Medley Fall 2011 by Medley Magazine

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Editorial Staff Editor in Chief Kathleen Kim Managing Editor Lauren Stefaniak Senior Editors Colleen Bidwill Julie McMahon Danielle Odiamar Assistant Editors Zoha Arshad Kathleen Lees Nikelle Snader Writers Safa Browne Collyn Dungey Sakina Kader Nazia Islam Caroline Mahoney

Design Staff Art Director Leah Waitekus Asst. Art Director Zoë Mintz Designers Dan Berkowitz Kristin Cordon Jessie Keith Ankur Patankur Kelly Stevens Lucas Taccardi Photographers Carmen Ramirez Elizabeth Reyes Chris Trigaux Shijing Wang

A FRESH LOOK In a memorable scene in the film “The Dead Poet’s Society,” Robin Williams leaps onto a table and says: “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.” That’s exactly what we aim to do at medley--take a different perspective. And we challenge you, curious reader: be bold. Dare to see things with fresh eyes and an open mind. And you don’t have to climb on top of your desk to do that. You’ve already made that step by picking up our Fall 2011 issue. So jump right in. Take a peek at the work of Emeritus professor Bob Gates who sees beauty in the seemingly ordinary (p. 8). Forget what you know about Indian cuisine and take a lesson from a Pakistani student who gives you the lowdown on local restaurants’ authenticity (p. 6). Then, meet a transgender student who shares an honest and candid account of his path to self-discovery (p. 21). A lot of time and care went into collecting these stories to share with you. As you near the last page, I hope we ignite your curiosity and help you adopt a brand-new point of view.

Public Relations Public Relations Director Esther Chen

Happy reading,

Advisor Elane Granger Ph.D. Associate Director for Student Services, Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services

Kathleen Kim

Mark Obbie, Associate Professor in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications 2 medley | fall 2011 Medley_fall2011.indd 2

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table of contents

04 Bar Hop

3 adapted international pastimes

05 Another Year Older

6 9 14

08 Global Gulp

Tip your cup to four international drinking customs

Celebrate with global birthday traditions

06 Dash of Flavor Set your Indian cuisine knowledge straight

PHOTO STORY

medley is dedicated to providing a forum for students to explore international and cultural differences and its manifestations on campus, in the city of Syracuse and abroad. medley magazine is published once a semester with funding from your student fee. All contents of the publication are copyright 2011 by their respective creators.

9 Gateway Inside

Through the lens of photographer Bob Gates

14 Hit the Spot Communities that comprise cultural Syracuse

16 From the Rubble

Students’ hope for Haiti

10 24 Who I Am

SU student reflects on self-disovery

18 Walk the Walk

Medley’s tools and tips for smart travel

20 Open Hearts, Open Doors A safe haven for refugees

26 Away We Go

20 24

Take our quiz and see where you should go

27 Tidbits

Make the right move with these global hand gestures PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH REYES

“When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.” -Yo-Yo Ma

Bob Gates, a retired Syracuse University professor, answers questions about his extensive photography project and shares imaages from his collection.

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Bar Hop Three imported trends that influence our pastimes -Lauren Stefaniak

No longer the heavy drinking, gun-slinging saloons of the Old West, bars have evolved in form and function. They aren’t just spots to catch up with friends or sling back a quick drink. With international influences hitting American culture, alternative bars are the hottest places to be. Check out these three non-traditional bars.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY ZOË MINTZ

HOOKAH

Hookah didn’t always serve its current purpose as a social accessory on college campuses. Originally developed in 1558 as a means of “purifying” tobacco with water, it was created for the royal court of India and Persia, and now serves as an important cultural influence in the Middle East and South Asia. While Syracuse doesn’t boast any hookah bars of its own, smoke shops like Exscape on Marshall Street provide students with all their hookah-hosting needs. It carries hookah pipes and flavored tobacco such as mint, apple, and pumpkin. Graduate student Mike Mclean says he visits Exscape because of its peaceful atmosphere, which mirrors the original purifying purposes of hookah.

TAPAS

Tapas, from the Spanish verb for “to cover,” are individual appetizer-sized portions served buffet-style and selected to form full meals. Customarily, tapas diners walk around from table to table, creating a social experience. Though tapas are typically plates of Spanish cuisine, other tapas styles have been popularized across the U.S. For example, Laci’s serves Mediterranean cuisine. Located on Hawley Avenue, Laci’s Tapas Bar serves up the ultimate taste-testing experience. Owner Cindy Seymour emphasizes preserving the authentic taste and feel of the tapas experience. “We want our customers to enjoy the setting and the food, and just forget their troubles for a while,” Seymour says. “They should feel like they are in a different country when they come.”

SUSHI

Sushi, a combination of rice and various types of fish—raw and cooked—is a traditional staple in Japan. In the U.S., sushi has taken on a new face in the form of sushi bars. Popular serving styles at these bars include conveyor belt. Customers choose their plates of choice as they pass by. Located in downtown Syracuse, Sakana-Ya Sushi Bar, is one hotspot for Japanese food lovers. “Getting sushi on a conveyor belt saves me a great deal of time spent ordering, and lets me keep track of how much money I am spending—a great deal for a student,” says Tehmina Mehdi, a Syracuse University graduate student and regular at Sakana-Ya. “Plus, the food is great and the sushi is fresh.”

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Another Year Older

Blow out the candles with these global celebrations

Birthdays in the U.S. might be exciting, but check out how countries around the world celebrate this special day. Some countries have bigger celebrations on certain years—similar to a “sweet sixteen” or a 21st birthday—in others, everyone celebrates together in one giant party. Be a birthday expert when you travel the globe, and don’t forget to bring a gift. -Sakina Kader

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHELLE KURZNER

KOREA

VIETNAM

HUNGARY

On New Year’s Day, the Vietnamese throw the biggest party of the year. Locals there do not recognize or celebrate individual birthdays. The New Year, or Tet, doubles as all Vietnamese citizens’ birthdays. Everyone exchanges gifts and money on this colossal celebration day.

CANADA

In Korea, destiny is in your own hands. On the first birthday, called tol, the birthday child chooses from items such as books, brushes and money. Each object, given by friends and relatives, represents a future career. This fortunetelling event tells what kind of person the child will become.

A room full of people pulling on their earlobes may seem strange but in Hungary, it’s a popular birthday celebration. Everyone grabs their lobes and says a rhyme as the birthday girl or boy opens presents. The cheery rhyme goes: “God bless you, live so long so your ears reach your ankles”

Birthday traditions in Canada vary depending on the area. In the Atlantic region, the birthday girl or boy receives either butter or grease on their nose to prevent bad luck from sticking to them. In Quebec, they receive punches equal to their age; an extra punch is for good luck in the coming year. Cool, eh?

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Dash of Flavor Spice up your knowledge on Indian cuisine story by zoha arshad photo by carmen ramirez

As a Syracuse University graduate student living in the U.S. for the first time, I have yet to eat an authentic, flavorful chicken tikka like the one back home in Pakistan. To get a quick fix, I head over to some nearby Indian restaurants. I was surprised to discover that while some restaurants claim to strictly serve Indian cuisine, Pakistani dishes make an appearance on menus. For the non-South Asian diner, these may be difficult to pinpoint. But here’s the lowdown of three Indian restaurants in Syracuse and the dishes they offer so next time, you know exactly what you’re eating. Here’s a tip: ask to crank up the heat level. Then sit back, let your tongue catch fire, and enjoy. 6 medley | fall 2011

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a ro u n d t h e w o r l d , a ro u n d t o w n c u lt u r a l f i n d s i n s y r a c u s e

Samrat Restaurant If you want to experience the real authenticity of the food, spend a little and don’t eat the buffet. The 9 dollar lunch and dinner buffet is one of the most attractive features of Samrat, but the spice level is minimal. Spend a little more, and get the chicken tandoori, or the mixed vegetables and rice dishes. Digest it all with a hot cup of ‘doodh patti’ chai, a perfect blend of milk, tea and cardamom—Samrat gets the creamy taste spot on. Favorite item: The ‘gulaab jaaman,’ a round concoction of caramelized syrup and flour, served warm. Have it with chai, and let the hot caramel goodness melt in your mouth.

Taste of India Westcott’s newest addition offers a variety of dishes to choose from. The restaurant seems to use more flavorful ‘masala’ and spice in its food. Definitely pay this place a visit, and order the lentil ‘daal.’ While the vegetarian menu is strong, the chicken ‘seekh kebabs’ are tastier than any I’ve had in Syracuse. At Taste of India, you get the taste and the entertainment. Watch people dance on the big plasma screen while munching on samosas filled with potato and peas. Favorite item: The mango, tamarind or mint chutneys—order them all with every dish. From sweet and sour to downright mouth-scalding, the sauces go well with everything.

The Taj Mahal This restaurant serves Indian food and offers a distinct selection of Pakistani food. If you are looking for ‘biryani,’ meat or vegetable cooked in rice, or ‘Shahi Korma,’ lamb curry, this is the place to go to. Its reasonable prices merit a drive for some mouthwatering ‘korma,’ a rich curry. The restaurant serves fresh, piping hot ‘naan,’ Indian flatbread, and a refreshing ‘lassi’ drink, available in salt, mango and strawberry flavors. In Pakistan, people have it in the hot summer months to cool down, right before an afternoon siesta. Favorite item: The lamb seekh kebab masala is a must-try the first time you visit the Taj.

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Does the menu read like gibberish to you? medley decodes it:

• Daal - Lentils • Gulaab Jaamun - A dessert made of sugar and flour; roughly the size of a ping pong ball • Karahi - Usually a chicken dish, made with green chillis; has a light gravy base • Korma - A rich curry, and usually quite spicy • Achar - Pickles • Raita - Whipped yogurt with tomatoes and cucumbers mixed in. Served cold as a dip. If you want to tonw down the heat, just add raita to your meal • Naan - Traditionally-made flat bread; try the garlic naan for a change of taste • Tandoori - Anything that has the word tandoori attached to it is means it has been prepared in a clay oven; tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and then roasted • Makhni - The word ‘makhan’ means butter, so any dish with ‘makni’ is perfect for people with low tolerance for spices • Dosa - A large but light pancake made from rice. It can be stuffed with vegetables, chicken, or meat

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Global Gulp GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS BY ZOE MINTZ

What do most cultures have in common? Drinking! Bottoms up to 6 quirky and intriguing rituals from abroad -Esther Chen

AUSTRALIA

Up until the 1960s, Aussie men had a drinking tradition called “The Six O’Clock Swill.” This tradition got its name because after men got off work at 5 p.m., bars closed at 6 p.m. in an effort to make them go home to their wives earlier. Men had one hour to drink as much as they could before leaving.

NORWAY

“Russ” is a Norwegian ritual that celebrates one’s entrance into college. It involves binge drinking and wearing the same pair of overalls for 17 days. At the end of the ordeal, the young adults take off the dirty pants and have the right to call themselves “students.”

RUSSIA

If you plan to drink in Russia, get a pen and jot down these rules. Russians’ drinking rituals include sniffing rye bread before taking a shot and finishing a bottle once it has been opened. Also, don’t think about mixing your liquor with something non-alcoholic—it’s considered insulting to the host.

CHINA

The Gan-Bei is a Chinese toasting ritual. Translated to “dry glass,” this ritual requires one to drink in a single sip, which symbolizes boldness and strength in character, and turn the cup upside down to show that nothing remains.

SOUTH AFRICA

Expect to get closer with your neighbors in this tradition. A group passes around a pot of Sorghum beer, a popular brew. When it’s your turn to chug, you kneel down, blow bubbles away from the surface, sip, and then pass. To compliment the brewer, rub your stomach in an exaggerated manner.

ARGENTINA

Up until June 21 of every year, Argentinians enjoy a popular and traditional drink called “Cana” or “burnt cane.” Mixed with a Central American herb such as ruda macho, this mixture supposedly prevents illness. After June 21, Argentinians consume it just for fun.

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c u l t u re d c o n v e r s a t i o n s a q+a with a su insider

Gateway Inside See through the lens of Emeritus Professor Bob Gates BY NIKELLE SNADER PHOTO BY ELIZABETH REYES

Camera in hand, Bob Gates treks to the intersection of Fayette and South Salina streets. He stands, documenting the faces of those who wait at the busy bus transfer station. This hobby snowballed into a long-term photography project titled “Last Transfer: The Soul of Syracuse.” More than 1,800 photographs fill the series, all capturing the diversity and liveliness of the people of Syracuse. Gates talks to medley about the birth of the project, the lessons he learned from it and the message behind his photographs. HOW DID YOU NOTICE THE BUS TRANSFER STATION? I was going downtown looking for street sights. But at that particular corner, Fayette and Salina, I remembered that I had seen an article in the paper a couple days before about the new transfer station being built. I thought, ‘Gee, that’s interesting but what’s going to happen to this corner?’ because this corner is a very lively, very engaged, very active place of human congregation. WHAT HAS THIS PROJECT SHOWN YOU? People in Syracuse avoid that corner or they think of it as dangerous or dirty, or that panhandlers are going to accost them. Sure, there are panhandlers occasionally and there are people dealing drugs but there are doctors and lawyers down there who work right in those buildings. The diversity of people down there is greater than any other place in Syracuse. HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PEOPLE? I was very nervous the first month, two months even. I was very uncomfortable because some of these people look a little scary. And then you talk to them and they’re just people. You have your stereotypes, you have your expectations and they’re always undermined by what you actually find out about people.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SOUL OF SYRACUSE? If you had to pick one thing in these photographs that is noticeable, in my opinion, it’s people’s eyes. Their eyes are always open, clear and you seem to be able to see something through or in their eyes. And to me, that’s the soulfulness of this. And some of them look very sad. So that’s another aspect of soul: sadness and the burden of the years. There’s a difficulty of their lives, the pain and suffering. Some people show that very directly. They’re not all happy pictures; they’re not all positive pictures. I think there’s a positive sense to all of them, even the ones that are sad— like the blues; blues are sad and uplifting at the same time. WHY SHOULD STUDENTS AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY BE AWARE OF THE CITY? Somebody I know said something to the effect of: ‘I’ve walked past that corner many times, and I never saw those people until I saw them in your photographs.’ That’s what I want. If you go to downtown Syracuse, or if you go anywhere—to your hometown or to the bus station, don’t walk with blinders on. Look at people, acknowledge people, see people for who they are. And you will see their similarity to you, their equivalence to you, their relatedness to you. Mostly it’s a matter of opening your eyes and being willing to see what’s really there rather than coming with prejudices, preconceptions or stereotypes.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANANN WIENERS

The Viewfinder

Snapshots of one of Bob Gatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ventures downtown to capture the essence of Syracuse. Take a look at his process and the end results.

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intimate glimpse

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANANN WIENERS

get to know syracuse

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOB GATES

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“Look at people, acknowledge people, see people for who they are.”

PHOTOS COURT

-Bob Gates SU Emeritus professor

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOB GATES

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Hit the Spot Medley maps out 4 vibrant Syracuse communities STORY | JULIE McMAHON PHOTO | CHRIS TRIGAUX

Little Italy

Tipperary Hill

During the first major round of immigration into Syracuse in the 1800s, Italians resided in the North Side, now sprinkled with bakeries, bistros, cafes and other shops that retain the culture.

At the center of Tipp Hill, a stoplight hangs stubbornly upside-down, reminding onlookers that in this neighborhood, green is on top.

A walk down the neighborhood’s main drag, Pearl Street, feels less than robust. With many vacated storefronts and empty buildings on North Salina Street, Little Italy is a bit of a ghost town. In 2003, community members secured money through grants to rejuvenate the neighborhood. Yet, there are plenty of ethnic gems to discover in the green-white-and-red bannered sprawl. Check out: Local favorite Columbus Bakery Co. and a number of eateries, including Francesca’s Cucina and Attilio’s boast authentic Italian food.

The distinctly Irish Tipp Hill is the product of immigration and industrialization that took place in the 1800s due to the building of the Erie Canal. The early waves of immigrants who largely hailed from the Emerald Isle settled here. While the neighborhood is no longer exclusively Irish, Tipp Hill still manages to transport its occupants and visitors into the atmosphere of Ireland with its bustling Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub. Check out: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Celtic gift shop Cashel House Irish Import Gift Shop, all seemingly plucked from an Irish countryside.

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intimate glimpse get to know syracuse

Maybe Syracuse is a melting pot, a salad bowl or a seven-layer cake. Any way you slice it, it’s deliciously diverse. Of the 145,170 people counted in a 2010 U.S. Census Bureau community survey, 56 percent identified themselves as “white alone.” Like most urban regions in the United States, Syracuse is a process of people, combined and layered over time, and representative of many ethnic groups and movements. Here are 4 communities that add flavor to cultural ’Cuse:

Hawley-Green

South Side

A district recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, Hawley-Green is home to generations of immigrants. Historically, immigrants have settled in Hawley Green and missionary groups have brought in hundreds of refugees, mostly from Africa.

Four vibrant neighborhoods make up Syracuse’s South side—Southwest, Strathmore, Brighton and Elmwood.

Despite the constant issue of crime, Hawley-Green prides itself on being an open, diverse community. In addition to its ethnic diversity, Hawley-Green is welcoming to all sexualities, too. Residents have formed LGBT coalitions in the neighborhood and set up signs to encourage openness. Check out: Sparky Town, the ideal comfort food destination with a relaxing hang-out vibe and funky dining options.

The history of the neighborhood is eerily like that of the Bronx in New York City: a community upended by an arterial highway. Just as the Bronx faced the CrossBronx Expressway, the construction of Interstate 81 in the early 1950s ripped apart Syracuse’s 15th Ward. What’s left is in the eye of the beholder. Crime and safety are problems here. But the area is also a goldmine of opportunity for educational efforts through local universities and organizations to thrive. This is apparent through the five-year-old newspaper The Stand. Check out: Homey comfort food served up at Ruby’s Soul Food on South Salina Street.

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FROM

THE

RUBBLE

Haitian students studying at SU hope to rebuild home country | safa browne photo | shijing wang story

hen Haiti shook, so did the lives of ts people. Jean Michel Lacour felt the earth tremble. Everyone started to panic. The only thought that crossed Lacour’s mind was the safety of his family. But he could not ignore the chaos and destruction flooding the street. “All the people moved outside their houses and stayed in the streets. Some of them were praying and some of them were crying,” Lacour remembers. “We stayed out there all night long because no one was able to sleep. We were just waiting and waiting for, I don’t know—a miracle.” At the highest magnitude of 7.0, the 2010 Haiti earthquake caused massive destruction to one of the poorest nations on the Western Hemisphere. The next morning, Lacour traveled back to the place where his home once stood. With only six of his eight family members accounted for, Lacour dug through the dirt and rubble only to find the last two, his grandmother and brother, buried under the debris. Both lives fell victim to the earthquake’s destruction.

As a student at Syracuse University studying environmental engineering, Lacour only has Haiti on his mind. “People are still affected by the earthquake,” Lacour says. “They are still waiting for help.” He and five other students from Haiti arrived at Syracuse University this semester to enroll in various graduate programs specific to the career skills that Haiti needs. Brought by the Syracuse University Haiti Committee, the students aim to acquire a variety of skills and return to their home country. Following the earthquake, a group of SU faculty members approached Chancellor Nancy Cantor to make a plan to help the Haitian people, says Can Isik, senior associate dean for academic affairs. The Chancellor immediately saw value in this opportunity and the SU Haiti Committee organized seven SU students and four faculty members to travel to Haiti this past summer. They provided a wireless internet network to students at Université d’Etat d’Haiti, the country’s largest educational institution. But sending people to Haiti was not enough. The committee understood that, in the long run, the responsibility of rebuilding a nation falls on

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its own citizens, particularly its youth. “Because of the lack of economic opportunities here, most Haitians of educated standing have left Haiti and there are very few there,” says Achille Messac, professor and department chair of the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. “This is a tragedy here, the educated leave Haiti.” The committee developed a scholarship program in which they chose six graduate students from UEH to come to SU. Each year, the university receives between 5,000 and 10,000 applications and admits only about 100 students. “We were involved with the Haitian public university, where the most disadvantaged participated,” Messac says. “That university is deprived; many of their campuses were totally flattened from the earthquake.” When Lacour heard about SU’s graduate program, he saw it as a way to further his academic career, something not easily attainable in Haiti’s current condition. “It is a great opportunity for every Haitian or all people in developing countries to be admitted to another university in the United

States or Canada,” Lacour says. The Committee collaborated with UEH to define Haiti’s greatest areas of need for students to study when they came abroad, Isik says. Some fields included engineering, finance, and information technology. Along with other faculty members, Isik and Messac met the students in Haiti to decide who would attend SU in the fall. They chose six students who they thought would best represent the fields needed. “We were really impressed with their level of communication skills, technical skills, as well as the passion that they had for their areas of expertise and how they can help Haiti when they go back,” Isik says. Also chosen to participate in Syracuse University’s graduate program, Bendy Estime recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a general diploma in mathematics and physics from UEH. “I think this program will have a large impact on Haiti and permit a lot,” Estime says. “It is very important to continue the program because when we go back we will have realized something very important.” Estime says that when he returns he has several projects in mind to benefit Haiti and sees being a professor at a university in his future. “I’ve started thinking about what I will be able to do when I get back.” The plan is for the students to return to Haiti and spend at least four years helping to improve UEH in any way they can, Lacour says. Both students and the faculty involved with the program believe that this will have a profound impact on the Haitian society as it works to rebuild the destruction. The knowledge and resources that these students will be able to carry back with them to Haiti will not only assist in developing the schools but also the country as a whole. The continuation of this program will help Haiti become less of a developing country and help provide a great opportunity to more of Haiti’s thriving youth. “We are all involved in different fields, Lacour says of the other Haitian students. “We are like a team and this team has to go back to Haiti and work through this project to try to achieve these goals.” The hardest aspect of the program for students was leaving their families for the first time. Although this was a sad departure they expressed that their families understood

WE ARE LIKE A TEAM AND THIS TEAM HAS TO GO BACK TO HAITI & WORK THROUGH THIS PROJECT TO TRY TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS

that this was a great opportunity for them to help their country. Coming to Syracuse University was a culture shock for these six students. In a short period of time they had to adjust to a new country with different cultures and languages. However, the students fell right into the mix of finding their way around the campus and communicating with other SU students. Although these students are enjoying their time in a new culture, they strive toward their main goal to work hard so that they may be able to go back to Haiti and teach other students what they have learned. “It would be great if this program could continue,” Lacour says. “It will be very helpful and I hope it does.” medleymagazine.wordpress.com

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Walk the walk

Tools and tips for your next trip abroad

GRAPHIC BY ZOË MINTZ

Before You Go Fly For Less With... • Expedia.com • Kayak.com • Studentuniverse.com • Couchsurfing.org

OR Stick with your favorite airline and rack up frequent flyer miles Say no to Ryanair. This Irish airline boasts fares that seem cheap but have hidden fees.

Sleep-In

Pack Essentials • Guide book • Medicine • Quick-dry towel • Travel liner - a piece of linen that resembles a sleeping bag to avoid using hostel sheets

Hostels can be hit or miss. To avoid unpleasant experiences don’t forget to check: • The number of people you’ll be sharing a room with • The location • If breakfast is included • The cleanliness • If there is free Wi-Fi

Money belt – This may sound nerdy but it’s guaranteed safety. Thieves can cut purse straps in seconds and sly pickpocketers can slip their hands in your pockets. Wear a moneybelt under your clothes with your passport, money and other valuables.

€ $¥

Money Matters

QUICK TIP

• Know the currency of the country you are going to • Always bring U.S. dollars • Stick with credit cards and avoid foreign ATM fees.

Have 2 wallets when you travel. Split cash between the two--one stays with you at all times and the other stays in a hostel locker or in a safe.

Plus, if anything happens, you can always cancel the card.

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g l o b e t re k k e r s av v y t r av e l

When You Get There See the Sights • Lonely Planet - a reputable and reliable guide book series • Contiki - this tour company offers trips for individuals 18-35 • New Europe - free walking tours in 14 cities across Europe • ISIC card (you get TONS of discounts on museums and transport) Beware of false advertising. When it comes to pub crawls, restaurant and club reccomendations, consult your hostel clerk or local tourist desk before you go. If something seems to good too be true, it probably is.

Get Around

• Eurorail pass • Public transport discount cards (most major European cities have them) • Bus/tube combo passes • Bicycles, bicycles, bicycles! In lots of cities you can rent them. • Shared taxi cabs Mopeds – Although their “coolness” ratings are off the charts, they are extremely dangerous.

Chit Chat • Phone card • Skype • International SIM card • Know your nearest internet café • If you’re planning to stay in a country for long stretches, invest in a phone

Think Before You Flush • Some places will charge a pretty penny to go potty. • In some countries, like Greece where the sewage system is

antiquated, you place the toilet paper in a garbage can, not the bowl. Also you might have to squat over a hole instead. • McDonalds is your best bet for a free toilet

QUICK TIP Go into a convenience store and purchase something small like gum or a beverage, give them your best smile, and ask where the bathroom is.

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Open Hearts, Open Doors Hopeprint provides a safe haven for refugees | zoe mintz photos | colleen bidwill story

“No Swahili – for the next hour we only speak English.”

Gathered around a dining room table on a Tuesday evening, Dina, a Congolese refugee encourages her Congolese peers to transform their conversation into an English one before a volunteer teacher begins the lesson. “It is the only way we will learn,” she says. This is Hopeprint, a local nonprofit organization established in 2010 by Sean Haley and Nicole Watts. Every Tuesday evening, volunteers, participants, children and neighbors crowd the fivebedroom house in Syracuse’s North Side. For many refugees living in Syracuse, Hopeprint provides an opportunity to practice English. Flashcards containing pictures and images of the alphabet are considered gold here. Whiteboards litter the tables for volunteers and participants to practice spelling and writing. The kitchen bustles with volunteers cooking dinner and quickly delivering plates of food to the various groups spread throughout the house. The visionaries see Syracuse’s refugee population as an untapped resource that can revitalize the city if given the environment to thrive. so they opened a house in Syracuse’s impoverished North Side – the neighborhood where most resettlement agencies place refugees when they arrive.

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Nicole Watts, a Syracuse resident, founded Hopeprint in 2010. Every year, the city receives 1,000 refugees. Volunteers at the nonprofit organization, located in the North Side, help local refugees adjusting to life without federal assitance in the United States.

“We wanted to step in and be someone who could come along and guide them,” says Haley, vice president of Hopeprint and a student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. In the United States, refugees have anywhere between three to six months to become self-sufficient—find a job, learn English, enroll their children in school and manage personal finances. Most refugees come from United Nations refugee camps that are set up in conflict areas worldwide where they lived for years, or even decades. According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, in 2010 Onondaga County resettled 1,140 refugees. The influx is due to the city’s cheap housing stock and large number of unskilled jobs. Syracuse receives 1,000 refugees each year, says Helen Malina, program director for the Center for New Americans Refugee Resettlement Program in Syracuse.

This is where Hopeprint fits in. The organization helps refugees during a period of time after federal assistance is taken away and they have to learn to be on their own, Haley says. Every Tuesday, the organization’s six-week housekeeping training program teaches more than 30 refugee students the basics of cleaning a home. Most have never seen a toilet, or even used electricity before they came to Syracuse. Few know they have to clean the kitchen to avoid bugs or even basic hygiene habits to prevent sickness. Throughout the week, volunteers lead English conversational groups, housekeeping job training, a nutrition clinic, a book club, and culture and life skills classes. The programs target adults but Hopeprint provides childcare while parents attend class. continues on next page

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Hopeprint opens its doors to local refugees every Tuesday evening. In the United States, refugees have between three to six months to become self sufficient. The volunteers at Hopeprint work with the refugees, teaching them English and other skills like the basics of cleaning a home. They also help search for jobs and manage personal finances. The organization plans to open two more houses in the next five years.

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Refugee Resettlement

IRAQ 6 3 8 r e f u g e e s // 1 4 %

Have you ever wondered where the refugees in Syracuse come from? Here are the number of refugees that resettled in Onondaga County and the top 8 countries they came from in 2010, provided by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Trickle-Down Effect

SOMALIA 3 6 4 r e f u g e e s // 8 % CONGO 1 8 2 r e f u g e e s // 6 % ERITREA 1 8 2 r e f u g e e s // 4 % PA L E S T I N E 9 1 r e f u g e e s // 2 %

CUBA 9 1 r e f u g e e s // 2 %

B H U TA N 1 1 4 0 r e f u g e e s // 2 5 %

BURMA 1 7 7 8 r e f u g e e s // 3 9 %

4560

refugees resettled in

NY State

GRAPHIC BY ZOË MINTZ

1140 refugees resettled in

Burma, Bhutan, Iraq, Somalia, the Congo, Eritrea, Cuba and Palestine are the eight nations where most of the refugees come from. Resettlement is a long process. After many interviews and paperwork, the selected refugees settle in western nations. This past year, 74,500 refugees came to the United States. 6 percent, or 4,650, of the total population of refugees in the U. S. live in New York State. In 2010, Onondaga County welcomed 25 percent (1140 refugees) of New York State’s refugee population – most live in the Syracuse area.

Onondaga County

All are done in an intimate setting – in the living room, dining room and bedrooms. “Our big thing is that we’re not 9 to 5,” Haley says. “When you have a home, it’s a place for community involvement, engagement, it’s welcoming. It’s not an office building where people are sitting behind desks. People can just knock on the door when they have a need.” In 2009, Haley met Nicole Watts, the support team coordinator at his church, Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius, N.Y. In college, Haley decided to pursue a career in treating underserved urban populations. He took a deeper look into Syracuse’s refugee community and saw the difficulties that refugees faced with the healthcare system. Watts, who had past experience in working oneon-one with refugees, also recognized the needs of the refugees in the North Side. After months of searching for the right house and location Hopeprint settled in the North Side community. In October 2010 five people moved into the Hopeprint home: Watts, her colleague Liz Ferree, church friends Joe and Theresa Kidd and Agnes Aombe, a 22-year-old refugee from the Congo. “We came in as learners,” says Ferree, who graduated from Syracuse University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science. “Our mission at that point was to host dinners and help the community when they needed help. It was about asking questions and getting to know them.” By February 2011, Hopeprint opened its doors on Tuesday evenings to teach English and GED classes. Through word of mouth, a group of 40 regulars and 20 volunteers frequented the home.

In addition to helping refugees ease into American life, the organization also provides one-on-one attention to each individual. Kiza, a Congolese mother of four, comes to every class with permission slips, newsletters and homework assignments from her children’s school. She is not alone. Explaining an apple picking field trip, what scholastic forms are and even the meaning of Halloween are common topics of conversation. One visitor is Paul Ariik, 31, a Sudanese “Lost Boy.” Ten years ago, he arrived in Syracuse after living in a Kenyan refugee camp for six years, alone. To this day Ariik relives the trauma he experienced as a boy. He witnessed starvation, air raids, rapes, murders and experienced life as a child soldier. He remembers wading in a river cupping his hands to drink water. When he looked to see his reflection, a set of eyes stared back at him, Ariik says. It was a corpse, floating along the river among other bodies. “I thought I was going to die but I’m still alive today,” Ariik says. “I still don’t know how.” Ariik, who heard about Hopeprint from a volunteer, says the organization’s home environment makes him feel comfortable to visit and share his thoughts on what the Sudanese community needs. Hopeprint is in the process of carrying out a three-year plan to revitalize and create a sustainable community in the neighborhood surrounding Lilac Street in the North Side. It plans to open two houses within five years, welcoming places to form relationships and build bonds between the local population and the refugees. “On a larger level our goal is not just to impact the refugee population but to change the way the North Side views itself,” Haley says, “--and in a sense to transform Syracuse.” medleymagazine.wordpress.com

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Who I am One student’s journey to self-discovery | collyn dungey photos | elizabeth reyes story

One night, my dad and I were watching Our America, a show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. That particular episode was about transgender people of all ages throughout the country. He saw the show intrigued me, and asked if I felt the same way as the people featured. I said I did, and officially came out to him as transgender. I’d known something was different since I was young. I felt as if I was a really eccentric dyke, or I just didn’t love my body. As a young child, I often asked my dad why I couldn’t take my shirt off like he could. When he told me it was because I was a girl, it never made sense to me. At age 12, I came out as a lesbian. At that time, I was still completely in the dark about my feelings and felt that I was gay. In my small, rural town, people in my school had never been exposed to anything LGBTQ. I was 17 when I began to understand my feelings.

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re f l e c t i o n claim your identity

I found it scary and difficult to come out. Waiting to come out as transgender seemed the best choice. I was nervous how people from high school would react. I also wanted to enjoy my last year there and didn’t want to repeatedly explain what transgender meant. After graduation, I officially came out as trangender to my parents and a select group of my closest friends. I waited until I had a fresh start at Syracuse University. Many of my high school friends still do not know about my transition. Being transgender played a major part in my decision to attend SU. I wanted to feel safe and accepted where I went, in order to sufficiently do my work and get involved in what interested me. According to The Huffington Post, SU is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly universities in the country, ranking fifth out of the “Top 13.” It has organizations for the transgender community in addition to the LGBT Resource Center, a place to feel accepted and talk about LGBTQ issues. So far, Syracuse University has proven to be a great choice. I haven’t encountered harassment besides the occasional pronoun mix-up, and highly doubt I ever will. I’m often read as the opposite gender, and have to

explain myself when it happens—a frustrating situation. But that’s as bad as it gets. I expect the rest of my time here to be amazing and full of memories. Looking back, I suppose I always knew I was a man, between the ears at least. As I learned about the transgender community and heard stories about transgender men and women, I fully understood everything I had been feeling. The pieces started to fall into place. I hinted about my feelings many times to my parents, but it wasn’t until I came out that they started to pay attention. They asked how I had been feeling, and I did my best to explain, but they had never felt trapped in their own bodies. Yet I was lucky. This was my second time coming out, and my parents took it better than expected. It’s still extremely hard for them. In a sense, they feel they’re losing their daughter. But they try to learn as much as they to help me become the man I’ve always known I am. Dungey is freshman undeclared major in The College of Arts and Sciences and a female-to-male transgender

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tidbits gestures from around the world

Heavy-handed Send the right signals while trotting the globe -Caroline Mahony

In the U.S. a high five symbolizes a job well done, a fist bump is a playful way to greet friends, and a gentle pat on the shoulder can console someone having a bad day. However, some common gestures intuitive to us might offend residents of other countries. Before stepping outside the U.S., learn these different gestures used in cultures all over the world.

DRAWING ILLUSTRATION BY LILY FEIN

A-OK SIGN Warning—think twice before expressing your undying enthusiasm with the “A-OK” sign. While parts of the world interpret a circle made with the index finger and thumb with the three remaining fingers up as “OK,” this is not the case everywhere. In Japan, this gesture translates into bribing someone for money. In France, it means “zero” or “worthless.” And in Brazil, the OK sign is roughly the equivalent of the middle finger.

USING BOTH HANDS If you want to show off your cultural savviness in China or Japan, make sure to give and receive items with both hands, especially when exchanging business cards. This shows you are giving full dedication to the item at hand.

“COME HERE” SIGNAL The next time you beckon the “come hither” signal by curling your index finger inward in the Philippines, remember that locals there use this gesture only for dogs and consider it highly insulting otherwise.

“V” GESTURE The quintessential “V” gesture, with the outside of your hand facing your target, symbolizes peace and love in the United States. But in a bar in England, this seemingly simple little gesture can instigate a bar fight.

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Away we go

What scenario would you prefer the most?

A. Bustling city streets B. Complexity of people, vehicles, and houses C. Eclectic and unpredictable, mixture of old meets new D. Urban cityscape with scenic nature backdrop

What’s your ideal dining experience?

A. An artistic and high-end meal at a lavish B. A pungent, bold dish from a corner food stall C. Something exotic and aromatic at an outdoor restaurant by the sea D. A hearty and healthy meal at a local diner

What trio of words appeal to you the most?

Take our quiz to find out your compatible country. The letter you have the highest count in is the country you should consider as your study abroad choice.

-Nazia Islam

What are you most interested in studying?

A. Politics and economics B. Traditions and religion C. Multiculturalism and diversity D. Language and history

If you were to wander around in a foreign country you would want to come across: A. Endless history all around B. Spontaneity at on each street C. A mesh of two distinct continents D. Breathtaking scenery at every turn of the head

If you were to go back in time you would want to:

A. Live within an empire B. Construct large temples C. Travel through trade routes D. Experience a nation before it became that nation

A. Aesthetics, fluidity, grace B. Diverse, unpredictable, spiritual E. Grand, distinct, mystical D. Laid back, festive, artsy

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY DAN BERKOWITZ

China Syracuse University’s Beijing program is located at China’s prestigious Tsinghua University and offers students at all language levels an opportunity to study contemporary China. The courses offered range from history and political science to media and communications. Through the semester-long program in Hong Kong, students can take classes in political economies, business and cultures of East Asia.

India

Turkey

Three SU study abroad programs offer students the chance to study in India. The South Indian Term Abroad takes place in the growing and developing city of Madurai, where courses aim to broaden knowledge of South India.

Turkey is at the crossroads between Asia and Europe. For a semester-long experience, students study in Istanbul. A wide array of English-language courses range from the arts to the sciences, and most disciplines of academics.

Looking to be immersed Indian culture? Mysore is another SU program also located in South India, offered in conjunction with Iowa University. Summer programs and internships in Mumbai are also potential options for students.

The two universities in the program are Bahçesehir University and Bogazici University, where students take classes among Turkish and other international students. Alongside academics, students can explore multicultural Turkey.

Chile Want to further your Spanish speaking experience? The SU abroad program in Chile gives students a diverse education in geography, people and language. Students first travel to Ecuador for an intensive language study and then head to Santiago to take more culture-based classes. Santiago is Chile’s capital and the hub of South America’s diversity, culture and entertainment. Its urban landscape is stark in the middle of lush mountains and valleys.

For more information and details, check out Syracuse University’s study abroad program at suabroad.syr.edu medleymagazine.wordpress.com Medley_fall2011.indd 27

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@Medley Magazine your student fee. 28 medley | fall 2011 Medley_fall2011.indd 28

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