TIME 100

Our first week in Costa Rica has been jam-packed with engaging lessons at UPEACE. Our topics thus far  have been mainly foundational, focusing on our idea of what development is as well as various theories of development and why or why not they were effective based on historical context. The people at UPEACE have extremely kind and welcoming. Professor Claudio Ansorena, Coordinator of M.A. in Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development at UPEACE, greeted our class on Wednesday morning. He discussed with us his perspective on the theories of economic development we were currently learning about in class.

The following day, the Vice Rector of the University, Dr. Amr Abdalla, gave us an informative introduction the history of the university. He spoke of UPEACE's multidisciplinary approach to peace, revealing the importance of knowledge in effective cultural understanding. Luckily, in preparation for commencement that Friday, the keynote speaker squeezed an hour into her schedule to come and speak exclusively with the Global Scholars. To our surprise, it was Bineta Diop -- founder and director of Femmes Africa Solidarite and one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2011.

Her presence was awe-inspiring. As she spoke of her struggle to receive a quality education in her home of Senegal, I realized that this should not be considered a struggle. Everyone should have the access to knowledge as well as the opportunity to succeed like Madame Diop, especially the chance to negotiate with Secretary Clinton; definitely the coolest part of Bineta Diop’s job.

Listening to her speak was probably one of the most empowering moments of my life. She reiterated Dr. Abdalla's lecture on the significance of access to education for all. Madam Diop discussed the rising role of Africa as a new international economic force. She brought up the gender revolution igniting across the continent, and the outrage over the successful female Nigerian Financial Minister being overlooked for the new President of the World Bank. Bineta Diop finished her speech with a bold proclamation, she said “a country that neglects women is not a democratic country.” I thought of the current role of women in our own society and quickly realized we need a home-grown effort in the United States before we can tackle the issues of the world. Here, 5/24, is a link to my class notes the day of Madam Diop's surprise visit. Check out to read some of the extraordinary things she said, there's too many to fit in one post!

Here is a link to Bineta Diop's NGO and Here is TIME's article on Madam Diop

The view from our classroom the day of our surprise visit -- the cloudy mist covered the peak of the mountains!