a new country or environment, is to indulge in its culture. In order to do so you don’t necessarily need money, in fact it might be better if you don’t. Most of the vacations I have been on were to resorts, where my family and I were accommodated for everything we needed. While it is nice to have a hot shower this comfort makes it difficult to discover the local culture of a different nation or peoples. Oneika illuminates that getting in touch with a new culture is one of the most consequential parts travel. It is an effective way to expand one’s understanding of a new place and its people, and more. Why their society is structured a certain way, why the people feel a certain way. Other than reading an article online, traveling is perhaps the best way to understand a different place in the world, as you get to experience what life is like their first-handed. The best way to do so is to let go of the comforts of the resort and go out into the world.