Sharing Rootsby Monica Flores Rojas, 2007-2009, Bolivia
My name is Monica Flores and I am a current
Fulbright grantee from Bolivia. I arrived in
the United States on August 4, 2007. While
reflecting on my first year, I can't help but
smile. I realize I've had many
extraordinary, challenging and surprising
experiences which have shaped me in various
ways. I would like to share one of those
experiences with you. At the World
Learning/School for International Training
Graduate Institute in Vermont, where I am
currently pursuing a Master of Arts in TESOL
(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages),
the atmosphere is vibrant and incredibly
enriching, not only because of the excellent
graduate programs offered, but also because of the
student body. International students
represent 25 percent of the population at this
institution. These fascinating students come
from all over the world, bringing their cultures,
languages and world views with them. As a
reflection of the international student body, the
Student Activities Office organizes what is called
the "Geographical Series." This is
an hour-long workshop/lecture that gives foreign
students, like me the opportunity to share our
countries and cultures with our American
classmates. The workshop/lecture also helps
foreign students feel appreciated while helping
all students learn about other cultures' realities
and histories.  | | | Monica Flores Rojas, 2007-2009,
giving a presentation about Bolivia at the World
Learning/School for International Graduate
Training Institute in Vermont
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At the
beginning of the academic year, I remember
attending a lecture about Kazakhstan. After
this first "Geo-Series," all foreign
students were encouraged to sign up. I
thought it would be a big challenge to stand in
front of my colleagues and professors and talk
about my country. If I wanted to give a
presentation, I would have to use PowerPoint,
which I had never done. However, I thought
it was a responsibility I had to fulfill because I
am a Fulbright ambassador. I could not pass
up such a great opportunity. I finally
decided to sign up. Quickly, I became very
excited about sharing information about Bolivia
with my classmates and professors. My
country, like many other developing countries, is
often perceived as mysterious. I am aware of
this fact because I still meet people who look
puzzled when I say I am from Bolivia. I
always have to add that this diverse country is
located in South America. Fortunately, I
did not have to face many awkward moments at my
university. Most of my colleagues have
traveled and know where Bolivia is, but I
certainly experienced awkward moments in other
settings. My "Geo Series" took
place in March. I remember I was overwhelmed
with school work during that month, but I also
felt very excited about my presentation.
These events are not mandatory, and I was not
expecting to have a big audience. Still, a
good number of people attended. Minutes
before presenting, I was sweating and my heart was
beating fast. Many classmates from my
master’s and other programs came, as well as
the American family with whom I live and some
professors. I had never had such a feeling
of accomplishment from just looking at a room full
of people who were interested in learning more
about my country! The presentation was
organized into three main sections: history,
traditions and scenery. I decided to
emphasize history because that is the best way to
learn about a country. One can look at
beautiful pictures in a tourist brochure, but it
does not help one to understand the reality and
insights of a nation. I definitely wanted my
audience to start exploring true Bolivian
culture. Moreover, I wanted to show that
despite the fact that Bolivia is a developing
country, we have other qualities that make us
incredibly rich. There was a lot of laughing
during the presentation since I tried to make it
enjoyable. I did not know I could be witty
in English - especially in a formal setting.
How gratifying is it to know that my English
proficiency has improved? Most importantly,
I had a good time with my audience and the
PowerPoint ran perfectly! When the
presentation was over, everyone congratulated
me. But what really made me happy was the
fact that my friends, colleagues and professors
learned more about my country. I also
received emails from students I had never spoken
with before, informing me that they had fallen in
love with Bolivia after my presentation.
Others wanted to discuss more about the Bolivian
government and politics. I felt my goal had
been reached. I wanted my audience to
approach my country through a very simple, but
thorough, presentation. I also felt very
fortunate for having been selected as a Fulbright
grantee, because it allowed for those wonderful
moments. Now, my colleagues and professors
know more about my roots. Someday, I will
welcome my American, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese,
Chinese, Nicaraguan, Brazilian, and African
friends to my beloved homeland so they can
discover even more. Meanwhile, I will keep
sharing my culture and learning from others.
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