I think initially both me and Paul were a little intimidated by our research topic. Being assigned such a massive and complex system to understand, and eventually improve upon was certainly a daunting task. Though we still have a ways to go, I think we are both starting to feel more comfortable and more confident. There are some specific areas of interest for us within the Copper Trade that is giving us some places to begin narrowing our focus upon. This is especially exciting and encouraging because a lot of these areas fall within more general areas of academic interest for me. For example, working conditions of miners and environmental damage done by the mining process both seem like potential issues within the Copper Trade. Furthermore there exists huge amounts of economic impact from the Copper Trade within the Zambian economy that I’m sure will begin to present many potential areas of research. In terms of our next steps, I think the most important things are to deepen our understanding of the industry as a whole, as well as to ascertain exactly how our research will fit into SAIPAR’s larger goals and how we will be collaborating with the Zambian students. Until these items have been completed it will be difficult to do any real work on our individual project. We have already reached out to some people on campus who may be able to help build our knowledge base as well as point our project in the right direction. In addition we have reached out to our in-country contact to hopefully start to understand what SAIPAR envisions our project looking like. I feel very positive about the direction we are headed, and can’t wait to get in country and start making some real progress.
In terms of my personal learning goals, I think I am in a good place to accomplish what I set out to while in Zambia. The way I see it, this semester was a chance to get myself as prepared and motivated as possible so that I can make the best out of the incredible opportunity that this summer is. While the goals that I made at the beginning of the semester certainly stand, I think something else that I now consider one of my top priorities is to develop my cultural competency in such a foreign environment. What I mean by this is that it certainly is not an inherent ability of myself, or most other people, to be able to conduct oneself in a manner that is appropriate, sensitive, and thoughtful whilst immersed in a different culture, and I think this is a real skill that, like any skill, takes practice. When I leave Zambia I want to have a better grasp of how to be mindful of my actions while at the same time be engaged and involved with the people around me. The good news is that I will have an infinite amount of opportunities to practice this type of conduct; with my host family, on the mini buses, at the hospital, and so on.
I think that I am as ready as I will ever be to arrive in Zambia. I am incredibly excited and curious, and no doubt a little nervous too. I’m sure that there will be obstacles and slip-ups, and that certainly not everything will go as I have it planned in my head. However I think this is part of the reason for my excitement, and I think that I will welcome these challenges as they arise. I fully expect this summer leave a mark on the way I think for the rest of my college experience, career, and life. I can’t wait to see everyone in Lusaka, lets have an amazing summer everyone!
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