Homosexuality in Jordan, Sufism as a cover-up for the Moroccan monarchy, and HIV/AIDS in Nepal—these were just three of the topics covered at the first Junior Dinner where students presented research projects done while studying abroad.

The event, which was held in Woodhead Lounge on April 1, was organized by Margot Boyer-Dry ’11 with help from Dean Noel Garrett. Faculty members present at the event asked questions, resembling those directed to students defending a thesis, after each presentation. Some of the presenters are considering writing a thesis on their topics.

Yannick LeJacq ’11, who studied abroad in Jordan, presented his research on homosexuality in Amman, Jordan.

“I really wanted to see the Arab part of the Middle East more singularly,” LeJacq said. “Growing up as a Jewish person who went to Hebrew School and all of that, you get the Israeli perspective. Not to denigrate one more over the other, but I wanted to see the Arabic experience as well.”

Boyer-Dry, who studied abroad in Morocco, presented her research on Sufism, which she discovered is used by the Moroccan monarchy to safeguard its power. Like many of the presenters, Boyer-Dry had no idea what she wanted to research during her time abroad, but knew that she wanted to pursue religious avenues.

Boyer-Dry felt that the question-answer period added something extra to the event. LeJacq felt that the responses given by other students and professors challenged his research in a positive way.

“The reaction I got from my Jordanian professors was too emotional,” LeJacq said. “My topic hit too close to home and they weren’t able to critique and question me in ways that were helpful.”

Some students felt that the event, which clocked in at two hours, was not sufficient for the five presentations given. By the time it was Alyssa Bogdanow’s ’11 turn to present the room had almost emptied.

“All of us had clearly done a massive amount of work and had a lot to say about it,” LeJacq said. “It is hard to fit all of that into two hours. It was sad to see each of us have to cut our presentations—particularly the amount of questions people had for us—short.”

Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver ’11, who studied the effect of HIV/AIDS on the Tibetan community in Nepal, encouraged other University students to study abroad. She cited the opportunity to live with a host family in a foreign place as one of the best and most unique experiences she ever had. She also emphasized that she knew nothing about her research topic or research methods before she went, and therefore said that underclassmen should not be discouraged.
MacLeod-Bluver thought that presenting at the talk was a great experience.

“For me it was really great to hear other people’s experiences,” she said. “I think people do such different and unique things so it was really great hearing their experiences from other parts of the world.”

Boyer-Dry hopes that the dinner will serve as a prototype for larger events in the future. She put forth the idea of a WeSeminar, an entire day devoted to students talking about experiences they have had outside of Wesleyan.

Attendees listened to the students’ presentations while enjoying food from Haveli’s. Boyer-Dry felt that the dinner was overall a great success.

“I won’t speak for myself, but Jeremy [Isard ’11], Cait, Alyssa and Yannick all spoke beautifully,” wrote Boyer-Dry in an e-mail to The Argus. “All of the students have done remarkable things outside of Wesleyan. I was impressed with how eloquently each speaker was able to share his or her experiences.”