Masauko Chipembere Reflections

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Chipembere's talk yesterday. Like the presenters, I wasn't sure in which direction he would go, as he could discuss his activism in permaculture, musical career, work to better communities in Malawi, or even experience at Poly. The most resounding idea that came from his presentation was his description of continued effort to be a global citizen. Mr. Chipembere was open and honest about his experiences to getting to know his heritage, which I could totally relate to. He was born to Malawian nationals and grew up in LA without having learned much of his heritage. I myself have not been able to explore China much and even though I've grown up in a Chinese household, learned the language, and talked to immigrant relatives, I still feel a separation from my roots, so to speak. Mr. Chipembere told an intensely personal story of his path towards global scholarship, which he described as a process. He wasn't afraid to discuss his failings in the process and touched on the distinction between sustainable activism and unsustainable activism. As he talked, he really touched on the struggles I have as a Global Scholar, as activism ultimately comes from love, whether it be for one's people or a subject. Mr. Chipembere really laid out the truth of activism, that it is an important but thankless job, and that it is a never-ending task that you have to love to continue doing. I think I'll take his advice and weave some of my interest in the natural world and science into my Capstone Project, to inform the Poly Community about an issue in sustainability and to also enjoy myself along the way.