The first day without MISSYOULA- Please let my heart go with my body in New Orleans !

By Quy Nguyen_Cookie (Vietnam)

22.9.2015

(This is my second YEALI blog and maybe my last blog on Facebook. Sorry for all friends waiting for my “Quy and Blog” Page!)

This blog was written with my heart locked in Missoula, my brain sometimes worked facing the culture shock when moving from Missoula to New Orleans )

Being on 2 flights to New Orleans, I cried a lot

Stop​ping the conversation with Tuyen Pham on the phone, I cried a lot

Listen​ning​ to the songs for YSEALI from Peter, I cried a lot

Walking along Mississippi River, I cried … a lot

I haven’t prepared to say Good bye yet, I haven’t said the word Good bye to anyone yet…

2 flights to New Orleans!

When being asked the question “Who volunteers to write the blog today?”, I raised my hand in a heartbeat though at that moment I was deadly tired. I wrote my personal blog every day but right at this moment I am not ready because it is gonna be sad. (After this blog maybe I needed a long time to start writing again). I have heard a lot about the beauty of New Orleans, I was so excited to see Mississippi River, I was touched by the story of Hurricane Katrina and hoped to discover that land. I longed for one day standing in a big street in the US,…. Yes it came true but I was so sorry because when being in New Orleans, my heart literally did not go with my body.

I tried so hard on the last day in Missoula to keep my smiles, to forget my hurting legs, my sickness, my family problems, my stressful final school year back home and  especially my sadness missing  Missoula  but being on the flights to New Orleans, I could not stop thinking and crying. From the morning time I got up at 4am to prepare, to say thank-you to beloved and familiar faces in the Comfort Inn and wrote a short note for them. The most important reason I loved Missoula so much…. because I always felt home there and never did I think I was living in the US during the time there. I was myself to discover, to engage, to enjoy and to be a person I was supposed to be.

I was so thankful for everything we YSEALI fellows were given in Missoula. I was so grateful for your support Dr Len, Dr Nicky, Deana and Mel. Thank you very much my dearest GTAs, Nick, Shanti, Peter, Sam, Pat and Mercedez with your encouraging words and great support! Thank you my beloved families! Thank you my UM friends! Thank you for everything!

Finally we were in New Orleans

The first day without you, I tried so hard to keep my body moving without my heart. Everything was a big contrast. I wanted to sleep for a while after check-in at Aloft hotel, 225 Baronne Street, but I cried instead of sleeping. I knew that every beginning had an ending but this was the first ending ever totally locking my heart.  I was captured almost sad moments (picture from Queenie)

And many times… Cookie, wake up! Cookie, Look at your face! Quy, where is your smile? And whenever I “woke up”, The culture shock began!

My neck hurt because I tried to look at the top of super tall buildings, which also meant no mountains to hike and no sunrise or sunset moments to enjoy.  The street was crowed and people were busy, kept quickly moving and talking. That was marvelous, not as simple as Missoula. That was, exactly what I imagined about the US before my departure to America and Missoula changed my mindset with wonderful mountains and super-friendly people. Now I saw a different angle of Southern American life .

We walked to Mississippi River with Dr Nicky, Mel and some fellows. I thought  about the Adventures of Huck Finn – a 1993 American adventure film with touching moments and lessons learnt about Racism and Slavery, hypocrisy of “Civilized” society… I was amazed listening to street Jazz music everywhere but a bit scared by the appearance of some people wearing strange clothes.  There were lot of horse tours on the street and the weather was much much hotter than that in Missoula.  We visited some art and souvenir shops as well… The prices were more expensive and we, of course

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needed to pay tax.  I started to get confused.

We then had dinner at 801 Royal French Quarter thanks to suggestions of Mel. The seafood was so appetizing.  I and Queenie chose the recommended dish after asking the waiter (Fried Shrimp Po-Boy) but to be honest, the food was a bit salty. After tasting other fellows’ dishes, I recognized it was salty with almost the food there and when I asked the waiter, he happily explained because it was local seafood taste.

Fried Shrimp Po-Boy

Then we walked around to enjoy beautiful buildings, which looked like Royal palaces. If in Missoula, I was captured by maroon colors and “Go Griz” message, being here, I was impressed by the state flower “Fleur de Lis”, which could be seen everywhere.

I saw a T-shirt with the word “I know why I miss New Orleans”  and suddenly realized that New Orleans also impressed me a lot but just my heart still got lost in Missoula.

 

Enjoying Café Du Monde with Beignet was one of the must-do things in New Orleans. The taste was so special and no words to describe.  Going to French Market, I was a bit scared and wondered whether or not people were as friendly as those in Downtown Missoula… And I realized that maybe the hustle and bustle of life made them busy sometimes but a lot of nice and friendly people were there. Luckily I meet a Vietnamese man selling craft products there for a very long time knowing almost people in the Market. He was so happy to meet Vietnamese and when I wanted to buy anything, he introduced me to his friends who sell those things that I was his friend and they even did not sell them but gave me free. I was so surprised and I tried to put money in their hands being thankful for their kindness.

I knew that being in Missoula or New Orleans with such big contrast, but wherever I went, I always found something special to love and some touching moments to remember. That was why my friends, even some YSEALI fellows said “Cookie has too much love for everything and no love for (even destroy) herself” LOL.

 Finally I ended my first day in New Orleans with my smile (Thanks for encouraging me to smile)

 Thank God Cookie can smile again!

…

But tears are dropping on my finger typing these words now and… listening to music for YSEALI from Peter. Deep down in my heart now is the big love for Missoula and a ready-to –love feeling for New Orleans.

My last blog!

Cookie- Quy Nguyen

Please don’t say good bye.

Last weekend in Missoula, Montana

I don’t want to leave Montana. I don’t want to say this the last weekend. I want to say last weekend in comfort inn. LOL. Because I want to come back here someday. Well, weekend is always special because it is time to explore the city, especially for last weekend of program. I start my exploration by hiking to “M” Mountain. I want to see Missoula from above. It just very nice to see beloved university, Yeah Missoula is very nice city and Montana has very great nature. You will want to be here again once you leave it.

Well, Montana’s name is Spanish word means mountain. Yes, Mountain is everywhere. It is a part of rocky mountain that stretches in north America. Mount Sentinel is one of them. For short, we call it ‘M’ Mountain because there is big ‘M’ letter on the slope. The mount which elevation 1,572 m is located to the east of University of Montana. The trail is zigzag and just approximately an hour to walk to the top.

Last weekend means we are going to leave Montana. It is hard, but we have to. Please do not say good bye, let’s say see you again. Because I hope we can meet again one day, maybe in other part of earth. Well, Thanks for all of teacher, Prof. Len Broberg, Nicky Phear. Thank to Deena Mansour and Melissa Wardlow. Thanks to GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) Shanti Johnson, Peter McDonough, Pat O’Connor, Jami Seirer and Nick Triolo. Thanks to Student Coordinator Mercedes Becker, Sam Forstag and Sean McQuillan. You guys the nicest American that We ever met. Thanks for everything. Thanks for this unforgettable experience. We hope we can meet you again.

What up Crown of the Continent (CoC)?

Today was the second day of the 6th Annual Conference of the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent. This year’s theme will be the “New Ideas and Enduring Values: The Next Generation of Leadership in the Crown”. It will explore how the businesses, cultures and communities taking progressive actions to balance values in the face of changing economic and climatic conditions. CoC’s ultimate purpose is to connect people to enhance culture, community and conservation in the CoC which was held in University of Montana – University Center. I was really privileged to attend this conference to gain more valuable knowledge and experience on the CoC in a different perspectives from the distinguished speakers.

I can still remember vividly the first class with Dr Len started with the introduction of the CoC. Honestly, it was the first time for most of us to learn and even heard about this topic. Hence, I was really excited for this roundtable in order to gain and enhance my knowledge beyond the classroom level. It was really interesting to have people from all walks of life gathering under one roof that share a common commitment to the region. For instance, they were government agencies, Tribes and First Nations, non-government organizations, community-based partnership and students. While these various initiatives operate independently from each other, the roundtable provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships and explore opportunities to work together in order to maintain the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape.

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The morning session kicked off with few speakers provide insights on the continent in terms of the landscape perspective, local perspective and snapshot of the crown before the explorers. I really enjoyed the morning breakout session which delegates were able to choose a particular discussion to be part of. I chose the Cross Cultural Capacity Building by Laura Caplins and Kim Paul. The discussion was focused on the appropriate protocol and priorities for working with the Blackfeet for their lands. I learnt that one need to understand in depth about the particular cultures, place and history to make sure the future cooperation will be successful. Not to forget, to always be open on the true agenda when collaborating with them.

Meanwhile, for the afternoon breakout session, I chose The Story of The Map by Steve Thompson, the Crown of the Continent Destination Editor, National Geographic Geotourism Maps. I selected this option because I was curious on how the maps of the CoC was created and shared to the public. It was interesting to know that the residents submitted their recommended point of interest or historical places within the region to him. He will then selected the best of all in order to be included in the maps. As the promotional activity for the geotourism sector with the National Geographic, the comprehensive maps were given to public for free. In addition, he shared few of the stories he heard from the residents of the CoC while working on the 2008 National Geographic Map and 2014 revision.

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A day full of listening and learning on the collaborative efforts for the conservation of the CoC, which is also known as The Back Bone or The Heart Beat, located in the Northwestern US. Indeed, learning is a never ending journey. Looking forward for the final day of CoC tomorrow.

By,

Fatin Areena Azlan

Malaysia

17 September 2015

The Future of the Crown of the Continent

This is the last day of the Crown of the Continent Traverse Conference and the future of the Crown of Continent is depend on people. Every parties should have more corporation and build connection to preserve the Crown of Continent in order to pass it for next generation.

​Youth leader Zech Brown in the the crown of the continent

He is one of the youth leader who have very strong leadership and very active to work with his society which it inspires me a lot to work hard and pay the important role to contribute to my society. the leadership starts from being the small part of the program. Youth could be a table in the discussion session to receive perspective and inspiration from other people who have higher knowledge and experiences. It isn’t necessary to be the expertise immediately but we could do it in the next up coming year by receiving the inspiration from that table. This the powerful speech from Zech which it reflects and inspire a million of youth to use this model and being brave to make different in their community.

​Group discussion

It was very wonderful time for me to have a good opportunity to discuss with other parties who come from different career backgrounds to explore the dynamic ideas. We have received varieties of ideas which it is very important to find the best way to deal with issue in the community. Moreover, we also have discussed about the expectation of the next conference which it will be the forward step to make this conference move to another step and have more dimensions to cover all the challenge. Beside, I really want to have people in my region especially ASEAN to be the observer in next conference. it will help us a lot to use this successful model to our deal with our conflict in our region.

​Peter’s birthday

One of the highlight of today is peter birthday. We are very happy to see his smile and we surprised him by video clip and birthday cake. Moreover, we also gave masterpiece made by YSEALI team to Peter. On this special day, i wish you all the very best, all the joy you can ever have and may you be blessed abundantly today, tomorrow and the days to come! May you have a fantastic birthday and many more to come… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!. Thank you very much for your kindness and your support peter.

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The picture of Star Gazing

It is a good chance for our YSEALI team to travel around the universe and get to know well about other planets. i have learn about our galaxies and the galaxies beyond ours is important to understand how our world evolved, how it is continually changing in the order of the Universe, and what the fate of our world will be in the future.This very fun activity and it is also my first time to join this kind of activity. i have no doubt that why people here have a very high education because they all use technology to be one part of studying which it is totally different from us.

18/09/2015

Mr. Oulathai SOUPHILEUTH (Max)

Highlights of the day!

~ From An Khang (Vietnam) with love again ~

Meet and greet with U.S State Department Program Officer KEVIN ORCHISON

Finally, I met him.

I knew the name "Kevin Orchison" via my DS-2019 form. I don’t think that I could meet him early like this. If you, Kevin, are reading this blog post, I want to say thank youuuuuuu very much for selecting me for YSEALI Fall 2015 Program ❤

My first impression of Kevin is that he is very friendly and nice. In my imagination, U.S State Department Program Officer must be very cold and formal. Instead, he just wore casual clothes.

He explained to us a lot of things about YSEALI Program. I have just known that this is the first time YSEALI on Environmental Issues being organized in the fall. Honestly, I love being here in the fall more than in the summer (although I have never been here in the summer). I have summer weather in my home country so I wish to experience something new. And I did see the trees changing colors in the fall for the very first time in my life. They are so beautiful and eye-relaxing.

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I love the fall ❤

The meeting is just only 30 minutes so we do not have much time to talk to each other. I want to ask him one more question which is "are there any chances that we YSEALI Fellows could meet the President Barack Obama in the future?". I will ask him this question later because he will spend time with us in a few upcoming days.

The Crown of the Continent starts!

Today is the first day of the Crown of the Continent. In the beginning, we had a chance to hear a lot of success stories from leaders of citizen science programs. After that, we came into Ballroom and listen to the speech of Sheena Plate about Geotourism. Some enthusiastic leaders also shared their mind and thoughts about their own projects and plans.

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The second negotiation of United Nations: did we make it?

We did fail again huhu.

After a very dynamic discussion and even argument, our final decisions made the temperature of the earth rise up to 3.4 degrees in 2100. Our goal is just rising 2 degrees only.

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Anyway, I did acknowledge that making decision for serious problems like this is never ever easy. Reena and I (team U.S) did not know how much money we should contribute to the Global Fund. We are not sure if the money we give to the fund, the amount of afforestation, the percentage of CO2 we will reduce, have what kind of impact to the economy or other things related. We only had 20 minutes to negotiate so we could not see the problem too further in the future.

I now can understand how stressful and difficult the REAL United Nations’ meeting will be in Paris at the end of this year. I will not blame or use bad words for any decision they will make (I have never done that also) because I know they must take a lot of time to think, discuss, brainstorm to have the final decision.

What a useful discussion!

Dinner at Fall Festival

Just one sentence: I love the chickennnnnnnnnnnnnn 💓

10.45pm
September 16, 2015

A Universal Interaction

“I am thankful I can see much to admire in all religions.” – Alfred Russel Wallace,

in a letter from the field for his brother-in-law, 1861

Indonesian Pattern I Made Today

When Wallace wrote his famous “Malay Archipelago”, he divided his manuscript of every place he went into three parts; the place, the species, and the culture. That was the first time I fell in love deeply with a book when he brilliantly combined the sense of space, where the science, never – and should not be apart from its living beings and interacting to each other. We give many interpretations of everything we’ve met even since we are on our mom’s womb. For example, in my tribe (Javanese), we have ritual for 7-months pregnancy, birth, after birth, first step, circumcision, wedding, and death. All things we had in life, along with our psychosocial development stages, affect us to form a value of how to see and perceive this world. That thing do involve in many problem from small to a bigger one. So science, should never forget the “human” itself as a part of central stakeholder, and how we can see many same things in a different way. In this YSEALI program I have attended many class to talk about the science behind climate change and how to deal with it, but let me share my perspective of our shared and non-shared values that I had observed through last 22 days. My minor was Cross-cultural Psychology back in the college, so I hope we can conclude together how that science can deal with our differences (or vice versa), after you read this writing.

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There are many reasons for people to travel. In ancient era, people travel to trade and conquer another nations. In this modern era, we travel to escape, to see things, to learn, to understand, to spend time with beloved one, you name it. For YSEALI members, I am sure that we travel to United States to learn – which is a really good one reason. For my own, I travel to understand people. I want to see what they are doing with their life and spaces. I have fortunate in getting chance to go to see many Indonesian culture and places, and I learn them one by one. But when I arrived here in Missoula, I was faced with another seven countries’ custom and the US itself. It is like a Pandora box when you never know what you get after you do something common in your hometown. In addition, we have to get used to it for less than few days so we can do activities in five weeks smoothly. This Pandora box contains many things that I hardly to pick to write, but there are some interesting things to write for. The first one is about equality.

Terry, Mon, Kari

Our first weekend was well spent in our homestay family. For my own I stayed with two stunning professors, and I learned how they teach and treat people equally. We spent our first night with discussion and share how my country looks like. They have a strong belief that everyone should have a same opportunity to get what s/he dreamed of. I am impressed how they let their lovely daughter, Ming, to choose kind of activities she want and figure out by herself what to do after finishing school. They give a freedom to Ming to do what she has to do on the weekend and with her room. It’s no matter who cook in the house, or who has to do domestic works. I ever read a paper of research that proved that marriage will be happier if there is a same proportion of responsibility in the house and I thought I just saw the real proof of that research’s finding. I also learned about positive reinforcement that is used in the US, something that I learn only by theory in my campus. When Kari (my homestay mother) taught Mon (my homestay mate) how to bike, I saw her gave many positive reinforcement like “you’re doing great Mon!” or “you’re awesome!” and Mon then can bike only in a few hours. Such a fantastic achievement! When I went to classes in University of Montana, I also saw this kind of reinforcement, but home – I believe, is the very first educational place that someone attend. In Indonesia, we don’t have many positive reinforcement, mostly to compare between siblings, for example the smaller child will be compared to older sibling’s achievement and then were asked whether s/he can do the same way or not. I will explain my opinion toward this different culture later in the end of this writing.

Mon, Me, Ming (©Khin Myat Mon)

Another thing which is related to education, today we went to Lewis and Clark Elementary school. We shared to our third grades fellas about our country and customs. Indonesia team and Thailand team were together and when we presented our traditional clothes, some children raised their hands to ask. I learned that the freedom of opinion here in the US is started from really early age. They asked random questions and good questions as well, and I adored that. When we were going outside to play two Thai traditional games, some kids also approached me to share their connections with Southeast Asian countries. One girl told me that her brother have lived in Indonesia and Thailand, and to do some work there. In Indonesia, we are very shy when we are young. We don’t have custom to approach stranger. I don’t know whether it is related to safety issue or not, but here in Missoula elementary school, we don’t have to ask “is there any question?” compared to my previous experiences in teaching kids in school.

Max from Laos was Explaining to Kids (©Oulathai Souphileuth)

The equality and freedom of opinion was also shown by my best story teller and reminder, Dr. Len Broberg. Today in our group meeting project, he proved to me that he had read the story I made for the project and retold the story to the group. Sure, I want to sleep after listening that bedtime story, Dr. Len. But what made me impressed about him, that he showed from the very first time that it is okay to be different. I applied this program with my background in animal welfare issue, and he understood it is hard if you just want to adjust your opinion to others (I am little bit crying right now – no joke). I had experiences of being different, many times. I stood for cultural performance that was prohibited by school when I was in High School, I stood for different idea of group project in college, I had never been in campus to join any campus club to commit as volunteer outside campus, I stood for animal rights in campus, I worked in an industry which is not attractive for psychology students, and so on – all first response for me was a no. The brainstorming in the early days here with him was the first time that somebody say “yes” to my idea. The reflection of freedom of opinion and equality was real, not only in the presentation of US culture. In my country – as a collectivistic and highly following order country, being different is not desirable. We tend to seek out for our family’s opinion and follow the order.

Indonesia and Thailand Team (minus Dhimas)

We can pass the differences now, I will write about playing. Few days ago we played two Native Indian games and I learned that playing is universal. To play is to gain joy. This is what I called as universal interaction. We shared same need of happiness and joy, to be close to each other, to laugh and to enjoy some time together. Everyone, no matter from where they came from, can recognize what they have to do or must not do in a game, we are happy when we win, we are upset when we lose. But to play is to learn about life. We have to learn to cooperate, follow rules, struggle, express what we feel after win or lose, and do introspection after the result. I think that is the main reason of why we have to play and it is well shared among all culture. I also liked the way Native Indian games taught us about respect to woman (of course it is not because I am a woman). So when men play with women, they can’t push, pull, or even touch a woman. It teaches men to put respect on woman because they are bigger, stronger, and meant to be the protector of their woman and kids. But if a woman hit, push, or pull a man, the man can’t do a payback to teach the men a self-control. I learned about self-control in college, but that was the first time I saw the concept of self-control is obviously taught through a game. Basically all game is teaching about self-control; not to cheat, not to steal – but the game perfectly relates it to cultural context of family responsibility.

Like Life, Play Teaches about Winning and Losing (© Shanti Johnson)

Talking about respect, I am surprised about how Missoulians respect the right to pray. As a Moslem to stay in a city without Mosque, everybody helps me to look for a room for praying. I think this culture is strongly related with freedom of opinion and equality in US culture. However, respect to the older is one thing that I found pretty similar in eight Southeast Asian countries. I heard every time Queenie (YSEALI member from The Philippines) called Cla (another member from same country) with “Ate”, a term that used to address an elder sister as a sign of respect. This term also present in Vietnam, when I should call Lucia (YSEALI member from Vietnam) with “Chi” because she is older than me. One of Indonesia member, Ricky, always call me with “Mbak”, or a term to call an elder woman in Javanese custom (okay I feel old now). When I had dinner with my Myanmar mate for homestay, she let the elder took the food first until in order by age until the youngest one. In my tribe I originally have this custom as well. Asian people put a big concern on family, and I think that is why birth order is important. I can’t find many terms to call elder people (except family member) or take food order in the US. To respect, is also a universal interaction to me and we just react to it differently, when the US people show their respect with listening carefully when the others is speaking, or follow the schedule on time.

Altruistic is a Universal Expression Indeed

One last universal interaction that I want to share is to help. Altruistic is already found in all cultures and customs. In last few days we went to PEAS Farm, Missoula Food Bank, and Hybrid Poplar Water Reclamation Project to do something and felt nice after that. We want to help, we want to do something. Today, I went to Fall Volunteer Fair in UC Atrium and it was awesome. I asked Montana Wilderness Club, Montana Natural History Center, and spent time to draw bookmark with Indonesian pattern in the Art Booth. It was lovely to see that people in Missoula give a big spaces for people to volunteer – or seek vacancy to be volunteer in. I always believe (not a scientific one, actually) that helping and volunteering are like filling an empty hole in our heart – but we don’t know exactly what is the hole actually is. Not everyone can be rich or be on the top, but the point is how we can make same opportunity and spaces so we can be on a better place together. That universal interaction filled my stomach with butterflies.

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Today four YSEALI members shared about each countries’ problem that is related to climate change issue. Our universal interaction to solve problem came up at that moment. Everyone feels that change must to be started – I could feel that. But I just want to highlight that there are non-shared values that makes us different and the solution adaptation can be very hard. Understanding the differences is a really good step toward it. My opinion, there is nothing wrong with any culture. I love how my tribe reflect a good respect with parents and it turned me to a big fan of my father – but it makes me can do many things that I can do now. However, the equality concept in the US is very good to be implemented for climate change rights – that people who emit carbon footprint, do have responsibility to pay it back. I believe the optimum solution is take the good values and customs, and adapt it to Southeast Asian customs. Acculturation and assimilation are part of culture forming, so it does take a long time – but I know it is worth to try. Understanding all differences – like Wallace did when he explored my archipelago, is our guidance to form universal interaction where science and social to be in harmony and make the Earth to be a better place to live.

Missoula, September 15th 2015

Puspita Insan Kamil

Once YSEALIer Forever YSEALIer

Hi Everyone! This is Su Ei Nandar from Myanamr J

I haven’t noticed that time flies so fast and now we have already stayed three weeks in the beautiful city Missoula. I still couldn’t believe that I am in the United States and meeting with the gorgeous people la (using the Malaysian assent). Today is such a long day for our YSEALIers. Before reaching for my blog day, I was really worried that I could not make very well. Today we were going to see the Waste Water Treatment in Missoula. Because of writing proposal yesterday night, I could not get up early morning and I was late so everybody was waiting me at the Lobby (I am so sorry Guys J ). I am very exciting and nervous to visit to the waste water treatment facility as I am not very much understand and familiar with waste water management.

I was riding Peter’s car and we sing along all the way to the destination. Ohh, we did have fun on the car as our gorgeous Ricky was in our car (you will never regret if you are with Ricky:-P ). As we arrived to the waste water treatment facility, I could smell something we are not familiar with everyday. As first, I don’t like the smell and it stint so badly but later on I could endure abit, I hope everyone will have the same feeling with me, Am I right?

I was really impressed by the people who worked here and I really appreciate their dedicated mind. Mr Gene Connell was waiting in front of the main building and he warmly welcomed us .Mr. Gene said all the wastewater from the individual households, small businesses, and restaurants in Missoula come to the treatment plant through the buried sewage pipes. The wastewater has to pass through 2 main steps of treatment. When the dirty water first arrives into the plant, it will be pumped up in the head works. During this step, trash and gravel will be removed. Then the water will continue to go through ‘’primary treatment’’, this process removes everything heavier or lighter than water which is half of the pollution. After that, ‘’secondary treatment’’ which is a biological process, and bacteria in the system consumes the pollutants. After this process, the bacteria will be harvested out, leaving clean water. The residuals are also treated, and they will be made into Eco-composed, which will be used as natural fertilizer for farmers to grow their crops.

Figure 1 Mr Gene is explaining about the Waste Water Treatment system and we all are really interesting especially Mr Andrew

The treated water was released to the river and some are used for the irrigation of the farm and the watering the poplar plants near the waste water treatment facility. I was really impressed by the waste water treatment and I really want to make like this in my country, I never dreamed of recycling the especially water before.

Figure 2 Having fun at the back of the Truck

After that, Mr Gene walked us to the Poplar Farm which is Missoula Hybrid Poplar Water reclamantion project and I was also amazed by the power of Poplar trees which is the natural purifier for the water. The trees are already grown up and more than 72,000 poplar trees were planted in last year May to improve the health of the Clark Fork River and the environment. Ten million gallons of reclaimed water is dumped into the river every day. After that, we all were jumped into the truck to go for the servicing in the farm. We carried all the logs and old trees into the truck happily and it’s kind of physical exercise for all of us. I was very sorry that I could not contribute a lot as I hurt my leg L

Later on we went back to the university and had lunch together in Food Zoo. For me, having lunch together with our YSEALIers is one of the highlighted activities that I enjoyed the most. After the lunch, we went to the Jannet Rankin Hall for Dr Len’s class, Conservation without borders and today lesson is about the Coral Triangle Initiatives and Indonesia, Malaysia, Phillipines, Thailand, etc are incluced in the coral triangle. I have learned about the alternative livelihoods project in those countries in order to protect the Coral reefs. Some countries, they even developed the policies to protect the environment. We also learned 4 elements for sustainable livelihood programs and it is also very useful for our project proposal.

Figure 3 DR Len was talking about Coral Triangle Initiative

Before the climate change class, we went to the chemistry building for the discussion with Jami and Peter. The discussion session was amazing and we have to make the exercise for the climate change negotiation among the developed countries, other developing coutries, china, India, US and EU and some underdeveloped countries. After the negotiation, we could not get our target because China cannot agree to reduce the emissions (Actually I was the China Delegate).

Figure 4 The arrogant China Delegates

On the way to the Climate change class, we had the conversation about the last days in Missoula and our adventurous trip in New Orlens and Washington DC and we actually don’t want to reach to the last day but this is something we must face and we are also trying to live in the present happily and want to preserve all those memories.

After that we went to attend the lecture on Climate change and Jami presented about the GCMs. GCMs stands for Global Climate Model and another way General Circulation Model. And we could also learn about the weather forecasting and Climate forecasting.

After the discussion, we had a short discussion with Dr Nicky for our project and we went back to the hotel and me, Max, Art, Andrew, Mon and our gorgeous Ricky went to Five guys hamburger shop which is the local one and we enjoyed the food, talked and laughed together. Actually we all are very excited for the tomorrow Cultural Presentation at the school and we tried to practice and made the rehearsal for tomorrow presentation.

Figure 5 Five Guys Burger shop where we went for today Dinner

I don’t want to stop the blog here and I want to continue more and more. If I could have the power, I would love to stop the time, especially our time in Montana!!!! I am very excited and happy to go back to the university life again and I am very much enjoying my time with my lovely sisters and brothers here. I would like to create the unforgettable and beautiful memories with all of you guys and want to keep in my memory forever. I hope that even though this program will be ending very soon but our friendship will remain the same and will become the lifelong friend forever J

Figure 6 We never fail to take the selfie everyday

So, if you become YSEALIer once, you will be forever YSEALIer……………

THE DAY THAT WE FEEL LIKE HOME!

I have been in America for 20 days now and I believe that every single day that i have spent and every single day that I am going to spend will be the unforgettable days that ever happen in my life. Hence, today I woke a bit early because I do not want to miss every moment that happens here and I know that I have only one chance and no one knows what will happen in the future. There are three things that i did today and there is one ecstatic thing that made me and other Yseali fellows feel like home. Indeed, the weather today is so warm almost like the weather in my country.

The first activity that I did today after having breakfast is Shopping! . Victoria, Lucia, Quang, and me went to Target mall by a cab. Actually, there weren’t many people there because we were very excited to go to shopping and we arrived a bit earlier.

The photo of me in front of target mall.

The products there are not expensive, so we bought many things even though we are tired because of the rafting trip yesterday. In addition to these, I think shopping in America is enjoyable because there are many fascinating products and there are many malls that i can find everything I want. Thus, we not only went to Target mall but also TJ Maxx. There, I saw a number of cheap products and I also saw a lot of Halloween stuff in there that made me feel sad because I don’t have a chance to stay in America during that day but it’s okay because at least I could see those stuff.

The Halloween costume and decoration.

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When the afternoon came, the group Yseali went to watch Montana Cup Soccer Game which is a women’s college soccer match between University of Montana Grizzlies and the Creighton University Bluejays. Watching the game is really impressive because the groups cooperated with each other really well that I could feel that they have faith in each other and they are really strong. Additionally, a meaningful moment that have ever happened in my life is when i saw the audience screaming and cheering for the players because I never saw that moment in my own eyes before and I think that I will never forget this moment. Unfortunately, team Montana lost but it was really fun watching game that made me think that I’m really lucky to be here.

The Group Yseali at the Montana Cup Soccer Game with Shanti and Dr. Len

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The last thing that i did today and it made me feel like home the most since i have arrived in America i is having dinner at Mr.Tuyen and Mrs Shu Shu Pham. And guess what? we had Rice for dinner!!!. In fact, I have to admit that Shu Shu is really a great cooker and we were extremely happy for the foods like you can see on Queenie and Gump’s face.

Everyone happy to see the foods.

After the dinner Shu Shu told us about her story. She is an intellectual women and she never give up in her life even though she has to face some difficulties. She and her husband is really a good couple. I never want the time to go so fast when I was with them.

Shushu is telling her story after the beautiful dinner.

Thank you!

Chakriya Poa

RAFTING or HÁT-TING

RAFTING or HÁT-TING

​This guy is me (Quang – the most handsome “YSEALIer”) – “Rafting”

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​Still me (the biggest YSEALIer) – “Hát-ting”

Let me use a little bit Vietnamese today! Too much English, too much Bahasa and too much Thai. I’ve met only one person who can speak Vietnamese since I came here, romantic, beautiful and peaceful Missoula. One third of us can speak Bahasa and another one third can speak Thai. Sometimes I feel like I am an invisible man when those friends talk to each other: “Hey! Hey! Over here. I am also a person who can speak other language”. That’s my feeling. Ok, one day I will learn Thai and Bahasa.

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The man next to Max is Logan Ried, an American speaking Thai fluently and correctly

Sorry, let me explain about the title. Forget about the mark above the word, just say it as “hat”. “Hát” means “sing” in English. Our boat was so crazy. While rafting, we sang. We sang from Thai to Myanmar songs, from Miley Cyrus (…I’m noddin’ my head like yeah, movin’ my hips like yeah. I got my hands up, they’re playing my song. I know I’m gonna be Ok. Yeah, it’s a party in the USA…) to Adele (…I’ve heard that you’re settled down, that you found a girl and you’re married now…). I didn’t know how we could change from a happy song to a sad song, but “I don’t care eeeee, I don’t care eeeee…”. By the way, I would like to send a big thank to YSEALI program. You gave us the chance to stay in the US and made friends with so many nice people. “I’ve never had a dream come true” but our American dream came true. This is the first time of my life I’ve gone to the US.

Clark Fork River was extremely beautiful and so was the weather. We couldn’t stand not swimming in such a perfect day, so we jumped out of the boat. “Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh my gosh!!!” The water was so cold, no, it must be chill. I’ve never swum in such cold water like that before. Not only cold was the water, but also hot was the sunshine. We got burnt. However, we enjoyed a lot.

“My head’s underwater but I’m breathing fine. You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind…”

The second time I jumped out, I couldn’t swim upstream to our boat ‘cause I was too tired. Thank god! I was rescued by Deena’s husband – Brian (sorry if I’m wrong with the name). Then I met so many people having been to Vietnam. They loved Vietnamese food and people. So happy to me! If anyone comes to Vietnam, just tell us, we’ll be your free tour guides.

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My day was not over. When our friends stayed at Comfort Inn to recover, I decided to explore Missoula by myself. I took my bike and found the way to Southgate Mall. It has been a long time since the last time I rode that far. It took me nearly an hour to get there and I got lost somewhere. In the end, I was satisfied. I found this candy. I bet none of you has ever tried this before. It’s in Harry Porter. Anyone has enough courage to eat and play that game with me?

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Good night everyone!

Quang from Hanoi, Vietnam.

P/s: thank you, Gump and Khang for your photos.

Learned A Lot From America

Hanna (Indonesia)

Being chosen to be here is one of the amazing things for a YSEALI fellow. Due to be part of future leaders is not common. I never expected to be here. I learned about the culture of the other countries and got lecturing directly from famous people and experts in their field such as Dr. Len Broberg, Prof. Steven W. Running, and Dr. Nicky Phear. I am so excited.

I got a lesson related to my work as an engineering staff. We visited The Upper Clark Fork River and Milltown Dam which is very interesting to take a lesson in it. In addition, it related to the first project that we are working on with the team from Malaysia and Cambodia.

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Figure 1.0

Milltown State Park Overlook

I learned how to control the contaminated water of the dam. Although it wass very short chance, I could take to be considered in the project that we are working on together.

Figure 1.1

Mike Kustudia is explaining about contaminated water of Milltown Dam

Very fortunate are feeling felt by each Yseali fellow because they learned a lot of things here. Kustudia explained about the contaminated sediment, laden with arsenic, poisoned wells and other local aquatic life during high flows and ice jams. I had asked a few questions about how they purify river which was polluted in 1908. It was quite satisfying for me personally. Although we did not have much time to ask more questions, I could learn how the water treatment and remediation should be.

Figure 1.2

Dr. Broberg is guiding us

Behind the seriousness with which we learned about the remediation. There was an activity of my fellas that caught my attention. I thought that “This is ridiculous, funny and quite interesting” (Sorry guys ^_^). They danced like Oppa Gang Nam Style.

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Khang (Vietnam), Ricky (Indonesia), Victoria (Malaysia), Andrew (Thai), Art (Thai), Max (Laos), and Su Ei (Myanmar)

(Left to Right)

I did not find good friends here or close friend but I found the family to share knowledge and experience exceptional. Smile scattered on the Missoula City taught me a lot about kindness should be. I did not get it in Indonesia except in some communities or area who know each other but if they do not know you, they will not give you their smile or greeting.

One of the lessons I learned from Missoula was the kindness and courtesies of the residents. No matter you are poor one or you are disability one, you will get their smile. And this is what we need to learn from the Americans. I think I should try What I see here. And this I learned from residents of Missoula, USA.

While waited for the next class we made time for hanging out and lunch at Hip Strip Missoula. Some of us decided to eat pizza, Rendang (Indonesian food from Padang) at Iza Asian Restaurant (Khang, Puspita, Ricky, Zul, and Dhimas), and I chose to eat ice cream at Big Dipper Ice Cream together with Reena (Malaysia).

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Lunch with Ice Cream is enough for me

After waited for a moment, finally time for volunteers came to feel the fun be a real volunteer, and I thought that this is a real lecturing.

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Volunteers are ready

Yups … waited about 10 minutes we also rushed to get in and get a little direction from the officer of Missoula Food Bank. Missoula food bank is a provider of food for people in need in Missoula, not for the resident Kendari City, Indonesia (My hometown) ^_^.

Figure 1.6

Officer of Missoula Food Bank is guiding us

This is the most interesting at that time. My mind flew open I thought that I have to build a similar place like this in Indonesia, at least in my hometown. Greatly this will help people. Sometimes we only theorized to help people but not followed by the real thing like this. This is what I made of the reasons why I say the title of this blog “Learned A Lot From America”. Even my friend from Malaysia (Reena) would like to change the title of their project when looked at this place. I also immediately thought to get started in my home town. Alhamdulillah (Thank’s God), I am really lucky to see this place. I can not say anything except “thank you” for YSEALI, my embassy, Mel, Deena, Dr. Phear, Dr. Len, Prof. Running, Peter, Nick, Sam, Pat, Shanti, Jami, and every one (I can not mention one by one) who has dedicated his time to us here.

Figure 1. 7

Lend a hand for people at Missoula Food Bank

Now I have a wish to use all of the positive things that I got from Missoula, USA for my home country.

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YSEALI Volunteers: Max (Thailand) & Su Ei (Myanmar)

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YSEALI Volunteers

Missoula has Jeanette Rankin Peace which is peace center of Montana. It was dedicated for peace. Many things I learned from America at this place. Not only smile of the resident but also the way they do things to little things for those around them, including establishing Jeanette Rankin Peace for peace.

“I love volunteers”

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