The following is an open letter to President Nan Keohane:
In the spirit of La Paz, this is my vain attempt at a protest of the cancellation of the Duke in the Andes study abroad program. Currently, our group is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and enjoying the warmth and security of this major city, away from the protests in La Paz.
After living in the center of La Paz for two months, I have seen plenty of protests and frustration with a government, enough to last a lifetime. However, my experience here is not done. Duke has given me this incredible opportunity to visit a country so unlike any I've ever been to and I have truly tried to take advantage of everything this city offers. I have shared classes with Bolivian students, learned about past prejudices that still impact current political situations and seen the effects of many different cultures colliding in a very hostile environment in the Andes. Overall, I have learned a lot, but still need to learn more.
Basically, this letter is a plea, a plea for more time. We have witnessed the situation all semester in the heart of the city. We have created bonds with our families and with our compañeros in class. Our language skills have improved as has our understanding of the plethora of cultures that surrounds us.
So, in pure La Paz protest fashion, I am asking that Duke consider holding out on the cancellation of this program. Allow us to attend the university in Santa Cruz for the next week as has been planned by our directors.
Talk to the directors of the program who insist that this action is premature, considering the U.S. Consulate in Santa Cruz considers removal from this area a rash move.
Thank you very much for your time and for the experience Duke has given me in Bolivia thus far.
Jessica West
Trinity '05
The writer is currently studying in La Paz and is a former Chronicle photographer.
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