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Holiday Potluck Dinner
December 15, 2009
The semester is almost finished and I'm sure many of my fellow LGS students are pulling all-nighters, writing papers, studying diligently and looking forward to the holidays. To give its students a little break from the all the stress, LGS held a potluck dinner on December 15. This gave students the opportunity to relax, eat some great food and chat with their LGS friends. I hadn't been able to make any dishes for last year's potluck, so I decided to show off my Italian heritage and cook some tortellini for everyone.
I had to teach in Hempstead High last night, therefore I arrived at the potluck a little over an hour late, but everyone seemed to still be having a great time from what I was able to see. We listened to holiday music and discussed our plans for January intersession. I noticed that many students—while very relieved to finally have a break from their studies—were saddened that they wouldn't be able to see each other just about every day in the lounge like they were used to. We're really a family here at LGS, and I know that I'm going to miss walking into the lounge and having some great conversations with some really awesome people. It's a bit of a relief to me that I'm going to be around here another year because of STEP—it gives me a little longer with all of my friends (well, except for my fellow seniors that is. I'm going to miss you all).
I really had a nice time at the potluck, and I hope that everyone who came had a wonderful time too.
Written by Nicole Rodriguez ‘10
Paul Cunningham
Hurricane Katrina and Environmental Racism
November 11, 2009
Hurricane Katrina survivor Paul Cunningham spoke to NY2NO Coalition
On November 11, Paul Cunningham spoke to a group of students about his experiences during and after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. A native of St. Bernard parish in New Orleans, Paul and his family watched from a hotel room in Texarkana as they lost everything to the floodwaters. Paul was kind enough to expose the emotional devastation he witnessed coming back to his home in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was very beneficial to have him provide another example about how Hurricane Katrina ravaged through people's lives, leaving them with barely anything. In his presentation, he provided pictures and a substantial amount of background on the specific region of St. Bernard Parish. I appreciated his honest words, as they accomplished a feeling of assembly and action in lending a helping hand.
Written by Janae Cummings ‘13
"H2O: Go Blue" Initiative and the Screening of FLOW
November 5, 2009
On November 5, LGS sophomore John Campana hosted a movie screening of FLOW (For the Love Of Water) as part of his initiative to raise awareness about water scarcity. The documentary featured interviews and an in-depth look at water consumption and its availability all over the world. In many cases, it is not so much an issue of whether there is water to use, but whether the water is usable.
With pollutants such as jet fuel, pesticides, and more pharmaceuticals than can be named entering ground water, it is difficult for most to find water that is suitable for bathing, let alone drinking. And in most cases, the only potable water to be found is that which must be paid for due to privatization. In our society, paying for water is nothing new. Indeed, we spend billions of dollars annually on bottled water. But for villagers who are used to getting water from a natural stream, it is incomprehensible that anyone could buy, much less sell something that for eons has been provided free of charge from the Earth. But thanks to industrialization, natural streams have been corrupted, and filtering water on a large scale is an expensive process. People are now forced to choose between water-born disease and carcinogens, or putting what little money they have toward clean, privatized water. No matter which choice is made, these residents must pay a hefty price. For those who financially cannot afford the latter, dysentery and cholera are but a few of the possibilities to be faced later on.
The movie FLOW really opens the eyes to the problem of water consumption, and how vital it is that we reform the current process. Aside from what's happening a world away, even in our own country we are beginning to feel the effects of a water crisis. Growing populations, coupled with our desire for those sprawling lawns and lavish golf courses are putting the United States, and the world, into a dangerous situation that needs to be resolved within the next decade. People should have access to clean water that won't bankrupt them. It is a basic need, and a basic right.
Written by Rebecca Benison ‘11
Seven Years in Tibet
October 29, 2009
In Seven Years in Tibet, Brad Pitt plays Heinrich Harrer, a brave Austrian mountaineer who leaves his wife behind in Austria to climb the Himalayas. To his surprise, his adventures are cut short because World War II begins, and Harrer is detained by the British, who began imprisoning any citizens of the Axis of Evil on their territories. While Harrer tries to escape the POW camp, his wife grows impatient and leaves him for another man in Austria.
When Harrer successfully breaks out of prison with his friend and tries to look for a way out of the country, they pass through mountains without much food or anything else. Eventually, they end up in Tibet, where much to everyone’s surprise, they were welcomed as guests. During his time in Tibet, Harrer meets meets the Dalai Lama and they become close friends. While Harrer takes the opportunity to learn more about the Tibetan culture, the Dalai Lama learns more and more about the West.
The audience quickly learns that the peaceful Tibetan culture is threatened by the Communist China after the Chinese Revolution. The film illustrated how the Chinese soldiers raided Tibetan villages, raping and killing people and destroying sacred temples. Although the Tibetans tried to negotiate with the Chinese government and then attempted to protect their territories by military force, they were easily defeated. Thus, China came to occupy Tibet, and Harrer went back to Austria to be with his son. The movie was followed by a discussion on the China-Tibet conflict, next steps for the initiative, and Carrie sold items made by Tibetan monks in Dharamsala, India.
Written by Clifton Demeco ‘11
All Through the Night in NYC
October 23, 2009
Going to the see the play All Through the Night was really an eye-opener for me. In history, not a lot is usually mentioned about the resistance movements, or the average German citizen who had to live under Hitler's regime, or the one's who were so-called "brain-washed" into believing Hitler was Germany’s savior. Watching “All Through The Night” really made me question exactly how much society knows about events in history. This play in particular really hit home as well.
Coming from a German family that actually immigrated to the United States after the war, I was able to get more of an insight on what was really going on and what my grandparents went through. My Oma (grandma), for instance, had to be relocated to the countryside because her city was constantly getting bombed. In the play, they pointed out how the beautiful the city of Dresden was completely destroyed by the Allies even though no one could ever foresee that a city full of civilians and (such a masterpiece) could ever be demolished. Nothing is sacred during wartime.
Also, the play referred to Hitler as a powerful man on a mountain top who rose to power and killed many. But just as quickly as he rose, he fell. The point here, however, is that he rose so quickly with the help of falsehoods, lies and unknowing followers. The play ended with a powerful message: If we can't learn from these tragedies in history, how can we be so sure that there is never going to be another Third Reich?
Written by Melissa Alke ‘13
Trouble in the Water
October 22, 2009
Trouble the Water is a documentary by directors Carl Deal and Tia Lessin about Kimberly Rivers Roberts and her husband Scott Roberts’ incredible journey to survive one of the most destructive and deadly hurricanes to have ever struck New Orleans. The documentary shows the Roberts’s experiences before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina had struck New Orleans. The documentary mainly focuses on the Roberts’s admirable determination to reestablish themselves and to improve the conditions of New Orleans. Most of the documentary is told through Kimberly’s self-documented video journal. Her self-documented video places the audiences in the situation that many unfortunate New Orleans residents were subjected to when the deadly Hurricane Katrina hit them on August of 2005. As the Roberts retreat to higher ground as the water floods their entire neighborhood, and later return to see their homes in ruins, the audience cannot help but question the federal government’s actions or to be more precise, their lack of action. This documentary shows the ineptness of the government to respond to emergency situations, and the disturbing poverty that exists for many of the people in New Orleans, preventing them from progressing in life.
I thought that the documentary was powerful. It allowed people to be placed in the situations that so many residents of New Orleans experienced. It raises many questions concerning the government’s ineffectiveness in protecting and rescuing residents of New Orleans. Although the documentary was very forceful and provoked emotions, I wished it had incorporated more information on what caused the levees to break, and why the government failed to successfully bring order and safety to New Orleans. The documentary briefly touches upon these issues, but it focuses mainly on the Roberts’s remarkable story.
After watching the movie I enjoyed the conversation with my peers. I was inspired by Janae’s passionate ambitions to bring positive change to New Orleans by going down there with several Adelphi students to help rebuild it. During this conversation it was obvious that the documentary encouraged many students to want to help the people of New Orleans. It was also apparent that everyone was unable to believe the incompetence of the government. Yana gave us an understanding of the actions that local and state government must take to allow immediate federal intervention, which in this incident, the local and state government failed to initiate. During the conversations about our response to the documentary, I brought up the fact that was mentioned at the end of the movie – the levees still remain in disrepair. This made me feel discouraged, for the levee system is critical for protecting New Orleans, and preventing complete flood destruction caused by powerful hurricanes. Without rebuilding and maintaining the levees, it almost seems that rebuilding New Orleans is useless. The city is below sea level and a viable levee system is necessary for protection. It is for this reason that the rebuilding of New Orleans should go beyond just rebuilding houses. It must also be about rebuilding and maintaining the levees to ensure the overall safety of the city.
Written by Gregory Quinlan ‘13
Movie Screening: Imagining Argentina
October 2, 2009
LGS screened the movie Imagining Argentina, a film that explores political corruption and human rights violations in Argentina during 1970s and 1980s. Before the movie began, LGS freshmen Maggie Felisberto shared her experience studying abroad in Argentina, allowing students to get a sense of the lifestyle and culture of Argentina. Students got a chance to taste mate, a traditional and typical drink in South America. The drink is served and made through a calabash gourd and bombilla (straw).
Maggie’s presentation was followed by Professor DeBartolo’s introduction of the political situation in Argentina during the “Dirty War.” The movie was about “disappeared” and one family’s experience with the human rights abuses that took place during that time. “The Disappeared” are people who’ve protested against or criticized the Argentinean government, and who later disappeared without a trace because the secret police kidnapped, imprisoned, and/or killed them.
The movie illustrates the story of a man and his family who fall victims to the military dictatorship in Argentina. In a mission to find his wife who was kidnapped, the protagonist, played by Antonio Banderas, develops a psychic ability which helps him see into the future. As a result, he tries to help other families whose loved once have become victims of the state. The movie was definitely captivating and touching.
Students learned that such injustices have occurred or are still continuing all over the world. There are thousands of lives that have been lost and millions of people still missing. After the film, Professor DeBartolo led a discussion based on the movie, revealed facts about the political situation in Argentina and other parts of the world where people have “disappeared,” and introduced the work of civil society organizations promoting peace and reconciliation in societies where masses of people have been tortured, killed or imprisoned.
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Grassroots Environmental's "How Green is My Town?"
October 2, 2009
Grassroots Environmental Education returned to Adelphi on October 2 to promote their organization and their projects to both students and professors that shared an interest in environmental wellbeing and studies. Tiffany Tona, the Grassroots student coordinator started the presentation by introducing the purpose and idea behind the organization. Along with Tiffany were the directors/founders of Grassroots, Doug Wood and Patti Wood. Doug and Patti expanded on what Tiffany said about the organization by sharing the goals of Grassroots and the organization’s accomplishments.
The organization focuses on research of the leading environmental problems and finding alternative solutions to raise awareness of health and environmental hazards Grassroots prepared a project to rate how green towns are, allowing the public to see and work on plans that will benefit their community and public health. Grassroots began their work in Nassau County and announced that the rating will be completed by the end of the semester. As part of their presentation, Doug, Patti and Tiffany encouraged students to help with the project and spread the word about their work. With the interest of many people at the event, Grassroots is currently holding classes at Adelphi to train students to become interns for their organization.
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Welcome Dinner 2009
September 24, 2009
The 2009-2010 academic year is here, and LGS has hosted its annual Welcome Dinner once again. The Welcome Dinner was held on September 24 at Alumnae Hall, where LGS students, professors, and Administrators enjoyed each other’s company and learned more about the program and new goals. It was an elegant and friendly atmosphere, a chance for LGS community to break the barrier by welcoming the new students and meeting their fellow classmates, faculty and staff.
This year’s Masters of Ceremony included LGS juniors Danielle Saunders and Asif Zaman, and LGS sophomore Michelle Consorte. To start the evening, guests partook in an icebreaker in order to get to know one another better. Afterwards, the deans Dr. Rubin and Dr. Brizerelli offered their words of wisdom to students and talked about the LGS program. Following, the new LGS director, Dr. Devin Thornberg welcomed the guests and presented his plans and vision for the program.
Then followed dinner and entertainment. Guests had an opportunity to eat and mingle with others. After dinner, MC’s Suanders and Consorte put together a comedy video about the role of LGS in the world, which they prepared themselves by the way. Along with the video, entertainment included a song in Hindi by LGS sophomore Roshini Givergis and a modern dance by LGS sophomore Theressa Eliscar. The evening closed with LGS students presenting their initiatives to gain support from those who might be interested. Overall, it was friendly get-together.
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
September 17, 2009
On September 17, the Levermore Global Scholars took a trip to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for a seminar on bio-fuels and their various capabilities. The diverse audience was filled with interested students as well as involved adults already in the bio-fuel industry and hoping to learn more about newer possibilities.
The discussion was led by Robert Martienssen, a plant geneticist at the forefront of finding alternative energy sources that can sequester, if not negate, carbon emissions. He described plant life as being perfectly suited for this role due to the fact that it removes carbon from the atmosphere and replaces it with needed oxygen. While a number of plants were familiar to the audience as having potential bio-fuel applications, such as corn used for ethanol, he stated that such sources of energy were not nearly as effective as we need them to be in the long run. They do, however, contribute greatly to genetic research to determine what genes are responsible for certain traits, and finding ways to “silence” these genes to allow for greater bio-fuel capabilities.
He also introduced us to a revolutionary plant that may well hold the key to our energy problems. Duckweed is a plant that few know by name (aside from the unfortunate community that suffers from its invasion of ornamental ponds), though many have seen it in action. Duckweed is the layer of green “stuff” that can be seen blanketing bodies of water all over the world. There are 40 known species, and Dr. Martienssen assured audience members that if handled properly and chosen carefully, the Duckweed would not invade local water sources and plague aquatic enthusiasts. In fact, its properties have already been useful in bioremediation techniques, in which it serves as a natural detoxifying agent in wastewater treatment. This application would mean that growing and harvesting Duckweed could be done in wastewater treatment plants, where it could then serve a dual purpose to clean water and be used for fuel.
Following the lecture, there was a Q & A session to clarify any confusing points or principles, and audience members left with a newfound respect for the plant that few had ever heard of. Duckweed was on the tongues of just about every participant, and on the minds of those interested in alternative energy and bio-fuels (there was also a brief lesson on epigenetics, but that wasn’t met with quite the same fervor from audience members, and just didn’t really catch on so well). All in all the experience was informative and mostly understandable, and Cold Spring Harbor, with its many swans basking in the sunset, was a lovely setting for the educational outing.
Written by Rebecca Benison ‘11
End of the Year Ceremony 2009
April 30, 2009
On April 30, The Levermore Global Scholars program hosted its annual End of the Year Ceremony at Alumnae Hall. Each year, the Ceremony provides an opportunity for the program to recognize its students' outstanding achievements in different areas, including their community involvement in LGS seminars, leadership initiatives, and related activities outside of the program. It also gives the Deans and Professors a chance to mingle with their students and get to know them better.
The evening began with introductions by Masters of Ceremony, LGS freshmen Michelle Consorte and Amy Mikulski. Michelle and Amy explained the purpose of the ceremony and even provided some comic relief. The introduction was followed by a beautiful dance performed by LGS freshman Aniqa Chowdhury and her friend Salina Sultan. They performed a modern dance to a remix of Arabian and Punjabi music. After the dance, Dean Rubin, Dean Briziarelli, Dr. Bartkowski and Yana Kusayeva said a few words, commending the students on their achievements.
Next, it was time for the award presentation itself. While the students received their awards from the director of the program, Dr. Bartkowski, the student’s recognition and achievements were read aloud. At the end of the awards presentation, two outstanding seniors of the program were recognized for their work in LGS. The two students who received the Outstanding Achievement Awards were Matthew Sanfilippo and Nicole Rodriguez.
After the awards, the night concluded with dinner and music. With laughs and smiles, the Masters of Ceremony did an excellent job making sure that the event went smoothly and that everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a classy yet fun evening for both the students and faculty to reflect on the whole year filled with memorable moments.
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Edited by Yana Kusayeva
Fighting Malaria in Sierra Leone: A Grassroots Approach to a Global Challenge
April 1, 2009
On April 1, I attended the LGS “Globalization and International Politics” Guest Speaker Series with Mathias Esmann. His presentation titled “Fighting Malaria in Sierra Leone: A Grassroots Approach to a Global Challenge” was inspiring. A sophomore at Princeton University, Mathias is only a college student just like us, and yet he has experienced so much more through perseverance and belief in himself. Going from a first world country to a third world country is a drastic change, and trying to improve one’s lifestyle without having experienced anything even close to it before is a challenge.
Mathias started his own organization GMin, which stands for Global Minimum, with a couple of high school friends in order to fight malaria in Sierra Leone by distributing mosquito nets. At first glance, it does not sound like anything extraordinary, but GMin did what was necessary for Sierra Leone. Thousands of people die because of malaria in the country, and the initiative that they took of educating the locals about using mosquito nets improved the life chances of many in the community.
Mathias and his friends made use of the opportunities that they found before them. The speaker, instead of learning how to drive, diverted this money towards his organization. His organization also worked with UNICEF to distribute these nets, and took on the hard role of actually going into the communities, interacting with the people, and teaching them all the techniques and ways of setting up the nets. They were only a bunch of recent high school graduates, but they still succeeded in accomplishing their goal.
The presentation made me aware of the small ways in which we can make a difference. It is not always necessary to have large sums of money to be able to help those in need. There are always ways around gathering funds. The actual work is to make sure that these funds are appropriately used. For instance, the speaker gave an example of mosquito nets in another country being neglected in the harbors after they were donated because there was no one to distribute them. If we start something, it is important to follow up until the end and not quit half way. This is what these college students did; they went all the way to Sierra Leon to help people by taking surveys and identifying their needs before implementing their project, and kept in touch with the communities after the project was completed.
It made me hopeful about being able to make a difference in whatever small way possible.
Written by Anu Shrestha ‘11
Mathias is a perfect example of what an LGS global scholar should be, self motivated, passionate about changing the world, and innovative. I think that even though his efforts are small, he did a good job proving that they work. He made a good point when he said that video making and picture taking is key to prove legitimacy. People want to see where their money is going and there are plenty of people who would like to make a difference but simply do not have the time. They are understandably hesitant because non profits are sometimes known to be phonies. If I were to participate in an organization like his, I would be inclined to follow an environmental route.
Written by Electra Jarvis ‘11
Crossing Arizona
March 24, 2009
On March 24, the Levermore Global Scholars program screened "Crossing Arizona," a documentary about immigration on the border of Mexico and the US. The film discussed people’s concerns about the influx of Mexicans crossing the border to the North since 1997, in particular, through Arizona. Some of the main concerns about these "illegal aliens" included the actual number of immigrants, the problems they cause for people at and around the border, the causalities of people roaming the desert, humanitarian efforts to prevent death, and people’s polarizing views on the issue. The film also discussed people’s animosity toward migrant workers who are taking their jobs, and the film mainly focused on individuals who were affected by the wave of Mexicans entering the county.
"Crossing Arizona" mentioned how 20 to 30 people each summer die in the desert trying to get new opportunities in the US. Ranchers have a huge problem with this because their property is trashed, their cows often get shot for food, and their fences are broken. These ranchers are heavy supporters of patrolling the borders for incoming Mexicans. Some Americans are upset because they feel like their taxes are being robbed by the migrants for welfare, and schools are being flooded with illegal immigrant children. Some people think that the ranchers’ actions are justified because they fear that illegal immigration will cause the conditions in this country to be just like the ones that the Mexicans left behind in the their own country.
On the other side, people are desperate and do not believe that the life they live in the US is any worse than in Mexico. They know they take the jobs that nobody wants, and farmers are not too opposed to cheap labor. In the film, Mexicans were very spirited; some of them have crossed the border and got caught more than three times, just to return again. The film perceived the Americans as rude and merciless when it came to securing the border. Some volunteers go out of their way to find migrants so that they can be taken back to border patrol. Some are more forgiving.
Those who have sympathy go out of their way to put out water bins and gallons for those on the journey, especially on Indian reservations where federal government has no control. One Native American that they followed throughout the film encountered problems where bounty hunter volunteers cut holes in the water bins. It was his daily job to put out these jugs, and he did not seem surprised to see attacks against his cause, which indicates that this happens frequently.
This issue was more prevalent in the news during the Bush administration, and I am divided on the issue. We have a history of restricting certain immigrants into the country, and this one is no different. First the Chinese, then the Irish and Italians. It is difficult to keep order and keep track of people and still function as a fair government when there are thousands of people flooding the country. Still, I feel bad for these people, and if they can achieve the journey, then I think they deserve to be here. They live in very under privileged circumstances in this country and take the jobs we do not feel like doing. Of course eventually they will want to have some political control, but they are going to have to fight for it because of their illegal entrance into the US.
Written by Electra Jarvis ‘11
In the Heights
March 4, 2009
On March 4, just before Spring Break, several LGS scholars and I went to see the Broadway play In the Heights. I'm a big Broadway fan (I'm always on line early to buy tickets when Adelphi sends a bus to different Broadway shows throughout the semester), so I jumped at the chance to see In the Heights—especially since I knew very little about it.
The play centers around a several characters in the heavily Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights, and presents a classic American theme—immigrants and the children of those immigrants struggling to find their way in a new culture and society. Some of the characters include Usanavi, the bodega owner who dreams of going to the birthplace of his parents in the Dominican Republic. There's Nina, the first to go to college and a source of inspiration and pride for everyone else in the neighborhood.
The music was wonderful (I purchased the soundtrack the next day!), and I had a wonderful time seeing the play. I am incredibly grateful for LGS for allowing us this wonderful opportunity, and I'm glad to see that as the program grows—we're going to have freshman through seniors in the fall—the opportunities for its students grow as well.
Written by Nicole Rodriguez ‘10
Screening of Motorcycle Diaries
February 24, 2009
On February 24, there was a screening of Motorcycle Diaries in Blodgett 109. Based on a true life story, the movie is an inspiring and thrilling adventure of two young men with a youthful and revolutionary spirit, Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado. Ernesto, a medical student, and Alberto, a biochemist, both with common aspirations and similar dreams decide to explore the continent of South America on a beat-up motorcycle. They hope to explore the world, not knowing that at the end the world will be changing them. Their journey took them to various sites of Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Peru, Columbia and Venezuela), leaving them mesmerized and aspiring for a greater purpose in life.
After the movie, we held a discussion facilitated by LGS Coordinator Yana Kusayeva and Professor Peter DeBartolo about the film, Che Guevara, his worldview and his life, and Latin American politics. We talked about how many Latin American countries’ governments swing like a pendulum from right to left, and vice verse, on the political spectrum. We also discussed the impacts of traveling and were encouraged to study abroad.
Ernesto and Alberto’s journey allowed them to see the hidden truth of poverty and injustice in the real world. Their adventure led them to sights and stories which they never imagined, encouraging them to make a positive difference in the world. In the movie, there was a scene where Ernesto and Alberto visited a leper colony where the medical staff was forced to wear gloves even though the patients were no longer contagious. Instead of treating their patients as outcasts, Ernesto and Alberto treated them with dignity and respect. Ernesto and Alberto refused to wear gloves, eliminating the barrier between themselves and the patients. Watching this Motorcycle Diaries has truly inspired me and the students who watched the movie to explore the world and make a difference. If you “let the world change you, you can change the world.”
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Film Screening of Gandhi
February 24, 2009
Gandhi’s saying “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” is a saying that many of us know and hear very often. On February 20, LGS students and faculty gathered together to watch the movie Gandhi. The movie Gandhi revealed the life of the world renowned revolutionary, Mahatma Gandhi. The movie clearly portrayed Gandhi’s struggles and bravery to overcome the injustices he confronted.
After the movie, we had a discussion led by LGS Coordinator Yana Kusayeva. Students discussed the film and how one person can make a difference if they choose to stand out from the crowd, just as Gandhi had done. His perseverance was followed by many supporters and eventually justice. As an LGS student, I was inspired by Gandhi’s vision and am encouraged to become even more active and a better informed global citizen.
Written by Roshini Givergis ‘12
Levermore Global Scholars Tour of the United Nations
February 6, 2009
On February 6, a group of 14 LGS scholars set forth from Adelphi University and ventured out into New York City. Led by LGS Coordinator Yana Kusayeva, these LGS scholars had one goal in mind: to tour the United Nations.
The entrance to the UN is adorned by its trademark flags from all member countries, but that day they were not flying due to the cold. The Students put on brave faces, however, and examined other statues and sculptures outside as they waited to go through the security checkpoint.
Passing the checkpoint brought our team into the lobby of the main building. There are beautiful and informative art exhibits for the visitor to examine, and one in particular, about child soldiers, sobered many LGS students. From the lobby, the scholars met with Besnik, a UN tour guide from Albania, who was very knowledgeable about the history of the organization. Leading them through the inner chambers of the building, the scholars saw many priceless treasures donated as gifts to the UN from member countries. Highlights included a guitar made from a gun, donated by Columbia, and an enormous tapestry, donated by Belarus, in honor of the victims of the Chernobyl. Continuing on, the students had a chance to sit in the General Assembly and discuss the history of the United Nations.
"Sitting in such a recognizable room and realizing that this is where important decisions are made—it's pretty powerful," said freshman scholar Haroula Tsolakidis. Perhaps even more powerful, however, was the replica of the Nobel Peace Prize that the students saw next, or the countless pictures of children from around the world. Concluding the tour, the students left the main floor and went to the gift shop and United Nations mailroom. It was a fun and informative day for LGS students.
Written by Haroula Tsolakidis ‘12 |
