#3rdreflection

[essarind-blog1]

Academic Sessions

The Academic Sessions of SUSI 2017 have been engaging from day one. Right when we started with Ms. Sam Camera with Cultural Relativism and Religion afterwards followed by Mr. Thomas Fricke’s of US History and then US Constitution followed by Mr. Ravzan SIbi’s class on Leadership followed by Mr. Michael Hannahan’s on Public Policy and then classes of Mr. Obed Pasha on Policy Implementation and Evaluation. 

As good as these all were, I say this with a heavy heart, there is always a favorite. For me it was Mr. Macwillaim’s class.on a Presidential Campaign Simulation. Right from the time Mr. Mike gave us that case study on ASARCO Smelter and we discussed in class presenting our views, where he suggested we should be on President Trump’s Team for Campaign Simulation Run (which coincidentally we already were) it made me excited for the campaign.

To say we worked hard for the Campaign would be an understatement. Throughout the campaign simulation runs we were the last group to present anything which made the anticipations unbearable. Coming in last to present and sweeping away the winners trophy (an oval office mug in this case) was an ecstatic moment. Getting to this point required a lot of effort and while my teammates were at different moments acknowledged for their efforts {like Farheen winning the best speaker award and I getting special mentions at two different points by Mr. Macwilliams (thanks again sir!)} unfortunately a lot of hard work could not be appreciated in that small moment without which it all could not have been possible. 

When Mr. Macwilliams called out for the leader to come forward and accept the trophy on behalf of their team I called out for mentor (Team Julie FTW!) I later learned the leader was someone from within the participants. I was pleasantly surprised by my teammates calling me to go forward to receive this award on behalf of the team. It was a moment of great honor and pride for me. 

Even though it was the hardwork and dedication of Salman making such a phenomenal video that got us there. It was Ammarah working tediously to make the powerpoint presentation and giving a blasting speech during the debates. It was Mohsin with his clever ideas of thinking out of the box to learn from others and improve ourselves. It was Sundal’s dedication of working against all odds as a student of Medicine to overcome that barrier and delve into American Politics to give a stellar debate performance. It was Farheen’s dedication not only with the debate speech but also with the aesthetics of our campaign. I must also give special mentions to American students with us that helped us beyond their parts to push us towards victory, Lisa Servaes and Leah Eve-cooles it would not have been possible without your constant guidance and coaching about American Politics, your help with Campaign decorations and your support in the classroom during our presentations. You guys all made it possible.

At the end I would just like to thank all of my teammates for being so unimaginably awesome and for the Academic Directors Ms. Sam and Mr. Tom for putting up such eventful classes together which have made the Academic Sessions so engaging and enlightening.

Hassan Ali

[umasspakleaders]

leadership by Saira Mehmood

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence  and making sure that impact last in your absence .”

Leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization . Our training for  becoming the leaders started on the second day of our exchange program when we went on scavenger hunt . In a totally new town we were assigned to explore different places in groups without our mentors  . From that I have learned how to work as a team member and cope with different difficulties with the people which were totally new to me.    i am a leader of 15 seniors in Pakistan  who are about to complete their degree when I am only in 3rd semester of my degree .It was a very hard task for me to handle the people who disagree with you or to make them united on a certain point of view  . By attending the sessions of Raz Sibbi and classes of Tom Fricker I have learnt a lot about leadership skills and strategies to lead people of different mind set belonging from different cultures and country . It made me learnt about handling the situation when you are a leader or when your team members are incompetent or if they disagree with you  and when you have to do all the tasks  of the team yourself .  This SUSI program is helping me a lot to further polish my skills and make me a better leader for  my nation.

[saimrasheed17-blog]

This is Saim Rasheed, Cultural Ambassador from Pakistan in the Program Study of the United States Institutes for Pakistani Student Leaders on Public Policy Making. Its quite interesting to learn about cultures. I wanted to share something about US culture and compare it to the culture of Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country of South Asia while the United States of America is a Super Power and Well developed country in the other corner of the World. I am quite Exciting about to Learn about US. How U.S is as a country? US has 50 States, and each state in itself is a big Country, there are different Rules and Laws in different States, so Basically US has 50 Countries. First of all, In the United States of America people are more individualistic and independent whereas in Pakistan, society is more collectivistic and interdependent. 

In Pakistan when you are making a decision you take into consideration your family, friends and Community. You might have a best decision in your self-interest, but if your family or close friends are not happy with the decision, you might give up.

However, in United States you can go for what you think is best for you.

Furthermore, meal E-g Halal/Haram, or table manners, is different. In America people use forks, knives and spoon during meals. People use dining tables. In Pakistan using fingers is common and usually all family members or friends sit together on the floor for meal.

Third, time is highly valued in America. One is supposed to meet the deadlines and schedule routine matters. In Pakistan people take life easy in general. It is OK if you are 15-20 minutes late for a meeting, ceremony or party. People are more direct and time Management when it comes to communication in the United States, while in Pakistan people are context oriented are search for clues.

Fourth The People of United States are so Much Loving and Caring when You tell them that you are from Pakistan or any other Country Etc. They Smiled, Laugh and got amazed. You Take Selfies with them and they never Rude. The people of both nations love music. People listen to music and dance to it in both countries. But Here in US People Mostly go to the Clubs and Bars for gatherings, but in Pakistan there its not easy to go to the bars or clubs etc. Same is the case with sports. In America young people are very enthusiastic about sports like baseball, basketball and rugby. In Pakistan people get really excited about cricket and hockey.

Both in America and Pakistan, people respect their elders. It is considered rude to interrupt while they are talking to each other. Hugging each other, Same Gender or opposite Gender is common among friends in both countries.

The cultures of America and Pakistan are quite different and there are a few similarities. The information I shared is not based on some extensive research, It is a general observation of everyday life in United States. I am trying to learn more about US culture during my stay here. #comparativeuspakistan #3rdreflection

#USFlag #Cultural Night #4thofJuly Independence #Fireworks

[jennifervioni]

This week our group had a google hangout with our NGO (Marteen van Leeuwen) for the second time. We talked primarily about what does Marteen expect from as a group, we even had a pretty intense conversation (ahem, Maria), because Marteen didn't really answer our questions. But at the end of the day, it was easier than the first time we talked to him and we have this clarity about what our assignments really are. I, myself, was pretty confused about this socialinnovationnews project because the word itself is really broad. I thought we had to give him advices about long term steps but really, we just have to advise starting points for him. I appreciate Mr. van Leuween for clearing things up for us.

Now, about the online tools and spaces I use, like I said I've been using twitter and tumblr since forever (read: 2011—yes, since 2011 is since forever.) I have to say that I never intended to use those social medias to harvest informations or to share my personal stuffs. I'm using them just to stalk my favourite singers and artists, there I said it. Because, yay fandoms!

FANDOOOMS

(credit: fuckyesswift.tumblr.com)

I interact with others of course, without having any idea who those people are, all I know is they are here for the same reasons as mine so I have no hesitation to talk to them. But I definitely got informations from them, either it's relevant or not but it is a some kind of informations. For example, one day I talked to this particular person and I found out that she's taking a course in De Haagse as well. Another example, tumblr is a big place, just one click away and we can see and read people's blogs we don't even follow, three months ago I was on my tumblr and I randomly clicked on blogs by blogs on purpose and I found this industrial design blog which was this blog and i was fascinated by its posts.

My conclusion is that even an individual who at first just wanted to use the networks without wanting to gather informations would eventually harvest informations themselves. Professor Joseph Walther developed this theory on 1992 called "Social Information Processing Theory (SIP)", he said that people could get to know each other in the computer mediated environment, whether it's personal or professional relationships. Conscious or not. (Source).

I would say that I prefer feedbacks than random anonymous questions because it's more like one sided communication. The answerer can't reach out to the asker because he/she is anonymous. A place where feedbacks are allowed and people with open identity is more comfortable for me.

Have a nice day!

[umasspakleaders]

Academic session by sania hayat On Monday July 10th we had class with Mr tom on constitution. Me as student of plant pathology my basics about politics is zero but after that class I learn a lot from that ,like judiciary and public policy,framers,federalism and what standards do justices use to make rulings? 1.judicial activism 2.judicial restraint 3.political liberalism 4.political conservatives These four are the rules for the standards justices. I like the groups activity in the class because it’s really help in understanding the views of other. On Tuesday July 11th we had class with Mr obed pasha, he taught us application of compstat in U.S police department, this compstat was very unfamiliar for me at that time than we come to know that what that compstat actually is?compstat means computer statistics. There are four components of compstat i.e crime mapping,community area commanders,compstat reports,compstat meeting. Than in noon we had another class with Mr raz sebi which was very interesting class ….. what? Yeah interesting! Topic were about our own lollipop moment… hahaha o my God It was really fun after listening everyone stories ! On another day morning we had visit to Amherst Pelham regional high school, it was also one of best experience in my life. we met with experienced teachers i.e Ericke alschuler,Steve,Geoff,Liz haygood…. I also present one of my sketch to these lovely people….. On 15th July we had class with mike pens ( eeehaaaa) on presidential campaign…. Now we all are busy in our own campaign … good luck to our team … TRUMP THE BEST!

[umasspakleaders]

Academic Sessions

M.Idrees.Khan SUSI program is a perfect conglomerate of cultural exchange, with its dynamics spread over from integration into American life and experiencing it, along with getting it historical and philosophical construct inside the classroom. The academic sessions has a deep insight and bon-homie environment to exchange ideas and understand PAK-US public policy concepts. Leadership at the grooff park and academic sessions with Razvan Sibi were pivotal to find the inner leadership capabilities instilled within each student selected for the SUSI program. Apart from it, constitutional history of the USA with Tom Fricke, a quintessential step towards understanding the American history, considered as manifest destiny by the Americans. Secondly the academic session with Tom Fricke has also provided us with the opportunity to understand the basis of US policy making and the fundamental differences that separates between the public policy making context of US-PAK. The academic sessions are focusing in a number of ways in promoting the leadership of the participants and encouraging them to exchange opinions and even disagree to ideas, as it goes in the famous American dictum “Agreeing to Disagree” which is the great value of the American system where free exchange of views is appreciated rather than silenced. The one aspect that is bit murky is the fact that time for academic sessions along with those avid participants that are busy in exploring the US at doesn’t want to miss any event becomes a bit difficult therefore the time of the program must be restored back to six weeks.

[umasspakleaders]

Comparative USA-Pakistan by Mehreen Sitting at the corner of my room I was thinking about the world and its inhabitants. I was wondering how beautiful and diverse would be they. I always think about different things whether they are related to my life or not. This time I was thinking because I was going far away from my country. Hence it is a great opportunity to learn and to experience new things. Well, when we talk about culture of Pakistan and America we share many things along with some differences.lets talk about similarities first. First and foremost, we love each other. People are very friendly and whenever we meet anyone we greet them so do they. People are very kind and humble. We also have some differences. People here are very punctual which is totally opposite in Pakistan. People in America follow the rules while in Pakistan it is rare. We have different get ups. Most of the women in Pakistan wear shalwar, qameez and duppatta while in America they wear t- shirt and jeans. The food in Pakistan is very spicy while in America they don't use spices in food which was a big problem for us when we were new here, but its totally good now. People are very open here in America both socially and intellectually. They talk about everything and every issue openly, (straight forward)while we Pakistanis are bit conservative. Before starting a conversation a Pakistani would always think about the audience whether the audience is suitable for that talk or not. Furthermore, having a boyfriend and girlfriend in Pakistan is not considered good and it is even more severe for girls, because the honor is associated with girls in Pakistan. Hence, most of the marriages are arrange marriages. Till now I have observed these differences and similarities between Pakistan and America and it is totally my perception. Love you all❤️

[umasspakleaders]

The journey began 12 years from today, not just the journey but rather an experience of smart work, passion, dedication and quest for knowing people, hearing stories and telling some as well. For where I come from academic learning has always had huge impact on lives of people, and what impacts more is where does the knowledge come from. This program "Study of the United States Institutes" gives the platform to young leaders from Pakistan and around the world to gain knowledge from institutions which are among the highest ranking of universities. So, this program started with a lecture on understanding of culture as a concept titled 'cultural relativism' which tells us how relatively linked a culture is to another. Which reminds me; when I was a child when I was adolescent, books saved me from despair that convinced me culture was the highest of values and later on in the past week I experienced the relativity between the cultures of the world that is like home to us social beings. To understand this better, people from earlier times came up with a framework for effective dealing among themselves which later on was not just dealing among people but between the government and the nation which is today known as public policy. And the program helps us young leaders understand this in a much effective manner. This programme provides intensive analytical training in the systematic comparison of social and public policies from an international perspective. It helps develop substantive knowledge in a wide range of policy fields around topical issues such as policy evaluation, policy learning and policy transfer. Just as we understand public policy it has in itself an attribute which sets the vision for all to act upon, that's leadership. Leadership when studied as an academic concept tells us that it's important for a leader to set a vision for the people and for them to act upon it. And it's better when it comes from someone with a journalistic background which is exactly where we had our session from. And to understand leadership on an international level it's important to know the history of the leader of the international arena which is the United States of America. What surprising was 400 years of History in 90 minutes which in itself is something amazing. And I wish I could go on and tell you more about it but let us save some until next time. Stay tuned the story has just begun

[umasspakleaders]

Academic study by Asad Sajid

Academic study Being on this journey which is filled with fun and learning academic experience is something I am interested in. I wanted to know how one of the most educated countries produce not only exceptional geniuses but also agents of positive change. Our first class was with the sam camera. It was an interesting one as she did some activities with us. Her class was not boring at all. She showed us some videos and some really good pictures that were portraying how Pakistan is really back there in our country.
Back there in my country, I teach students to get admission into top tier universities of Pakistan. So learning this that how the people of the developed countries teach their students to get good grades and become a good person in their life were really something that excited me. The other two classes that we attended were by Mike Hanahan and Dom Frick. These two are excellent professors. But somehow nearly we all managed to sleep in their classes. Initially I thought that I’m the only one who is sleepy in the class, But then after the class when I asked students, they shared similar experience. It is because these two teachers are really really polite and really efficient in teaching what they teach.
As we start it with the course of public policy, the two classes really helped us build ground on how to go about this course. Tom Frick told us about the history of US in 90 minutes and that was a pretty good experience. We traveled between Times zones and discovered really amazing things about different time periods in different parts of America. One thing I was concerned about, was that history is written by people according to their own perspective, according to what they see or saw. So how can you believe on one’s judgment that he may be wrong, but since he is writing this book on history which I have studied I can also be on the wrong path. That is what happens with us back in Pakistan, we study two different books when we study history of Pakistan in school books, we get the perspective that Pakistan has done really really really amazing things but India is our true enemy. Now in University when we study Pakistan history it gives a completely new perspective and horizon. It tells us that how horrible mistakes Pakistan have made in history, but again this history is written by someone who sees it according to his way.
Frick told us that how knowing about history of United States is important to us. In my opinion it is important because we should learn from America and how to be not only a developed state but also to have such and educated youth that can really prosper our country.

[umasspakleaders]

The First 24 Hours

People normally talk about experiencing culture shock when they travel to the states. When I boarded the plane to JFK I was pretty sure that I was well equipped to handle the American way of life. I had spent a great deal of my life eating apple pie and having netflix marathons. Little did I know that my first 24 hours in the United States would be spent running around Amherst and Northampton on a scavenger hunt. Within the span of one afternoon I had to cope with the very wrong American style of driving , the fact that there were rules regarding jaywalking and that Americans had 4 different types of coins with completely ridiculous names. Things are done quite simply back home. For starters, we drive on the right of the road, we cross the road whenever we please (lambs and cows included) and we only have the simple rupee coin (which nobody normally uses). The vending machines at Birch actually worked without me having to kick it multiple times and then giving up like I normally tend to do at LUMS. The soap dispensers in the restrooms actually contained soap and not some diluted form of dishwashing solution. Everything was ordered, everything planned, everything buttoned.

Eesha Khan

[umasspakleaders]

Family is Family

Mohsin Bin Iqbal

Nothing is better than going home to family and eating good food and relaxing. It was a feeling of being at home 🏡 Thank you so much John Hornick and Heather Hornick for their hospitality, care and love to us. Have captured one of the most beautiful moments up here in USA 🇺🇸

Initially meeting each other and introducing we went to Poter Phelps Huntigton House along with it's tour near the Connecticut River "A perfect spot of Tea".

Then chatting with you guys in the kitchen and while seeing you making dinner. Then had a chance to Meet Kitti and Ken for dinner and telling you about Pakistan along with your experiences and expectations.

After dinner, talking and sharing views about Pakistan and then visiting Newyork,helping each other in cleaning Kitchen. Then had a comfortable night at your home.

Waking up in the morning before you guys woke up and roaming around your home was soothing. Heather told us up the different things from their visits to different States with in USA along with your experiences, Then see you making breakfast and chatting on few research related work was wonderful.

[umasspakleaders]

In Class Environment

Mohsin Bin Iqbal

Observing, comparing, analyzing the in class environment of Pakistani classrooms and up here in US. Indeed, differences between my institutes and the institutes of the United States was one of the things I became curious about. So, I would like to share this comparison that I mentioned based on a personal level. Back home, it is very formal inside classrooms. The lecturers or the teachers ask the students to call them by the Academic title like Dr. or Professor... Etc. However, in the U.S. it is totally informal and more comfortable. For instance, most of the teachers in U.S tell their students to call them by their first name. They do not want to be called by their academic titles or not even by their last name! Another difference is that in my college when a student wants to get out of class for whatever purpose they have to ask for permission from the teacher. Only then will the teacher allow them to go out of the class. Sometimes, I have even witnessed teachers rejecting the request of their students. However, in United States students can get out of class whenever they want and they are not required to ask the teacher for permission. As a conclusion, the learning style in U.S is student centered learning which makes a more suitable and friendly environment between students and teachers. In contrast, in Pakistan there are not as much student centered classrooms. Students are not involved in planning, implementation and assessment. So, in Pakistan it`s time for some reform in the educational system and the teachers must change their leadership style from directive to consultative. There is need of changing the style of dealing with the young learners in classes plus empowering those learners.

[umasspakleaders]

Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.

Mohsin Bin Iqbal

In ETHICS, the theory called Cultural Relativism, which claims that there is no objective universal truth in morality, puts forward an argument which Philosophy professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham James Rachels named as the Cultural Differences Argument:

Different cultures have different moral codes. Therefore, there is no objective “truth” in morality. Right and wrong are only matters of opinion, and opinions vary from culture to culture.

Clearly, just because various societies disagree on something does not mean that there is no objective truth in the matter. Some societies might simply be wrong in their beliefs. Hence, the Cultural Differences Argument errs in drawing a sweeping conclusion about a subject from the mere fact that people disagree about it. In Ethics, cultural relativism fails because it argues “from facts about the differences between cultural outlooks to a conclusion about the status of morality.”  

Either it is politics or education or any other field of life, people and community in United States of America do differ from Pakistan, but it also varies even within the state. The visit to Boston revealed many different things to us, the people were much different in compared with the people in Amherst (where we are staying). Boston is a state of mind.  truly it is!

Fascinating visit to New England Aquarium, then roaming around the Boston Harbor, then walking in the city to the North End, seeing Holocaust Memorial in the way to Harvard.

Each step forward showed a new view of life and people around.

The weather was magnificent, the walk around in the city of Boston, too.

The educational system,policy and even the class rooms up here are way different than in Pakistan.

The health facilities aren’t as much in access of the common man as it is in Pakistan, like you have to go through a long process and wait a lot of time for a doctor to visit you.

[umasspakleaders]

Always Strive to Improve

Mohsin Bin Iqbal

The life seems to be changing everyday, while you move a bit further in life. 

People need to strive for a better life. A life will be meaningless if no one strives harshly to prove that it is worth living in his life. History also shows that a man who is always not satisfied with what he possessed often tends to be an influential man. This type of people probably flabbergasts others by spectacular actions. No one in this world can acquire perfection. Everybody always has pros and cons. Otherwise, the primary difference between the winners and the losers is just the way of perceiving their advantages as well as their disadvantages. The winners see their success as a motivation and their failure as a lesson. Thereafter, both of them can apparently enhance the winners to greater steps of success. On the other hand, the losers are truly egotistic with all their achievements and somehow find the ways hide their losses as stealthy as possible. 

Nothing in life is impossible, you need to work for the betterment of yourself and the people around. It solely depends upon the views and actions of one individual. Sometimes there are few hurdles in the life, few problems, few issues! All that you have got to do is to stay patient and strive for betterment.

The more you are striving now, the better you will get in the future. The development of human beings is mainly the development of the society. People should impulse themselves to overcome new obstacles in lieu of allowing themselves to stop and be satisfied. However, they should sometimes accept themselves to avoid unnecessary losses.

[umasspakleaders]

COMPARATIVE BETWEEN US/PAK CULTURE This is Saim Rasheed, Cultural Ambassador from Pakistan in the Program Study of the United States Institutes for Pakistani Student Leaders on Public Policy Making. Its quite interesting to learn about cultures. I wanted to share something about US culture and compare it to the culture of Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country of South Asia while the United States of America is a Super Power and Well developed country in the other corner of the World. I am quite Exciting about to Learn about US. How U.S is as a country? US has 50 States, and each state in itself is a big Country, there are different Rules and Laws in different States, so Basically US has 50 Countries. First of all, In the United States of America people are more individualistic and independent whereas in Pakistan, society is more collectivistic and interdependent. In Pakistan when you are making a decision you take into consideration your family, friends and Community. You might have a best decision in your self-interest, but if your family or close friends are not happy with the decision, you might give up. However, in United States you can go for what you think is best for you. Furthermore, meal E-g Halal/Haram, or table manners, is different. In America people use forks, knives and spoon during meals. People use dining tables. In Pakistan using fingers is common and usually all family members or friends sit together on the floor for meal. Third, time is highly valued in America. One is supposed to meet the deadlines and schedule routine matters. In Pakistan people take life easy in general. It is OK if you are 15-20 minutes late for a meeting, ceremony or party. People are more direct and time Management when it comes to communication in the United States, while in Pakistan people are context oriented are search for clues. Fourth The People of United States are so Much Loving and Caring when You tell them that you are from Pakistan or any other Country Etc. They Smiled, Laugh and got amazed. You Take Selfies with them and they never Rude. The people of both nations love music. People listen to music and dance to it in both countries. But Here in US People Mostly go to the Clubs and Bars for gatherings, but in Pakistan there its not easy to go to the bars or clubs etc. Same is the case with sports. In America young people are very enthusiastic about sports like baseball, basketball and rugby. In Pakistan people get really excited about cricket and hockey. Both in America and Pakistan, people respect their elders. It is considered rude to interrupt while they are talking to each other. Hugging each other, Same Gender or opposite Gender is common among friends in both countries. The cultures of America and Pakistan are quite different and there are a few similarities. The information I shared is not based on some extensive research, It is a general observation of everyday life in United States. I am trying to learn more about US culture during my stay here. #comparativeuspakistan #3rdreflection