3rd Place - Scenes from Around the World
After our class arrived in the capital of Tobago, we split up into groups to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the city. As we explored the city, we familiarized ourselves with the city. We found out where to get groceries, identify important buildings and places and meet some of the local people. On our way back from the scavenger hunt to our guesthouse, I managed to capture a photo of the city that would become our home for the month. Back in the States, people are always trying to capture the “essence” of the city, the night lights, the tall skyscrapers, the traffic, and crowds of people. Overall, the generalized appearance of a major city should look like. Originally, I had just taken this photo because the landscape of the industrialization was interesting to me and I admire architecture. This photo has since become a representation of what a developing country could look like. Tobago is a developing country with street lights, electrical lines, paved roads and sidewalks, multi story buildings, and so, so much more. There is a stereotype that developing countries lack resources, that they do not have the resources that you will find in this image. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have pride in their culture, their history, and their land. But there is pride to be found in their development, in their improvements as well because they want to be and will be so much more than a developing country, a travel destination for vacation, or a place in need of salvation because they are beyond capable. They will always ask: "are you enjoying Tobago?" not only for tourism but because there is so much to enjoy.
Location: Scarborough, Tobago
Study Away Program: J-Term 2017 Tobago
Student: Michele Matthew
Expected Grad Year: May 2019
PLU Study Away Website