The Middle Eastern Journey (A.K.A. Pretty Boy Lost in the Middle East) To be published: theprospectordaily/category/travel-2/ My name is Pedro Garcia, a twenty-two year old Hispanic male majoring in International Politics from the University of Texas at El Paso. Just as many other students from UTEP, I have also lived and studied in Mexico, experiencing the bicultural contrast that these two entities have to offer. It was particularly these daily experiences which had a direct impact on the way I perceive the world. However, shortly after attending Coronado High School, it was my government courses which awakened my desire to study about the world and the politics that govern it. My focus on International Politics has led me to a growing interest in International Relations and the cultures around the world. It is in my best interest to have a broader understanding of different cultures by studying abroad in a country in which I will immerse myself in a totally different environment. It is time to encounter a totally different predominant religion, culture, and language to make new discoveries each day. During the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing my experiences with you. I will be studying abroad in Jordan, a Middle Eastern country surrounded by the most conflictive nations of the world. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy that borders Palestine and Israel to the West, Syria to the North, Iraq to the East, and Saudi Arabia to the South. Furthermore, it was particularly this region that caught my attention. Political tensions in the region and their implications for the broader world including the Western hemisphere are among the most interesting subjects on my academic career. I do not intend to study abroad for the sole purpose of social gatherings. The purpose of this study abroad program is to grow academically, professionally, and most importantly, personally. During my stay in Jordan I will be traveling to neighboring countries, conducting an independent research study, working on projects and initiatives with the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, understanding Middle Eastern perceptions towards the West and vice versa, and of course, I will be taking courses on International Politics. It is on my best interest to gain the tools necessary to promote democracy, defend human rights, reduce worldwide conflict, and foster the values that we claim to have. On the other hand, I believe it is also essential to understand Islams true philosophy, eliminate false cultural perceptions that abound throughout the world, and understand how the Middle East perceives our goals, ideals, and values. People often ask me: Why Jordan? Arent you afraid of terrorists? But If we hear only a single story about a person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding. - Chimamanda Adichie My aim, other than the ones mentioned above, is to share my stories with you so you can formulate your own opinion. However, do not fall into ignorance, crave more information and get out of the Westernized bubble. My first stop will be Egypt; I look forward to sharing my first experiences about this journey next week.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 20:47:09 +0000
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