A Functional Blog

Myers and Brigs had the right idea. 

Last term, our Beyond Borders class completed the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, a classification tool used for bettering our understanding of ourselves. After completing many questions and word association pairs (which seem redundant to the untrained eye), we were classified into different types based on where we get our energy, how we take in information, and how we make decisions. It was considered useful because it gives insight into our strengths and can prepare us for things we will find challenging. In addition to helping us understand the patterns to who we usually, this tool helps us understand what we will be like under stress. The Myers Briggs results provides you with a code indicating your usual patterns, and ones indicating the patterns you will most likely exhibit while uncomfortable and under extreme stress. Without exposing you to my inner workings too much, I'll just say that I am usually a people person who values understanding and creativity. Lately, though, I have been in "get-'r done" mode, completing what is necessary and moving on; looking at things objectively; and turning inward. There's nothing wrong with that - it helps me get done what I need to do. However, it is this change that lets me know maybe I am pretty stressed.

So, to embrace this functional self of mine, I invite you to read my very functional blog about some of the outstanding questions I have been asked and that I have been asking myself.

Why are you doing this?

Simply put, I feel (yay - I'm my old self again!) that gain overcomes cost and potential benefits outweigh risk.

This is what I have gained subjectively: friendships of fellow Beyond Borders students, deepened connection with people of similar experiences/interests, understanding and gratitude for support, exposure to different cultures and global issues, ignition for conversations about global issues, deepened self awareness, satisfaction of accepting the challenge, respect for doing something difficult, deepened understanding of community, fun events, smiles, appreciation, inspiration

These are the objective advantages so far: public speaking experience, maybe a reference letter, practice for writing proposals, budgeting, one to two credits

Through continuation of the program, I think potential benefits include: development of the previously mentioned skills and relationships, a chance to bring joy to the oppressed, time to learn about oppression and recreation and how to use those lessons to build happiness (both in the Ukraine and at home).

Objectively: volunteer hours, Ukranian language, two credits.

So far, the losses of this equation are summed up in two valuable words: time and money. Time could have been spent with friends or family. I have stayed active throughout but could have trained more diligently. Also, I could have been involved in my program or more devoted to my other classes and job or even relaxed a little bit more. This summer, I think the most difficult part about being away will be missing out on what's happening at home. I will be missing a summer on the lake with family (including a young niece and nephew that I adore). I'll also be missing my last summer in school with my friends, and the opportunity to continue training and competing with the triathlon club. (Who would have thought I would be upset about not going to school in the summer?) I could have used the time during the term to hold a part time job or the placement portion to get a paying co-op job. With regards to the financial aspect, I could save that money to go towards professional or grad school, pay off OSAP or start a program to benefit this community. I am very grateful for the donations I have received, as they have helped a lot with the funding challenge.

I could also be on the loosing end of the risks I describe in the next question, below.

Sure some of those skills and development could happen without this program, and I don't necessarily need the credits of volunteer experience for my future career. However my justification for my involvement in the Beyond Borders program, in it's barest form, is that for my whole university career and most of my life before, I have wanted to travel to help and learn from people. I previously felt that these opportunities are few and far between and would like to take advantage of this one, which worked well with my education, is reasonably priced, provided support to help me prepare. Beyond Borders is lifestyle-changer, not a momentary escape.

What are the risks?

Health: The Ukraine has elevated risk for tuberculosis, measles, diptheria, hepatitis, rabies, and encephalitis compared to Canada. To avoid these, I received inoculations for all but rabies. Instead of getting a preventative needle for rabies, I intend to stay away from suspicious animals. Water-born illness will be prevalent so I plan on treating my own water.

Environmental: The climate in the Ukraine is much like ours in Southern Ontario. Thus, I will take the usual precautions. I will be living in an urban area rampid with pollution and much more cigarette smoke than is acceptable in Canada. To deal with this, I will escape to rural areas and open spaces whenever possible and will be aware of a reoccurrence of my childhood asthma. The Ukraine is famous for it's Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster so radiation is probably still higher than that in Canada. However, travel websites say the radiation levels are considered safe. I will try even harder to avoid carcinogens as an attempt to negate this risk.

Political: As with many cities, there is always the risk of terrorism. However, Lviv is not the largest Ukrainian city and has enough problems of its own so I don't think terrorism will be likely from other countries. (Knock on wood.) Political unrest is a more applicable risk as there are reports of radically motivated violence. This is mostly in Kiev but is apparent across the country. To keep myself safe in these situations, I plan on: paying close attention to personal security, monitoring the media, avoiding demonstrations, and registering my travel contact details with the Canadian government and my loved ones.

Personal: There as a risk of car accident and crime to me personally due to aggressive drivers, poorly maintained roads, poor lighting, and desperate conditions. Also, there is a risk of injury and illness. I will try not to take unnecessary risks and will try to take the recommended precautions. If I do fall ill or become injured, I will seek the required medical attention and ask my Ukrainian language instructor to translate if necessary. I have travel insurance and will notify people of my emergency plan.

What will you be doing?

At my post in the Ukraine, I will be supporting an orphanage for women and girls with various disabilities. The organization is called Internat, and it is located in Ternopil, Ukraine. I was chosen for this placement because of my joyful spirit, my coping/problem-solving abilities, and my enthusiasm for sharing these traits and skills. According to the program coordinator, I am right for this placement because I have heart – and I have it in spades. In the Ukraine, I will undoubtedly be exposed to much hardship as I witness the corruption, exclusion, and neglect faced by the people of Internat. I, along with another student Brieanne, will surely encounter some of the aforementioned challenges as we attempt to learn the language and adjust in order to make Ternopil our home for the three months. Although Brieanne and I will be living in different homes, I am glad to have someone familiar along for the journey and I am looking forward to being a resource to her as we grow and learn together. Mostly, though, I am looking forward to using my enthusiasm and creativity to improve the quality of life for the people at Internat. In the very least, I hope to bring a smile to their faces and a sparkle to their eyes.

What will the living arrangements be like?

I will be living with a family who either have no children or who have a son a few years older than me. I am looking forward to experiencing the Ukraine as they do, and I am grateful for the support that they will provide. They have had billets like myself before so they have an idea of what I will be going through. I picture living in an apartment, and eating good Ukranian comfort food with them at dinner. I am not 100% how healthy the water is so I will buy water purification drops. Since the family has has students before I think they will be able to tell me if it is safe for me to drink their water. I am sure there will be a lot of alcohol on hand. If I drink, I usually limit myself to one or two during the night, plus I want to keep up my training habits and health lifestyle so I don't anticipate having a problem with alcohol consumption (besides maybe pressure and culture to drink more).

Apparently I will be able to walk from my house to the University where I will learn Ukraine and to my placement at Internat. Brieanne and I will be going to school with some student from Alberta so I am looking forward to meeting them. Also, I was told that one of the university professors usually plans weekend trips for the students so I will be sure to be traveling in the area.

How can I stay active?

The university I will be near may have a gym. If I do not have access to a gym, I will at least be able to run. There's a lake nearby so I might be able to go swimming (provided the water is clean). I would like to find a bike and a buddy to exercise with. I will also have time to be active playing with the children at Internat.

How will I access money?

According to Dr. Tataryn, I shouldn't have any trouble using my debit or credit card so I will access money that way. My credit card has a limit on it and I have recorded the number I need to call to cancel it if it is lost or stolen.

How will I keep important documents safe?

I'll make photocopies and carry the photocopies while also keeping copies at home and electronic versions. I'll keep the actual documents in a safe place, such as a safe.

How will the language barrier be addressed?

The family I will be living with will know some English and the professor I am taking classes with can also speak English. If I am in dire need of translation, I will email Dr. Tataryn.

BEfor eI leave, I would like to learn the Ukranian alphabet. While I am there, I will be taking a course to help me with the language.

How will I be able to communicate with home?

I was told that I will be able to access internet cafes so I can communicate via email and possibly skype. I will also be buying a cell phone in the Ukraine and will be mailing postcards. I will dedicate at least an evening per week to speak with my family because I know they'll be worrying about me. Also, I'll be sure to tell them the good things in addition to venting because I know how important it is that they know how much I enjoy myself despite the adversity I face. I plan on keeping a blog too. All of these communication avenues seem daunting to me right now, but I need to remember how important it is to people that they still feel a part of my life and know I am safe. I too would like to stay in the loop of what is going on at home.

Answering these questions has put me more at ease about this journey and I hope it has helped my readers to feel more comfortable too. I know first hand how difficult it is to research the Ukraine and to sit and wait for information when you are being hounded by questions. Hopefully future students going to the Ukraine will find some comfort in what I have shared. I'm in good hands and I think you will be too.

Routine meets Spontaneity: A Souper Day

Today, I finished work five minutes early and left work two hours late. This is why I have a love-hate relationship with spontaneity.

My day started off pretty brutal but routine nonetheless. I’ve been battling a cold and debated about going to my placement at the working centre because I didn’t want to spread my germs, because I was exhausted,  and because I was really dreading breaking up my work day get again. However, I figured I was over the contagious stage and could physically do it so off I went. I am so glad I did! Being there is like having a trip home. Sure, there are different people, but I get a break from the hustle and bustle and the yearn for productivity. The working centre is a place where you enjoy each other’s unique character, where you value the experiences of others however vastly different from your own, and where people value you for who you are – not what you do. I picked my placement so I might learn to cook but am learning so much more while I am there. Every day at the working centre guarantees a life lesson. Today’s lesson is one on routine (and mushroom soup).

I usually claim to get bored with routine and aim to mix things up a bit but today was one of those days where I saw how routine can serve and build community. The lesson began even before I got on the bus to get to my placement and continued throughout the day until 6:25pm, when spontaneity struck. Let me explain:

This morning, after waking up with hardly a voice at all, I decided to stock up on Halls at a little shop where I work. I didn’t immediately have the correct change but the lady who works at the shop just asked how much I had and I’m pretty sure  was going to just give me the cough drops for whatever was in my pocket. That may be because she heard the squeak in my voice or it may be because I buy milk from her almost daily she had begun to care about me. In any case, I found enough cash but did appreciate the offer. It’s nice know that she recognizes my face and appreciates my business, even if we don’t know each other by name.

A similar but opposite situation came up at the working centre. As I mentioned above, I enjoy working in the kitchen with an eclectic groups of characters.  We’ve gotten to know each other a bit partly through conversation but mostly through familiarity. Routine is important because if you show up at the same time and place to do the same thing week after week, you recognize the faces. This is comforting to me and it helps to build trust, too. Consistency is key, as I have learned both hard and easy ways. In the kitchen, I learned this the easy way by seeing the smiling faces on people as I enter the door. Worries are wasted and replaced by the task at hand. I learned the hard way by ordering food at a local shop. At this shop, I watched a usual patron order a plate of veggies and bun. She was granted with a nice warm, big, fluffy bun that would make anyone’s mouth water. I thought it looked really good so I ordered the same thing. However, I was given a portion about 2/3 the size of hers and not nearly as appetizing. (I know the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but this difference kept me hungry for the afternoon.)  I’ll admit, I was a bit bitter about the difference in treatment, but it made me think about why that would have happened. I think it’s because this usual patron has been giving their business and company day after day, consistently building relationship with the server. I, on the other hand, stopped by because I was hungry, wanted to build relationship and wanted to contribute to the community. Although I had good intentions and reasons for eating where I did, the server didn’t know that. To them, I was a hungry consumer looking to get what I could. It takes consistency, routine, and patience to gain the trust of others enough for them to give of themselves. I am not yet getting the big buns but that’s okay – it’ll probably do me some good to be a little bit hungry.

As important as consistency and routine are in finding community, so is spontaneity. Today, as I was leaving work those precious five minutes early, I said hello to a girl in y program. We started with small talk about our weekends and ended our conversations two hours and a few life stories later. We talked about everything from alcoholism to religion to politics and new ideas. Now, she’s more than a girl in my program – I’d say I made a friend tonight. Even though that chat totally through off my night and put me even farther behind in all those responsibilities, I really appreciated it because I got to know someone, shared a bit about myself, and was inspired to reflect. As I was writing this blog (at work but off the clock because I was afraid I would be too tired to write when I got home), my friend Katie stopped by. She can read my mind through a few words in a text and decided it was time for a visit, so that’s what we did. I really like my job but I have never had so much fun at work – we caught up (even though we already pretty much guessed what was going on with each other) and laughed hysterically. 

This is why spontaneity is rules. There’s no way I could have scheduled a night like this but I’m very glad it happened. It is the times like these that put life in life.

If you’re feeling drab, I challenge you to take an alternate route to school or work one day, or to strike up a good conversation with someone. Do you see all those new people around? Do you hear their perspectives? They too are filled with amazing experiences, riveting stories and tender hearts. There truly is a whole lot more to this world and the people in it.

In short, this blog is about soup, (but not a melting pot). I see routine as a base for community; it is important to see familiar people and get to know them. Spontaneity adds some spice to the mix.

Politics Revisited

I must be learning a lot about politics because I am very frustrated! For a month, I have been trying to understand what is going on in the Ukraine with regards to politics and corruption but it is difficult to learn when you cannot trust your information sources.

Putting my own frustrations aside, become harshly aware of the anxiety Ukranian people must feel as they not only blinded by the corruption but also stuck in the middle of it.

This blog is going to discuss corruption and my efforts to understand Ukranian politics.

Corruption: I am sick of hearing it and sick of writing it. It seems like a catch-all term for problems without a definitive meaning or, even worse, solution. It seems like an excuse - like something you can say to get people to stop asking questions. Well, I'm still asking those questions. What is corruption, exactly? What are its effects?

Frazzled by thinking about the word, I collected a few opinions before putting my own into text:

According to Jordan, corruption is "When you have a lot of responsibility and people put a lot of trust in you, and you misuse that trust for your own gain." Put in other words, it could be seen as an "abuse of power."

Sarah says corruption is when something that was good and orderly becomes evil and unorderly.

Corruption could also be considered a lack of integrity, moral perversion, dishonest preceding, and putrefactive decay. (www.dictionary.com) It's putrid alright.

These and my own views in mind, I would say that corruption is the process of taking something that would seem or is meant to be good (for example, a leader or mentality) and changing it for the worst. It's like a surprise attack - you think something will work out for the best but it switches to be your worst nightmare under the shield of darkness.

Thus the term "corrupt," would refer to something or someone who was first perceived okay to now be perceived as evil.

I think the effects of corruption would include betrayal of trust, confusion, frustration, rebellion and chaos (to name a few). First, as mentioned above, corruption involves an changing from good (or bad) to worse.  Thus, whatever faith was put in the good, or at least the consistently bad - or a situation was lost as corruption took place. This, I think, would cause confusion: Was it a misunderstanding from the beginning? Why the change?

This would be frustrating because, after trust is lost, it would be difficult to be able to tell who or what to trust. It would be difficult to learn and difficult to more forward. Out of this frustration comes rebellion. When people are unhappy and cannot trust anyone to make them happy, they take it upon themselves all fired up and ready to do what it takes to get what they want the best way they know how. Whether this happens outwardly or behind closed doors, the battle over power and conflicting agendas is an undeniable source for chaos.

Let's apply this to my experience with Ukranian politics:

When I ask for people's opinion about the political atmosphere un the Ukraine, the majority of responses included (with some also being limited to) the word "corrupt."

I take this to mean that they shrouded personal vested interests and questionable processes, and straight-out lies. Conversation usually stops there or, if I choose to press on with questions, it ends with a brief comment about the leader of the country and some kind of Russian influence. From these conversations I learn that: a) Ukrainian leadership is considered to be "corrupt," b) people do not like to address political issues about the Ukraine. This is confusing and frustrating because the people I trust don't want to talk about it and what I learn on my own will probably be littered with inconsistencies.

With that in mind, this is what I gather:

The Ukraine has been separated from Russia for ~20 years. There must have been some Ukranians happy with this separation because someone must have made it happen. I know what I would have wanted but I'm not sure what the majority wanted at the time or what the majority would want now. I'm also not sure if the majority would know what is best (because of lack of education, controlled media, or different views).

 In any case, the past few years have involved Ukraine transitioning from command to free market and democracy. Yulia, a former leader, was working on legislation to ensure human rights and freedoms. A new economy is also in progress.

Viktor is a current leader. I have heard that he came into power through questionable methods but am not sure what happened or if he is even the person who is responsible for bad deeds that led to the change of power from Yulia.

I have also head of orange revolutions. These are actions towards democracy that have taken place in the Ukraine and that have inspired similar responses in surrounding regions.

Currently, the Ukraine is split between people who would like more of the Russian culture and people who want to continue to separate from Russia and become a full member of the European Union. I believe the Ukranian president, Viktor, (I am sticking to first names because I think they are more distinguishable from each other), has strong Russian influences. Before he was elected, Viktor vowed that, if he become leader, he would make Russian the second official language. This debate of where or not to include Russian as an official language would have cultural implications of Russian speakers being oppressed vs. decreased independence from Russia.

I hope to continue to learn about Ukranian politics through conversations with people but would like to move on so I am done writing about them. 

http://rt.com/politics/yanukovich-denies-russian-status/

http://www.nyulawglobal.org/Globalex/Ukraine.htm

http://timelines.ws/countries/UKRAINE.HTML

The second sentence

Last blog was about the first sentence in my quest to understand Ukranian politics. This one is about the second, and how the Ukranian system relates to our Canadian one.

These infamous sentences are found at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/politics.htm

"Ukraine has a parliamentary-presidential system of government with separate executive, judicial, and legislative branches." (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/politics.htm)

This contrasts Canada's monarchy parliament.

In both countries, the Prime Minister is responsible for the day-today workings of the country. In the Ukraine, these decisions can be vetoed by the President. However recently the supreme powers of Ukranian presidency have been shared with the Prime Minister. There is also a lot of Russian influence - exactly what or how is not clear.

In Canada, the Governor General (who represents the Queen), gives their opinion on some matters and it is in the best interest of our country to abide by what is suggested.

I would highly recommend you consult the following site about more details concerning Canadian politics:http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=index&lang=e

It is a very useful aid for understanding how government works our own country and can better understand the differences faced in Ukraine.

To date, a few of the important differences I see between the two systems are the outside influence and the degree of transparency. In Canada, the leading party has the opposition and the Queen/Governor General to keep them acting in good faith. Transparency plays a huge role in this because, since the finances are available to the people and since the public is allowed a certain amount of time to oppose a bill, it allows the engagement of those who choose to be engaged. The Ukraine seems much more opaque in its inner workings and so it's inner working don't seem to be working - not to better the community or the public at least.

Today, I was speaking with a friend who is Ukranian. He came to Canada from the Ukraine when he was 3 and doesn't know much about it, except that it's not a happy place to grow up. (That seems to be the trend.) He mentioned that they finally had a good leader a few years ago but that the leader was poisoned and killed by a Russian opposition.

This and stories of war from other countries have made me wonder: What makes democracy work? Why are we doing okay in Canada while others are clearly not?

According to the government of Canada Website, democracy works when people believer it works. 

"Democracy does not implement itself, nor does it remain strong and healthy without underlying values and a firm will to apply and enforce them. Democracy is much more than holding elections. However, free and fair elections are one of its fundamental conditions.
Over time, Canadians have come to trust the outcome of elections as truly reflecting their collective will without political interference. Political parties and candidates entering the political arena have also learned they can respect the fairness of the electoral process. Together, these conditions contribute to a meaningful and peaceful environment for elections and a lively and long-lasting democracy."
http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=index&lang=e

When all the players respect the system, and trust that the best (or at least the one that can best represent the public) will prevail. This must be a difficult concept to grasp in a culture that's used to a dictatorship (and for leaders who are used to dictating). They could make the argument that the public doesn’t know what's best and, based on that argument, it would be difficult to lay the power into the public's hands. According to the Canadian government, believing in the democratic model makes easier to risk and share the power.

Sometimes, I really just wish communism would work.

The reality is, though, that concrete examples of successful democracy are more apparent than other systems (eg. my family and I life in safe homes, receive good education, and have the resources they need). Hopefully Canada will continue in the right direction and Ukraine will follow suit.

Next up: a brief history of Ukranian politics. After all, it's difficult to tell where they're (I refuse to use the word "we" quite yet) headed when we don't know where they came from.

Red Tape. Bureaucracy. Top-Down. Structure. Cushy. Schmoozing. Corruption.

Politics. To me, the word "politics" represents a lot of things I do my best to avoid. As a student, I know I have experienced a lot of the good that can come from the government (such as free or subsidized education, healthcare, free speech, public transportation to name a few), but I still have trouble getting past the negative aspects. I don't like the image that goes along with how to get stuff done in that arena (ie. so much "schmoozing that you don't know who to trust) and so I've tried to stay away from it as much as possible. This decision has side effects of huge knowledge gaps and mountainous learning curve now that I realize politics are a necessary evil.

The reason I've been putting off this blog about Ukranian politics so much is that I do not understand politics or really government in general and so I feel overwhelmed whenever I try to learn about them. When I say I don't understand politics, it's not just the inner workings that I don't understand. I feel lost much of the time and only get frustrated when I ask people to explain because either they themselves do not understand clearly and simply talk in circles until they come up with an acceptable answer; or they start with the "basics" but I am still so lost that I'm ashamed to ask for further explanation.

These feelings are true for the first sentence I read the other day about Ukranian politics. It reads: "Ukraine is a parliamentary democracy with separate executive, judicial, and legislative branches." Once I began to break the words down, I began to understand:

Me first sticking point was the fourth word: parliament. I've heard the word used in many contexts through which I have gained an understanding of what parliament is involved in. However, I still didn't know exactly what parliament is, or how to understand is as an adjective in this sentence. Taking baby steps, I consulted www. dictionary.com to look it up. The definition of "parliamentary" is: of or pertaining to a parliament or any of its members. I really hate when the term is used in it's definition! How is someone who doesn't understand the word supposed to understand the definition is the word is it's definition?

Pursuing this further, I found parliament to be "legislative body," which is defined as

"a deliberative body of persons, usually elective, who are empowered to make, change, or repeal the laws of a country or state; the branch of government having the power to make laws, as distinguished from the executive and judicial branches of government."

Okay, now we're getting somewhere.

After parliamentary comes "democracy." This seems like one of those million-dollar terms that many university students have spent years of their life and forests-worth of paper trying to define. My online dictionary, however, is rather concise - democracy is:

1. government by the people (note: missing the line "for the people"); a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.

2. a state having such a form of government: The United States and Canada are democracies.

3. a state of society characterized by formal (Note: is this a clause to justify the informal inequality of rights and privileges?) equality of rights and privileges.

4. political or social equality; democratic spirit. (well, at least we've got spirit . . .)

5. the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.

Some of these points are debatable, but I'll "take it (for) now".

Thank goodness I understand the words "with" and "separate."

The next words, "executive," "judicial," and "legislative," are described below:

Executive: the executive branch of a government

(Gee, thanks for that - it's clear as a bell now. Random question: How do Ukranian people view sarcasm?)

"Executive" is also: of, pertaining to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc.: executive ability; pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs

Judicial: pertaining to judgment in courts of justice or to the administration of justice

Legislative: having the function of making laws: a legislative body; of or pertaining to the enactment of laws: legislative proceedings; legislative power.

Thus, I understand Ukraine to be governed by the people in the sense that decisions are made by elected individuals. This government has separate sections for carrying out duties, making just judgments, and forming and enacting laws.

These statements seem optimistic at best, considering what I have been told about the Ukranian government. Frankly, may of these conversations can be summed up by Lord Acton's phrase "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Interestingly, the word of the day on www.dictionary.com when I wrote most of this blog was "demagogue," a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace. Like politics, a demagogue could for good or for bad. I was hoping I could use this as a segway further into Ukranian politics but, according to a story I heard today, people aren't exactly "appealed to." I think "pushed around" is a more appropriate term, and I would say that the overwhelming emotion in this scenario is fear.