Stories from the Field

It is with deep sorrow that we share this news with you. Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the suspension of most of HECUA’s international programs and significantly […] Read More »

I have felt more at home in the classroom at HECUA than ever before because I have had ample opportunity to get to know my fellow classmates. Sharing our collective knowledge has been extremely special, as we all have different experiences and skills to offer. Read More »

I don’t want to leave Derry and the country of Northern Ireland. As many times as I joked about being a stowaway, there may have been some truth to it. I have been so happy in Northern Ireland. I have learned so much and connected with so many people who, in the past, I never would have given a second glance. I’ve learned so much about myself that I don’t even know who I was in the U.S. before coming over.  Read More »

Something we’ve learned this semester is that sustainability consists of economic, environmental, social, spatial, and time components. Culture is created by the spatial and time aspects and, in turn, influences and is influenced by the economic, environmental, and social aspects. In other words, culture is embedded within the very concept of sustainability and, therefore, must be acknowledged in any sort of decision making. Read More »

I am fortunate to have heard from such talented and thoughtful independent filmmakers who are  forging new narratives in a world monopolized by mainstream media outlets. Their words and work  inspires me to critique the media I consume and always fight to tell the whole story, never simply to follow the money. Read More »

Paolo’s connection to the land and animals goes beyond consumer preference or cost-effectiveness. Like many Italian farmers we have met, Paolo inspires me to consider my values and their impact on my actions. Small, sustainable farmers like him give me hope in our future. Read More »

"We went to Akiing, near Palisade, Minnesota, for the Fall Gathering to welcome all the people, commonly referred to as Water Protectors, resisting the deadly pipeline, Line 3. This was one of my favorite site visits as we met so many wonderful people, including film students from Macalester College, community organizers from the Twin Cities, and Indigenous matriarchs including Winona LaDuke, an Anishinabe women and founder of Honor The Earth, who is a very powerful leader!" Read More »

"What I love so much about working at Terreno is being able to see the two different processes (wine harvest and olive harvest) become two different products. Since wine and olive oil are so closely tied to Italian culture, helping produce them feels like a rite of passage. This immersion brings me closer to the people I routinely work with as well as other Italians I’ve met since being here." Read More »

"To me, it seems as though the media is only interested in covering the extremes of both communities instead of the progressing reality of a shared, peaceful, and civil Northern Ireland." Read More »

"However, in a more just world, children would be viewed as a demographic of people that have inherent worth, with or without their ability to contribute to the workforce or accrue capital." Read More »