Penn Abroad Ambassador Lindsay Park

Program:

• PGS: Seeing/Hearing Globally Indigenous Music and the Arts of Healing

Ask me about...

• How global classes intersect with my studies as an engineer (I fully understood how interdisciplinary Penn is through this PGS. If you’re skeptical about how such a uniquely structured course fits into your studies/goals, please ask away!)

• Have any safety concerns? I can address them from a student’s perspective as Penn Abroad did an excellent job treating my injuries in the outback.

• MORE THAN ANYTHING: Having enriching conversations that completely challenge your way of thinking (I knew I was going to partake in difficult dialogue regarding decolonization and trauma, but I did not anticipate how much my mindset would mature and broaden)!

My Experience Abroad:

At the surface, the connection between systems engineering and indigenous studies seems unclear. Through this class, however, I gained the most valuable skillset that not only strengthens my work as an engineer but also as a contributing community member: the ability of deep listening, or dadirri. As I think about potential career paths, I follow this intuition to find stillness in all the noise around me. My coursework focuses on optimization via mathematics and technology, but through this PGS, I learned how to integrate these skills with deep listening to understand the impact on the greater community.

Other Highlights:

• Greater understanding of Aboriginal culture: It was a life-changing experience talking firsthand with Aboriginal peoples and walking on their soil.

• Class bonding: I can honestly say my classmates turned into lifelong friends through this trip. I found a lasting community that I am so blessed to be a part of.

• Food: From crocodile to kangaroo to Koreatown, the culinary culture was always exciting!

• Interacting with local Australians: In particular, I spoke with a Korean immigrant at a Sydney souvenir shop. I’ve only met Korean-American immigrants, so it was fascinating to contrast our upbringings and note the similarities and differences.