Perspectives

SLG Perspectives: Our Travelers

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Thanks to your interest in travel sustainability, advocacy, and culture, Shatter the Looking Glass has grown rapidly over the last year. We are thrilled to launch our new series; SLG Perspectives. Our team of expert travelers will share knowledge and stories from the cities and countries they know best. Each Perspective will help unravel the complexity of culture and reveal the many layers that travel imbibes. Rather than provide a “City Guide” or a “Must Do” list — these columns will provide insight and understanding to the most fascinating cities, traditions and people. Cheers to new ways of seeing the world around us.

Introducing SLG Perspectives: Second Batch

Jessica Peng: traversing hi/stories

Currently splitting her time between New York and Indonesia, Jessica Peng is a ‘traveling’ educator with interests in colonial histories and their political, educational, and social legacies in contemporary issues. Upon receiving her B.A. in International Studies from Vassar College in 2011,Jessica moved to Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia, as a Fulbright grantee. This fall, Jessica will return to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to continue teaching English at Gadjah Mada University and Sanata Dharma University as a Vassar Maguire Teaching Fellow. As a dual-citizen of Taiwan and the U.S., and with previous experiences living in Japan and Vietnam, Jessica is interested in exploring the cultural landscapes of the Asia-Pacific region, especially as they intersect with her Asian-American identity. In her column, “traversing hi/stories,” Jessica will share personal stories and reflections on her experiences and encounters while living in Indonesia, paying special attention to the positions from which she writes.

Olivia Arguinzoni: Is Brazil’s Time Now?

Olivia Arguinzoni

A recent graduate from Vassar College in International Studies, Olivia Arguinzoni is currently a Fulbright grantee living in Uberlândia, Brazil. Olivia’s interests include race relations and urban development in Brazil. In December, she will return to her native New York City and pursue work that will put her on track to a Master’s Degree in International Relations. She is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her column Is Brazil’s Time Now? will examine the booming country through the eyes of a foreigner and the context of a scholar.This column will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural environment of both Brazil and its place within the current world order and reveal the differences between the current economic boom and past boom periods in order to see if Brazil’s time is, in fact, now.

Saskia Kusnecov : Wash the Dust Away

Saskia Kusnecov is a Rutgers University student interested in studying History and Spanish. Coming from a childhood heavily invested in the visual and literary arts, she has a weighty interest in the dimensions of culture and geographical art history. She is motivated to pursue journalism by a voracious curiosity about the world around her and a desire to reveal the truth about unheeded areas of life. She would also like to take an active role in the fight for human rights around the globe. Saskia’s column “Wash the Dust Away ” will examine the dynamics of cultural roles and phenomena and will focus on arts, culture and people that work to break stereotypes and engage complexity of travel around the world.

Colleen Germain: Caravanserai

Colleen earned her master’s degree from Bard in decorative art history, design and material culture studies,Colleen’s experience includes gallery tours and art-focused travel in the U.S., Europe and Asia as a recent Fulbright fellow. Whether shopping, decorating, attending shows, or indulging in a foreign fashion, pursuing creative interests abroad enriches the travel experience and enhances cross-cultural understanding. Her column Caravanserai explores exotic marketplaces, creative fora, and museums to present art appreciation as an essential component of ethical travel.

Aquib Yacoob: Kindle, Coal, Cauldrons, & Kettles

Aquib Yacoob is an activist and scholar currently pursuing the field of international medicine at Colby College. As a Student Activist Coordinator for the Northeastern Region of Amnesty International: Aquib works with high schools and colleges to organize actions for social change. His unique philosophy that all cultures must be cherished, aims to create a more peaceful and accepting world where humans can all coexist. Aquib’s column will explore the things that make us humans so unique, yet so alike, exploring the different corners of world and get a closer look at the Human. Kindle, Coal, Cauldrons & Kettles will examine culture, health and human rights and celebrate the fascinating intricacies of the global community.