2005-09-28 - 6:14 p.m.

A few days ago I was playing around with grad school application statements. For one in particular I came to reflect on my first year of service in Mauritania, as it relates to the tremendous exposure it has given me to “international affairs/international development” and its significance to my candidacy for graduate studies… here is an excerpt of it:

“During my first year as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, I learned to live as an integrated member of a 100% conservative Muslim town of 6,000 people. I encountered the difficulties that came hand in hand with being the only and first Westerner to settle in the town of Magta Lahjar in over twenty years, nonetheless a non-married woman.

I was an American in a time when America was waging the “war on terror”, often mistaken as the “war on Islam.” I had to cope with and manage initial isolation, consternation, marginalization, the daily religious conversion attempts, as well as interest-led overzealous welcoming from people who were used to the traditional development approach of “coming in, dumping money, and getting out”. Overcoming language and cultural barriers, I had to strive to gain the respect of the local women, men, and children, actively interacting with local authorities, women cooperatives, local and international NGOs. While sharing my culture with the local population, I gained an understanding of American “soft” foreign policy, of which the Peace Corps is a main stand.

Just in one year, Mauritania has offered me a picture heaping with interest from a political, anthropological, sociological, community development and international affairs perspective.

I was often made aware of the inter-racial tensions between Moors of Arabic descent and Black African groups from Soninke, Fulani, and Wolof descent. I was prompted to reflect on the impact these strained relations have on the development of a country as a whole and the shaping of mainstream ideas for the future generation of leaders. I witnessed the impact of a failed national education policy that deepened the division by taking away the basis for a common language.

I was explained the intricate web of “tribes” that shape the informal social welfare system and the subsequent chain of corruption that inexorably weave into the textile of social politics and economic development. I gained a wider perspective on the issue of illegal migrations to the Western World through direct conversations with the individuals absconding in the quest for wealth and life changes – a phenomenon I had only experienced on the receiving end, as I watched the social landscape of Europe and the US dramatically change, observing the issues and challenges associated with cultural and social integration.

I witnessed the societal constraints posed on the development of young girls. I joined the efforts for the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation, as well as the journey for the development of women’s educational and professional rights. I bumped into the wall of the “unmentionable taboo” when approaching the topic of HIV/AIDS and reproductive health. I observed the fine line that separates “slavery” as a violation of human rights and “slavery” as a widely culturally accepted social practice, far from being fully eradicated despite its official outlawing in 1981.

I lived amongst a people governed by a president who managed to stay in power for over twenty consecutive years. I experienced one failed presidential takeover at the eve of my stay in Mauritania and one successful Coup d’Etat a year later that brought a military junta into power, expected to remain in the leading post for the next two years with the promise of preparing the nation for a more democratic future. It was interesting to witness the wide range of reactions engendered by the international diplomatic and mass media arena, as well as the local native population…”

And on and on it goes!

I was amazed when I started reflecting on the breadth of exposure I had during this past year… and all of this doesn’t even come close to including the more personal transformations, lessons, discoveries, and experiences I enjoyed while here!

Thank you for your support and love!

Hugs,

Jordy

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