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College is often viewed as a "stepping stone,"
something you have to do before "real life" begins. This is a major pet peeve of mine. I believe that education is an important
chapter in peoples' lives, during which time they can have as much (or more) influence
as they will in their "real world" jobs. Trained as an anthropologist, I give great
credence to the effects of culture in shaping individuals and institutions -
and vice versa. We both affect and are
affected by our surroundings. This can
be especially true during university years, when a person's worldview
solidifies. To benefit as completely as
possible from their education, students must be fully engaged with the
administration of their university and should be involved in organizations and
activities in their wider community.
Additionally, students should receive training and instruction from a
variety of educational systems. By doing
so, students expose themselves to a multitude of cultures and worldviews,
expanding their own. Exposure to
multiple pedagogies played a huge role in my undergraduate education, thanks to
my time in Israel and Egypt. Graduate
study in the UK would continue this tradition in a more extensive way, opening
my eyes to yet another way of understanding the world.
The UK has a history of relations with countries in the
Middle East and North Africa that continues to greatly impact present-day
realities. Understanding these relations (between universities, governments,
organizations, and individuals), and becoming comfortable working within them,
is a vital part of my professional development.
Additionally, the UK is home to several of the most well respected
academic communities exploring sustainable development and political ecology. The University of East Anglia is known as
both a think tank research institute and an activist institution, moving and
shaking global food and water policy.
Oxford's rich history of training global public leaders is unmatched. To receive training from these two
institutions, following in the footsteps of so many great men and women, is not
only a personal dream but also a professional necessity.
Of course, Britain is not known only for its academic
prowess. Just as important as the
universities at which I will study are the people I will meet, the communities
I will join, and the stories I will hear.
Burgeoning gay pride movements, expanding feminist ideologies, and
growing migrant populations are rapidly affecting the UK, making contemporary
Britain a society constantly in flux.
Norwich has a motto of independence: Do different. I plan to live by this guideline during my
two years in the UK, doing what I can to bring awareness to issues of diversity
and inclusion.
Beyond academia and activism, Britain's rich culture will
feed a deep and abiding addiction: musical theater. Norwich's Theatre Royal and the Oxford
Playhouse, among others, will supply me with a steady supply of plays,
musicals, and concerts.
We are informed by and inform our cultural
surroundings. I look forward to learning
from the UK as my presence changes it, if only slightly, hopefully for the
better.
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