Post #8

Throughout this unusual semester, I have always looked forward to listening to guest lectures – whether that be in person or online. After reviewing my notes from each lecture, I came to the realization that the lecture I enjoyed the most was given by Soren Larson, and the lecture that taught me the most was Mary Stegmaier.

Soren Larson’s talk on the way in which indigenous people experience globalization was captivating. As he spoke about the Great Flood and what it did to the Cheslatta, I came to realize how important it is to protect indigenous people everywhere. Larson went on to mention how Indigenous people do not hate globalization. In fact, they love the jobs it provides and the goods it brings. This startled me as I realized that I had always assumed Indigenous people do not like the world that lies beyond their land. Learning about the Cheslatta was so fascinating to me. Not only did it erase stereotypes I didn’t even know I had, it also taught me many more things about Cheslatta culture. For example, I found it so interesting that the Cheslatta’s mixed their native religion with Catholicism. It was beautiful how they combined the two in their burial ceremonies.

I also enjoyed Mary Stegmaier’s lecture on the battle between Greece and North Macedonia. My roommate is and Albanian from Macedonia, so it was wonderful being able to hear about her country. However, her family is not as invested in the issue due to the fact that they are not native Macedonians. Stegmaier’s story on the voting process was extremely interesting to me. I never realized how much thought went into the ballot counting and reporting. I also found the conflict itself to be fascinating. There was so much hate and anger that stemmed from a single name. However, I am glad that both countries were able to come to the agreement that Macedonia could become North Macedonia. It is frustrating that North Macedonia still isn’t allowed in the EU due to France’s vote against them.

I thoroughly enjoyed researching Nepal this semester. I learned so much about their culture, their government, and other things I would not have known about Nepali people. Nepal is an extremely diverse place. With over 20 languages in a tiny country, Nepal is home to many different kinds of people. Nepali people can originate from India or China as it is sandwiched in between the two and travel is typically encouraged. However, Nepal is a rather poor country. While it is considered developed, it is the poorest among all developed countries. Nepal should be better off as they are home to one side of Mount Everest and receive a little over $3 million every year from climbers. However, their broken government is unable to allocate the funds to the proper places.

Interestingly enough, I had two TA’s this year who were from Nepal. My Organic 1 Lab TA, Laxmi, is a graduate student who came to Mizzou from Nepal to work in our chemistry labs and receive her masters – and possibly doctorate – here. Laxmi told me how the education in Nepal is not the best. There is only one major university and it doesn’t have as many options as Mizzou. Therefore, both her and her sister moved here in hopes of a better life through education. My other TA from Nepal teaches my course on Genetics. Abi has been here several years and is also studying for is masters degree. I had less time to talk to Abi about his journey over, but I have reason to believe that he also wanted a better education than what Nepal provides.