The best part of my visit to China was my students. I loved getting to connect with them and helping to bring out their potential in English. Watching their development from quiet individuals to confident and accurate speakers was proof of how effective the Rassias method is. Yet, the value that we added goes beyond language skills. I saw students develop greater confidence, creativity, problem solving, and communication skills that will serve well them in life. The students’ curiosity, enthusiasm, energy, and love is truly humbling.
Author: k-co squared
China – a Piece of Humanity’s Best
Introducing my China Series: In Fall/ winter 2017, I worked for Dartmouth College with a large team in China. As it comes to a close, I am excited to share what an impactful experience it was, surpassing all expectations. This mini blog series is dedicated to the aspects of China that stood out the most during my unforgettable mission there.
UN CSW 59: Women, Conflict, Kashmir
“Peace is no longer an option. It’s the only option left for global survival.” – Dr. Meera Khanna At the #CSW59, Dr. Meera Khanna, Vice Chair of the Guild of Service, shared the suffering of women and widows in the Kashmir Conflict. She drew attention to the tragedies that women, particularly widows, face. The event…
Hapless Adventure
The schooners were exquisite, a banquet for any water or ship fanatic. The maritime activity in the port was worth braving the traffic for…. Later, hustled and stranded alone at the harbor, 2 hours from town, on the side of a busy street, I found myself unsuccessfully attempting to hail a ride in 90-degree heat to the shouts of amused men driving by.
Photo-intro to Indonesia
Indonesia is perhaps the farthest that I have traveled to. While extremely hot and humid, the islands are filled with lush vegetation and nature. Firstly, an ode to food, Indonesia wins the #1 title for best food in the world. But what stood out to me the most was the warmth, sincerity, and realness of those I met, particularly my GIM-affiliated friends. Indonesia is beautiful all around, but especially because of its people.
Personal Story for Columbia SIPA’s 70th Anniversary
Going back to my Balkan roots, in 2016 I found myself in Kosovo for a mission with the United Nations. Touchdown in Prishtina felt familiar yet new, yet reminiscent of my childhood in Albania. Overall, the experience was a glimpse into a dream job to make a positive impact on the ground. Through it all, I met supportive colleagues, made lasting friendships, and formed a connection with the people in Kosovo.
On Travel and Living Abroad
Within 18 months, I lived in 4 (arguably 5) cities, within 3 countries, and 2 different continents. Such travel is not too rare among those working in international affairs, like human rights or economic development. After this period, I write my most personal piece yet about living in different places and some of its associated challenge.
Reintegrating Albanian and Serbian Youth
The New Bridge in Mitrovica symbolizes the split of the city into two adversarial sides. On the Albanian side, I stand with uncertainty looking over the river – those on the southern part warn of the dangers of crossing over to the Serbian side. The bridge today is patrolled by KFOR forces. Before the war, Serbs and Albanians used to lived as neighbors, speaking one another’s language, and even intermarrying. However, the conflict brought seemingly irreparable fissures between Serbs and Albanians.
Kosovo Crossroads: A Post-War State in Limbo
In a post-conflict period of recovery, Kosovo is the newest country in Europe. Following its independence in 2008, after the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and bloody ethnic wars of the 1990s Kosovo is now at a crossroads to reintegrate into Western Europe with many challenges ahead.
Countering Extremism through Integration
When innocent lives pay the price for absurdity of disturbed individuals under twisted ideology, all of humanity loses – whether it be attacks in Orlando, Paris, Brussels, Turkey, or throughout the Middle East. With the recent horrific attacks by radicalized individuals, a good friend asked me what regular people every day can each do to make a difference and tackle this problem.
K-squared 