Expectations

So I am still up at 12:53am which probably means I'll be cranky tomorrow but I can't sleep. I'm excited to go to Nicaragua because this kind of thing is kinda what I'm majoring in. For my Economics of Developing Countries course Nicaragua was my country and I know Professor Leven would be astounded at some of the things we talked about in our presession. She worked for the World Bank for 15 years and finds no fault with them. She helped me see the other side to their policies and hwile i still believe most of them to be run by the wants of preditor nations, I see that things are rarely black and white. We live in a world filled with different shades of grey.

I've seen poverty in the US through Newark, Camden, Trenton, New Orleans, Skid Row, and in other cities abroad; however, I don't think I've ever seen poverty that will be to this extent. It is hard to imagine an entire city of people living their daily lives at a landfill, to think children will be raised here and may live their own future lives at this very site. I fear what my reaction will be to seeing this level of poverty; will I become enraged or overemotional. I don't really know. I also wonder what the embassy visit will be like and who will we talk to. Will this person feed us the rehearsed smooth political answer to every question that answers nothing asked? This trip is jam packed with things to see and learn everyday and I can't wait.

I know I'm definately overpacked but that extra can of off is going to be necessary just wait and see!

TCNJ Bonner Goes to Nicaragua 2010

Hello!

This will be our second international trip with TCNJ Bonner Scholars. Last year we also went to Nicaragua and worked with Witness for Peace. It was an eye-opening, unforgettable experience and I am excited to be sharing this experience with 11 people who have never been there before.

This year we are bringing 9 students, 3 Bonner center staff, 1 seasoned Bonner Alum, and 1 TCNJ faculty member.

Students:

Katherine Avila - Junior - International Studies Major

Lire Botes - Junior - Management Major

Ashley Covello - Junior - Marketing Major

Fred Derilus - Senior - Bio Medical Engineering Major

Albert Matlock - Junior - Management Major

Narolyn Paredes - Junior - International Business Major

Rana Shariatdoust - Junior - Political Science and Economics Major

Sejour Stephens - Junior - Criminology Major

Joe Sison - Senior - Bio Medical Engineering Major

Staff:

Brittany Aydelotte (me) - Bonner Scholars Coordinator - TCNJ Bonner Alum 2009, BA English and Secondary Education

Patrick Donohue - Director - Rutgers, MA Political Science

Ashley Rodriguez - Special Projects Coordinator - TCNJ Bonner Alum 2010, BA Spanish

Bonner Alum:

Todd Stoner - TCNJ Bonner Alum 2008, BA Political Science and International Studies

TCNJ Faculty:

Diane Bates - Sociology Department Chair and Professor - Rutgers, Ph.D. Sociology (Latin American Studies)

Keep a look out for posts from all of these amazing people explaining what we are doing and reactions to everything we do while in Nicaragua.

Thanks for reading!

Britt