Jacqueline's Global Scholars Blog

UNA-USA's first-ever virtual Global Engagement Summit was held this past weekend (Feb. 19-20). Typically held annually at the UN Headquarters in New York, this year's sessions focused on "global cooperation." Additionally, as Feb. 19 marked the date that "the U.S officially rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement," much attention was given to America's role in reducing global emissions and preserving our planet. Supporters interested in watching the sessions can still register to watch or login to the platform . Click on the following links to view the Feb. 19 agenda and Feb. 20 agenda . 

UNA Pasadena observed International Human Rights Day on 12/9, the day that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The video was shared at the beginning of our meeting. Presenters shared human rights that resonated personally with them. Press "read more" to watch the video.   

I n A pril, as I concluded my internship at the United Nations Association, Pasadena Chapter, I transitioned into a new role: Board Member. While I am humbled and honored to serve in this new position for the UNA-Pasadena, I also feel a great sense of responsibility to do more.  With the obvious “solidarity challenges” that have arisen due to Covid-19, I am increasingly grateful for the gift of technology because it allows me to share my voice beyond the confines of my home.  As such, I would like to take this opportunity - as the final blog I am writing as a Poly student - to share information about the UNA-USA, Pasadena. Its mission is to generate support for the United Nations and its commitment to global peace, justice, and freedom. Moreover, during these challenging times, the UNA-USA encourages its members to support the World Health Organization (WHO). Additional information can be found on the UNA-USA Pasadena’s Facebook page.  Please be on...

My Capstone project, i Thuba Innovation Hub & Connecting Communities marked the conclusion of my Global Scholar experience at Polytechnic High School. The collaborative presentation, led by WSL co-chair Megan Kellner and myself, showcased the efforts of Siviwe Mbinda, the founder of iThuba, and his two phenomenal students. Our audience consisted of approximately seventy Poly learners interested in learning more about the iThuba Stem school in South Africa.  Utilizing Zoom as our platform, Megan and I began the presentation with an overview of iThuba and the grant-writing process.  After providing information and answering questions regarding the topic at hand, our conversation naturally shifted to the present-day situation in South Africa in light of Covid-19. The visible difficulty Siviwe and his students had connecting to WiFi during our meeting reflected the new challenges presented to Ithuba’s Community. Siviwe explained that the grant Megan and I provided I...

Michael’s Capstone Project entailed a detailed description of the book grant he received for underrepresented children. He directed his presentation to the future generation of Global Scholars, specifically incorporating tips on how to present and write a grant proposal.  Michael noted that appealing to the panelists is an important factor to take into consideration when preparing a grant proposal. In the case of his book grant, Michael strategically appealed to his audience by demonstrating the strong connection between his organization, Reading Partners, and himself. Reading Partners is an organization that Michael has volunteered for since freshman year. Michael not only provided statistics proving that his foundation is successful in raising children’s reading levels, but he also drew to the emotions of the panel by explaining to them that many of the students rarely find themselves represented in children’s books.  As a Global Scholar who also wrote a grant, I...

  In sharing the highlights of her new book, Building the Post 1949 State in China and Taiwan , Julia Strauss presented a fascinating overview of key differences between the campaign and propaganda strategies utilized by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in relation to Taiwan, or the the Republic of China (ROC). Due to China’s vast size, Stauss focused her study of the PRC on Sunan (Southern Jiangsu), a wealthy and developed area near Shanghai approximately equal in size and infrastructure to the ROC.  One of the most important “preconditions for regime consolidation” was domestic security. Both the PRC/Sunan and the ROC/Taiwan utilized “campaigns of terror” against domestic enemies in order to consolidate the state. However, the campaigns differed in their presentation, as can be seen in the slides. In the PRC (pictures on the left of slides) trials were public and dramatic. Similarly propaganda was colorful and appealed to the emotion. The emphasis was on nationalis...

  This Sunday, the Jiang-Zhou Family graciously opened their home to Poly Global Scholars and our AFS students from Bulgaria, Germany, and Chile. In addition to enjoying international foods and socializing, Aaron Tyler and I co-moderated a panel discussion. Prior to the gathering, we collaborated on questions aimed at learning more about our AFS students’ home countries and impressions of American culture. While a wide range of topics were covered, a few of the more thought-provoking or surprising question/answers were related to sensitive issues such as stereotypes , gay marriage, and alcohol.  When asked if they had experienced any stereotypical reactions while in the US, Alina from Germany responded that she occasionally felt that “some people can’t get past WWI and WWII which is unfortunate because there is much more to Germany than that.” Carlo noted that most Americans' immediate reaction was that he was from Mexico; Chile usually came as a surprise. When asked if...

Sustainable Development Goal 5 "On this International Day, UNESCO would like to focus in particular on inequalities in science and technology. UNESCO statistics have shown that women are currently four times less likely than men to master digital skills, even though these skills will be at the centre of future societies."  This message from Audrey Azoulay (original:French, UNESCO website), Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization(UNESCO), encourages us to reflect upon gender equality, In fact, gender equality is one of UNESCO’s “two cross-cutting priorities, along with Africa.” In her message, Ms. Azoulay quotes Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: “Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls is the unfinished business of our time.” Education is key. According to UNESCO, however, less than 40% of countries around the world provide girls and boys with equal access to education as reflected stat...

  2020 is a special year because it marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. As such, the topic of the UnA Pasadena Chapter’s Board Meeting on Feb. 25th was Global Consultation, “the biggest-ever global conversation on the role of global cooperation in building the future we want.”    The purpose of Global Consultation is to inspire action across borders, sectors, and generations by connecting people to discuss issues such as the climate crisis and patterns of violence. The overarching goal is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals - a blueprint for global peace and prosperity adopted by all United Nations Members States in 2015.  Recommendations from the Global Consultation aimed at inspiring policy actions will be provided to the United Nations as well as Congress and other key decision-makers. Throughout this year, UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter will work with the community through conducting Global Consultation to ensure a sustainable futur...

Earlier this month, Polytechnic Global Scholars and Partnership for Success! students from the Pasadena Unified School District presented grant proposals aimed at assisting local and global nonprofit organizations. The presentation was a culmination of months of hard work in collaboration with our advancement mentors and nonprofits. The process entailed studying the goals, fiscals needs, and community impact of our nonprofits as well as learning how to write and present a grant.  I found the process to be invaluable because I had no prior experience with grant writing, and I now understand how entities can come together to utilize resources to promote worthy causes. My Global Scholar partner, Megan Kelleher, and I worked with our advancement mentor Katherine Veiser, Polytechnic’s Director of Alumni and Community Relations, Amanda Edwards, Polytechnic’s Director of Donor Relations, Siviwe Mbinda, co-founder and director iThuba, and Diane Flannery, an iTuba Board member. Below ...

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates South Africa's captain Siya Kolisi. The pride in Siviwe’s voice as he spoke of his country’s victory in the recent Rugby World Cup inspired me to search for news related to the topic. What I found in the sports section of the CNN and BBC News websites is a story refreshingly hopeful during what sometimes feels like a trend of “bad news.” The Springboks’ victory over England in November, which won South Africa its third World Cup equalling New Zealand’s record, is “not just about rugby. It is about the social cohesion that the country is still trying to achieve 25 years after the end of apartheid” (BBC News, Johannesburg). Siya Kolisi, the team’s first black captain, serves a symbol of hope for multitudes of South Africans. Siya’s remarkable journey out of poverty began with his birth “in a slum to teenage parents who could not afford to keep him just a year after the former president Nelson Mandela was freed f...

Last week, Polytechnic students met with Siviwe Mbinda to discuss this spring’s GIP trip to South Africa. Siviwe is the co-founder and director of the iThuba Innovation Hub, a STEM school located in Langa that Poly students will visiting. The purpose of iThuba is to provide STEM education and experiences not readily available to youth living in Langa. The end-goal is to “close the gap” between these students and their more advantaged peers so that all students are prepared with the skills necessary in an increasingly technological world. “Not only does STEM open opportunities for employment, it also enables whole new sectors of employment to be created”(ithubahub.com). Poly students are excited to be involved in this innovative collaboration with iThuba and are looking forward to working with students. Currently, we are in the process of fund-raising and writing grants to support teacher training, community activities, and a "maker-space" area to build and make science p...

  This week, my family and I hosted Thomas, better known by his nick-name Moose, a water polo player from New Zealand. I had heard New Zealanders are some of the friendliest people around, and after meeting Moose, I can understand why. I learned so much about New Zealand - and Auckland, in particular - that it’s now a new destination on my “bucket list.” According to Moose, most New Zealanders live in cities, although it’s true what they say, “There are more sheep than people in New Zealand - 10 sheep for every person.” Auckland, the city where Moose lives, is New Zealand’s most populous city. The city is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and hills covered in rainforest. Aukland is unique because it is among the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water. It’s also very cosmopolitan, and Moose shared that Aukland has seen an influx of immigrants in recent years, especially from China. Not too surprisingly, Moose relayed that most New Zealanders ten...

“The first GIP event of the decade,” as noted by Poly seniors Alex Bertran and Phillip Zhou, showcased American comedian, Joe Wong. As timely as it was entertaining, Mr. Wong’s performance shed light on the contrast between American and Chinese culture in a comical yet thought-provoking manner. In an hour jam-packed with laughter, Wong covered a gamut of topics, ranging from the Chinese practice of shaming versus encouragement as a motivational strategy, to the ludicracy of American laws that legalize guns yet outlaw fireworks on Chinese New Year. An American citizen born and raised in China, Mr.Wong’s affection for both countries shines through in his jokes. “America is my wife, and China is my mother.” The punch line, “...and they both have nuclear weapons,” unexpected, funny its “Wong-style” delivery, and disturbing at the same time, speaks to an alarming 21st century reality as well as the critical need for a positive relationship between the two superpowers. On a lighter note...

Before my outing with Maya, Poly’s AFS student, I had never met anyone from Bulgaria, a country situated in the Eastern Balkans. Hoping to acquire some background knowledge about her country before we spent the day together, I read a bit about Bulgaria’s recent history. I learned that Communism didn’t end in Bulgaria until 1990. For the next few decades, Bulgaria struggled with its transition to a market economy. Today, Bulgaria is an  upper-middle-income economy securely anchored in the European Union (workbank.org). Easy-going, friendly, and appreciative of everything - even the everyday conveniences such as “Jamba Juice” that I take for granted - Maya’s grateful attitude was infectious. As we window-shopped together on Colorado Boulevard and enjoyed the views from the top of Angeles Crest, Maya’s positive presence led me to forget about the often stressful, “trafficy,” fast-paced living in LA, and focus instead on all the city has to offer. My day with Maya impressed upon...

Polytechnic’s GIP on Monday featured Alepho Deng, acclaimed South Sudanese author who was “welcomed to America in 2001 as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan” and Dr. Joseph Jok, his IRC case worker. Dr. Jok provided a historical perspective of the religious and ethnic conflicts which contributed to the Sudanese Civil War (1987-2005) as well as the ongoing dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over the oil-producing territory of Abyei. Mr. Deng shed light on the experiences addressed in his recent novel, Disturbed in their Nests , which he personally signed for Poly GIP students. He discussed not only the distress of war, but the hardships related to living as a refugee for nine years and being uprooted from his home and country. Mr. Deng’s positive life perspective despite tragedy is inspirational. His credits his ability to overcome challenge to the “power of the mind.” In the author’s words, “Perseverance is a battle with one’s own mind; the key to success is inner-narrative.” As ...

UNA -Pasadena celebrated United Nations  Day  last week at 626 Golden Streets by raising awareness of this year's theme: “Our Planet, Our Future: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle . ” We set up a booth to educate local communities on how they can take part in reducing emissions by walking or biking, as well as clean air and clean water. The event was well-attended and rewarding: From our booth, we were able to outreach to more than 300 people, and we now have 272 signatures on our "Save the Planet" petition and pledge. The United Nations Association of the USA ( UNA -USA) believes that "our interests and values can best be advanced by standing with the planet’s only truly universal institution: The United Nations. We stand up for the UN so the UN can keep standing up for the world."  Our next mini-Coffee Talk takes place on Wednesday, 11/6 from 5:00-6:30pm . Please come, even if just for a little while, to learn more about the UNA-USA, Pasadena Chapter. Our co...

Masauko Chipembere  A fascinating life story. Born in Malawi and raised in Los Angeles after his parents’ exile from Malawi due to their leadership roles in a failed coup against the dictatorial government, Masauko’s social and political messages are conveyed through the art of music. Having had the privilege to listen to Masuoka speak and play his music at Polytechnic’s GiP event last week, I gained fresh perspectives on two painful social issues that are separate yet connected in that they are both forms of oppression and in dire need of correction: racism in America and rape in South Africa.  As a first-generation black American whose parents were unfamiliar with racism since it is virtually nonexistent in Malawi, Masuoko conveyed his difficulty growing up without guidance from his parents on this topic. Unlike the majority of his African-American peers whose parents could relate and offer support, Masuoka felt isolated and inadequate in deal...

I attended yesterday evening's UNA-USA board meeting for the purpose of introducing myself to board members, presenting updates on my internship, and learning more about how the organization is run. Following the approval of the August minutes, Chapter Business related to finances were addressed. Last week's Adopt-A-Future Campaign for Refugees was discussed in light of what worked, what didn't, and how we can improve for next year. The idea of giving incentives to encourage more students to become actively involved with UNA-USA was presented. Tasks and times in preparation for UN Day on October 26th were also coordinated. Additionally, we prepared for next week's Mini Coffee Talk which will be hosted on Thursday, October 3rd from 5-6:30 at the UNA-USA Board Office on 75 S. Grand Ave. #106 in Pasadena. This event will be for members, prospective members, and volunteers to learn more about the United Nations and how to get involved in action related works for our co...

Polytechnic’s Global Initiative Program Presents Brave Girl Rising The film, Brave Girl Rising , followed by a discussion with producer Martha Adams, featured last week as Polytechnic's first Global Initiative Program Event of the 2019-20 school year. Filmed on location in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya, Brave Girl Rising tells the story of 17-year- old Nasro, a Somali orphan living in Dadaab. Moreover, the film and insightful discussion with Ms. Adams shed light on the plight of female refugee camp victims across the global south. Lack of education, gender violence, and water scarcity were among the major problems addressed. Ms. Adams also pointed out that cultural and religious norms often contribute to the obstacle of limited education for females; this, in turn, negatively impacts wide-ranging issues including infant mortality rate, community stability, and GDP. Ms. Adams concluded the evening by urging Poly students to do things in th...