Katelyn Foster

Writer. Musician. Storyteller.

Spanish Club

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On May 5, 2022

In International Organization

This year, along with attending multiple international events on campus, I participated in an international organization. Given that I am working to earn my Spanish minor, it was my hope to find an organization that allowed me to grow in my linguistic skills or gain more knowledge about the Spanish culture. I searched on the IAS website, and finally found a club listed that was perfect for me: Spanish Club. I immediately joined the GroupMe and got started finding ways to become involved as a member.

My key participation this year has involved attending our Zoom meetings and conversation hours hosted by the Spanish department. It was through these meetings and practice within the Spanish language that I was able to get to know other members of the club much better. Beyond that, I developed even more of my conversation skills because instead of talking to peers who were relatively on the same speaking level as me, I got to talk a variety of people with differing skills sets. That’s the best thing about Spanish club, we really focus on getting to speak with one another, no matter your level of ability because the speaking is what matters most. You can’t get any better unless you start somewhere and take that initial risk somehow. Spanish club was a great community, space, and way for me this past school year to take that risk and get to try out my speaking skills with others.

What’s your “Why?”

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On May 2, 2022

In Campus Events, International Events

This past Friday, April 29, I had the distinct privilege of attending a talk with Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States, hosted by OU’s European Union Center. Given the weight of the speaker’s position, OU President Joseph Harroz welcomed and met with Lambrinidis prior to the talk and gave opening remarks at the event.

Lambrinidis has been the Ambassador of the EU to the US since March 1, 2019. Before that, he served as the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights from 2012-2019. Beyond this, he has experience as the Foreign Affairs Minister of Greece, as a member of the European Parliament, as Vice President of the European Parliament, and as an attorney in Washington D.C. with emphasis on international trade, transactions, and arbitration.

Lambrinidis gave his talk, “Democracy and Global Leadership: America, Europe and a Changing World,” for about an hour and a half with room for a few questions at the end. Given the continued conflict and outright bloodshed in Ukraine, Lambrinidis spoke on the strength of a united European Union and the power of 27 countries refusing to give into Putin’s antics. He also dove into comparisons of power, enforcement of legislature, and approaches to controversial issues within society and how they are being mitigated by the EU. Or rather, issues that are controversial within the US and that will continue to pit our country against itself where as in Europe these are matters of improving society and saving humanity regardless of political party. For example, the issue of climate change is an important issue on the ticket for all running politicians in Europe, and in the US, it is a dilemma that only exists in the eyes of the left. Clearly, we have a lot to learn from the EU and from what Lambrinidis had to share. One last statistic he shared that really blew my mind went as follows and is more or less quoted from his talk: the EU spends $10,000 a year to provide free health care for all its citizens. Do you know how much the US pays per year to not provide its citizens with free healthcare? $15,000.

While I could write and write and then write some more about all the profound remarks Lambrinidis gave, I want to take time to really address one. Throughout his talk, Lambrinidis used a motif to help get his “so what” and thematic point across. He opened his talk by explaining people often know what they want to do with their lives. They have a “what.” He next discusses how many people, although often less than before, have a “how.” How will they get to their “what” and how will they make their “what” a reality. The least amount of people know the answer to “why.” Why do you want to be this? Why is this what you want to do with your life? He continued to touch on this point in direct correlation to the EU: their what, their how, and most importantly their why. He encouraged all of us students to know our why and to question individuals in power about their why. He advises this because leaders and people concerned about solely the “what,” moving from position to position and being overambitious for the sake of power with no why, are dangerous individuals.

Know your why. I had the privilege and opportunity to ask Mr. Ambassador Lambrinidis directly during the question session what his why is. This is a crucial question to ask yourself and again all leaders and individuals in positions of power. Because when you know your why and are doing the “what” for the right reasons and not for the sake of power, real positive change can be made to preserve and better our domestic and global communities.

End of the Year Review

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On April 29, 2022

I seriously can not believe we are wrapping up the school year with only two more weeks left, one more of classes and then finals. This year has moved so incredibly fast, but that is exciting for me because it means one year closer to studying abroad and no more gen ed credits to take! In this specific post, I am going to access the impact of my involvement in GEF and go over my experience in the organization overall, along with the required class for it: Understanding the Global Community.

This organization has been overall one worth investing my time and energy into. I have learned of so many cool opportunities and communities on campus that I would have otherwise not known about. This has in turn helped me as a Spanish minor study dive deeper and engage most fully in my studies. Further, I feel more plugged into society and the global community as a whole. This is primarily due to the events I attend, learning from renowned speakers and individuals with unique stories, but also in my global community class.

In a world entrenched in inequality, divide, and turmoil, it is important, now more than ever, it is vital to stay engaged. While the topics covered relate centrally to inequality, power, and the systems through which these two concepts operate and are enforced, there is a focus and idea that change is imminent. Or rather, the horribly flawed systems of inequality we live in today will not sustain our world for much longer; change will become necessary for survival.

My favorite, or rather most memorable and impactful event, was most definitely the talk given by European Union’s US Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis. While I dive into more depth on this particular event in its own separate post, I can say I was most moved and impacted by what he had to say. It is in fact pushing me to consider and think about taking my public relations major and Spanish minor toward something impacting and combating inequalities whether internationally or domestically.

I am grateful to have been part of this organization because it has helped widen my perspectives and truly broaden my horizons. Without this involvement, I would not have had the same OU experience I was lucky enough to go through this first year of my studies.

Wealth, Class & Global Inequality

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On April 14, 2022

In Current Events, International Events

Earlier this second semester, I binged the new Netflix drama series “Squid Game” like many, many others. The show became extremely popular not only for its suspenseful plot and riveting characters, but also because of some of the greater themes it touched on. Primary: money. Now, “money” in and of itself is not a theme, but rather a means by which class is determined in our global society today.

This theme of wealth, class, and the disparities between the rich and the poor seen in modern day society all across the world was directly addressed by this series. While I personally do not have much context or knowledge regarding South Korea, where the show is set, I have been discussing and learning in an Understanding the Global Community class about these topics on a global level.

These are topics and concerns every single citizen should learn about because they matter and conditions are horrendous. While it is easy for people to watch a season of “Squid Game,” turn off the TV in their fully furnished living room, and reenter into their real world of privilege, majority of the world is not so lucky to experience this sort of reality. Why? Perhaps it is because 8 people total hold half… yes HALF of the world’s wealth. This means wealth has been distributed in way that allows the top to have it all where the middle and bottom are left with little to nothing. Simply put, there is enough wealth statistically speaking to be equitably distributed but that is not happening.

So what exactly is happening? As seen in many places, especially the United States, the ideology of neoliberalism has taken over and allowed the powerful to make decisions as to how wealth is controlled. Systems are established in order for the rich to exploit the poor for cheap labor. In China, the Hukou system prevents those born and living in the rural area from urbanizing and attaining jobs with livable wages and reasonable working conditions. As seen in “Squid Game,” characters in these narratives face outrageous poverty and debt that is not entirely by choice. Structural violence forces them into a certain position with no real way to find a better means of living.

Why does this matter? As a global citizen, this is something everybody should care about. We must hear and learn about these egregious conditions and strive for change. We must think about where our goods and services are coming from and consider individuals involved in providing them. We have the means by which to mitigate the inequality, yet the wealthy and upper classes have not made any attempts at change. Instead, they will continue running their economies off the poor until the gap between the rich and lower classes is too wide and damage control must be done. The first step to any change as a young and powerless individual is education. Fellow students, young adults, anybody and everybody: it’s time we think about making change to combat the growing divide in class. Everyone deserves a fair and equitable chance at life.

Perspectives on the War

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On April 8, 2022

In Campus Events, International Events

In light of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine and my desire to stay fully informed as a global citizen, I attended a two-part Teach-In Series hosted by the OU Department of International & Area Studies, Department of History, and Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. For the first portion of the series, we covered “Perspectives on the War.”

On March 3, the first webinar, involved us students posing questions to the panel of experts present. These esteemed educators and their titles are listed in the video caption and introduced during the presentation. Many of the questions proposed by students were directed at the invasion’s origin and dove into more “whys” behind Russia’s actions. To begin, it was addressed that there is a fundamental confusion between the Russian imperial identity and their national identity. This, to me, was one of the most profound statements made. As seen in Britain and France, countries who lost their colonial holds had to rethink their imperial identity and did so. There is a level of indifference that came about for them. On the other hand, Russia has not rethought their imperial identity and thus is engaged in a fight that to the rest of the world is completely unjustified on Russia’s part.

The other major question that comes into play and was addressed at the webinar: Why now? To begin, in Russia’s recent history, Putin has become more autocratic overtime in the regime and there are domestic drivers that have brought various sentiments to a climax: the invasion. Putin has domestically decimated political opposition. He has rewritten the constitution granting him legitimate power until 2046. He can use fear to influence the government and citizens. Furthermore, Putin has such a significant level of isolation that his world view is not challenged. Russia also fears Ukraine’s strength, so clearly evident to this day in the fight to defend what is rightfully theirs. Since 2019 and the election of President Zelenskyy, a president who was not raised in a political line of heirs yet elected justly to office, Ukraine’s governing practices have headed toward the path of democracy. Thus, Putin loses that hold and this “buffer country” that gives Russia clear separation from the west.

Much of the rest of the webinar discusses what conditions are like within Russia, protests, the media, what information is being fed to citizens, and so much more. Other topics involving the refugee crisis and the importance of Chernobyl gave participants a complete picture of the many effects Russia’s decision is having on innocent lives. Ultimately, as learned through this enriching opportunity, there has been a general unprecedented response from the globally community that will hopefully continue as this conflict plays out and many more lives are lost in Eastern Europe.

As the situation continues and events unfold, I plan to stay as informed as possible and pray for some sort of resolution to this horrific conflict.

Examining Global Security Implications

By

On April 8, 2022

In Campus Events, International Events

For the second part of this Webinar Series, a panel of experts dove deeper into particulars surrounding the global security implications of Russia’s invasion. Its full title, “Examining the Global Security Implications for the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: NATO, Nuclear Security, Cyber Warfare, and Diplomacy.” This webinar functioned slightly different from the first, and instead of students posing questions, the panelist each presented information in their area of expertise.

The first panelist’s presentation covered geographical and some of that specific imperialistic ideology that was discussed on the first portion of the webinar. In Russia, right before the invasion, and hour-long program on TV was presented to citizens pushing the belief that Ukraine was created by Lenin and a gift bestowed by him. Putin pushed that Ukraine was “not an authentic country” and that it was necessary it become part of Russia again. Essentially, they were leading on with this false narrative to reestablish a buffer to the west. Putin is working likewise to ensure his legacy and be a “savior” for Russia.

Other information uniquely from this panel included the thought that Russia noted internal weakness within the US and thus decided now was a prime time to act. They are note wrong at all in noting this. The most profound statement I noted from this second webinar: “Don’t trust what Putin says but what he does.” Russia hasn’t had stake in European security since the 90s and they want back in. They want the rest of the world to respect them and fear them.

To address some of the global security strategies leading up to the invasion, unlike Russia, truthful information and statistics about Russian force disposition, troops, and locations were released to the American public. This was key as it allowed US domestic support for Ukraine to build and enhance the west’s credibility. It allowed the American government act and have the support of its people behind it. This in turn set an example for other western countries to follow suit. This panel was exceptionally helpful in deepening my understand in how information is dispersed and significantly impacts global sentiment and security action.  

Doubt is the Door to Knowledge

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On February 25, 2022

In Campus Events

Being involved as an OU Global Engagement Fellow and taking coursework that deals with understanding the global community, I strive to attend a variety of on-campus international activities with relevant speakers and topics. The event I attended most recently caught my attention in the body of a newsletter email. There was a bright, crimson block reading, “Special Lunchtime Chat, Modern Latinx Literature and Other Topics” with more details and photos of speakers below the headline. Given my interest in Spanish and literature, I immediately registered to be a part of this Zoom call. Although I was not entirely certain what was meant by “other topics,” the webinar seemed like an opportunity that would be academically developmental if nothing else. 

This Zoom call was hosted by Robert Con Davis-Undiano, an OU professor, OU Latinx Studies Director, and Executive Director of World Literature Today. Our guest speaker was Ilan Stavans, a decorated author and professor at Amherst College. Stavans awards include but are not limited to: the Latino Literature Prize, winner of Chile’s Presidential Medal, and National Jewish Book Award recipient. While I was under the impression we would discuss in depth about current figures and works of the modern Latinx community, the presentation headed in a slightly different direction. Nevertheless, this direction still allowed for an enriching talk.

The central narrative Stavans followed was simply his life’s story. He was born in Mexico City to immigrant parents who left Eastern Europe in a post-holocaust society. He told his story with both depth and breadth. When he dove deeper into particulars surrounding literature, its cannon, and the utmost importance of learning in the classroom, this is where the most profound statements were made. Just this month, Stavans published What is American Literature? which explores the classics through a modern lens, specifically in the United States. He views the classroom as a place where one should never take anything at face value and where no information should be seen as dogma. He encourages individuals to broaden their bite, do their own research, and come to their own conclusions. In an essay published in World Literature Today, Stavans says, “doubt rules in the classroom because doubt is the door to knowledge. And knowledge must be won.” His approach of being uncomfortable in the unknown and seeking out answers within the classroom, through literature or otherwise, is truly the first step in healing our broken world.

Rise of the Omicron Variant

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On December 2, 2021

In International Events

Omicron: a new and extremely transmissible COVID-19 variant that is a far more dangerous form of the virus as we know it. This has caused extreme concern for some countries and for others, not so much. While Japan, Israel, and Morocco are blocking any foreign travelers, other countries have not taken any precautions yet to prevent the new variant from spreading.

The Omicron originated in South Africa and health officials and world leaders have not become too seriously concerned for the impact this variant could have, not yet at least. They are encouraging individuals to get vaccinated and continue masking up. One case of the variant has entered the United States in California, via someone who recently traveled to South Africa, and 20 other countries.*

Now what does this mean for me, for us, for our global and individual communities? This variant could merely exist, not spread too greatly, and current behaviors and societal functions would remain open and running smoothly as are. However, if certain areas of the country continue refusing to get vaccinated and refusing to wear masks or travel irresponsibly, the impacts of this variant could revert us back to lockdown and closure.

Seeing that Omicron has already rapidly made its way to several other countries and continents besides Africa, all citizens on a local level must be aware of this risk so as to protect our national and global communities. As I write this, I am not overly concerned of this variant. Nevertheless, recognizing that history repeats itself and believing in science, as one does or at least should do, this variant could be a recipe for disaster within the United States and even globally speaking.

I, too, am guilty of not wearing a mask as often as I should. However, I have made an effort to get vaccinated and have my booster shot scheduled for next week. If I am sick, I stay in and wear a mask around all others. I eat a balanced diet, avoid large group settings indoors, take vitamins and supplements, all to prevent contracting COVID-19 or even the flu. Health is an important aspect of our communities, and it is every individual’s responsibility, as a community member and global citizen, to take this seriously and make an effort to remain healthy, if not for themselves for the sake of preserving the functioning state of society in which we exist. It would be quite dismal and saddening to not learn from recent history and past mistakes that action must be taken to prevent the spread beforehand instead of after the fact.

I encourage all to remain up to date with Omicron variant information in order to help prevent its spread.

*This information is subject to change with time.

“También la Lluvia”

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On December 1, 2021

In Campus Events

This past month, several Spanish professors hosted movie screenings open to all their students as opportunities for extra credit. Me being me, someone who loves earning extra points and having extra padding for my grade going into finals season, I decided to attend the November 11th screening of, “También la Lluvia.” 

This specific event was hosted by professors Diego Valdecantos Monteagudo and Luvia Estrella Morales who supplemented the movie viewing with history, context, and post-film discussion to enrich our understanding of the time period and conflict. 

Set as a movie within a movie, “Tambien la Lluvia” dives into the deep and intricate history regarding the struggle between Chileans and the indigenous people of this territory – the Mapuche. The movie being filmed within the movie’s plot follows the notorious Christopher Colombous narrative and his conquering of the Americas. This story is paralleled with the Chilean water crisis, where in recent history the Chilean government privatized all water, making it near to impossible for Machupe and natives to afford clean drinking water. All water was off access to these people, tambien la lluvia meaning “even the rain” in English. 

This movie was extremely profound and opened my eyes to some of the struggles faced in these South American countries and the struggles their indigenous people have to endure. I come from a heritage and area of the United States where I am privileged to have clean water at my disposal 24/7. This story is one people should watch to grasp the full impact of colonization and inconsideration of human rights that still, to this day, exists globally. 

The character development, key details of the plot that include the movie with a movie, and historical lessons “Tambien la Lluvia” have to offer make it one of my favorite Spanish movies and a must-see film as a global citizen. 

Arepas & Tortilla de Patatas

By

On November 16, 2021

In Campus Events

The warm scent of maize, eggs, and potatoes tempts my hungry stomach. I sit on the edge of my seat, absorbing every detail of the presentation, yet my gaze never wavers from the source of the savory smells: arepas being heated up on a griddle next to steaming hot tortillas de patatas. This presentation was part of a two-week Hispanic Culinary Workshop, hosted by professors Olga Diaz-Potter and Esther Andrés Montecatini November 2 and 9. 

The first week, these two lovely ladies cooked us traditional dishes from their home countries, Colombia and Spain respectively. The following week, each student who attended was in charge of researching, preparing, and cooking their own dish de sabor hispano to share with others. 

Food is such a central and defining element in every culture, I could only help but feel exponentially more immersed as a global citizen after attending this event. I relished the opportunity to hear from firsthand from profes Olga and Esther about their particular recipes for popular dishes they grew up cooking and enjoying. Olga even let us in on a secret ingredient passed down by her abuela to make arepas maravillosas.  

Simply put, arepas are thick tortillas made of maize that originate from the Colombian and Venezuelan area. They are served as snacks, at lunch, at dinner or even with coffee for breakfast. I really enjoyed them as a substitute for regular Mexican tortillas because they are more flavorful and thicker, allowing you to hold more carne or other toppings inside without them breaking.

Tortillas de Patatas, also known as Tortillas de Español, are not, in fact, the tortillas we know and love that hold all of our soft taco fillings. It is a mixture of potatoes and eggs cooked into a tortilla shape with an omelet-like consistency and thickness. I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely popular Spanish dish that is typically served at bars with a beer or as a snack. Personally, with the eggs, I would consider making this to eat for breakfast. It is delicious and quite filling if you eat enough.  

The second week, I chose to make Chocotorta, an Argentinian homemade dessert served at Birthdays. It tastes quite similar to Tiramisu as it is made with coffee soaked chocolate cookies and layered with a cream cheese, dulce de leche spread. The best part of this dish: you don’t have to cook anything. You simply dip the chocolate cookies in coffee, mix the cream cheese and dulce de leche, alternate these in layers in a pan, and pop it in the fridge overnight. Needless to say, the sweet chocolate, caramel, and coffee flavor made this dessert a hit. 

Below are links to recipes and steps for preparing the three dishes I discussed here today. Hasta la próxima entrada de blog! 

Arepas

Tortillas de Patatas

Chocotorta

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