Why bother?
Today we're having a lecture on the situation in Bosnia. Last week, there was a lecture on the expansion of the EU. I feel comfortable saying that I'm very impressed with the history of the people presenting, and their expansive knowledge, but I wonder if they expect us to be astounded by their brilliance. I don't think they'll get that kind of reverence, but perhaps they seek it? Many of the students here are critical in a way I don't understand just yet, and they don't seem willing to swallow well-rehearsed answers.
The students here are really really REALLY smart. Not me; other people. I don't think I know enough about geography and the world to really show off any master skills yet (or to be pointing fingers at key international players, honestly). Here's looking to a future of heated debate (when I'm prepared for it!)
I will say this, though: it kills me that some of the people I live with are upset about the inefficiency of the UN. They had been working for the UN in 3rd world areas, where people would put things off, or not be serious about the work that they had to do, and they seem indignant about that. I think that's silly. If I was a Haitian who had been living in Haiti all of my life and a 20-something foreigner was on my case about completing work that I personally had no interest in and my family and country were suffering, why on earth would I be more interested in pulling my shit together than in having a cup of tea? Am I saying that these people shouldn't get their act together for the sake of their country? no. But I am saying that I wouldn't expect to squeeze productivity from a people within a year if other more experienced people haven't completed that in the last fifty years. I admit, I had originally felt that productivity should be increased in Japanese school systems, and that their dedication was lacking, but I currently feel that no matter where one goes, over half the people one works with will not be interested in actually doing their work.
What do you think?
The students here are really really REALLY smart. Not me; other people. I don't think I know enough about geography and the world to really show off any master skills yet (or to be pointing fingers at key international players, honestly). Here's looking to a future of heated debate (when I'm prepared for it!)
I will say this, though: it kills me that some of the people I live with are upset about the inefficiency of the UN. They had been working for the UN in 3rd world areas, where people would put things off, or not be serious about the work that they had to do, and they seem indignant about that. I think that's silly. If I was a Haitian who had been living in Haiti all of my life and a 20-something foreigner was on my case about completing work that I personally had no interest in and my family and country were suffering, why on earth would I be more interested in pulling my shit together than in having a cup of tea? Am I saying that these people shouldn't get their act together for the sake of their country? no. But I am saying that I wouldn't expect to squeeze productivity from a people within a year if other more experienced people haven't completed that in the last fifty years. I admit, I had originally felt that productivity should be increased in Japanese school systems, and that their dedication was lacking, but I currently feel that no matter where one goes, over half the people one works with will not be interested in actually doing their work.
What do you think?