PIA FRONTIER POSTS Newsletter of Princeton in Asia Summer 2006

12 Pages·2006·5.07 MB·English

PACIFIC
BRIDGES
Room 202, Bobst Center
for Peace and Justice
83 Prospect Ave.
Princeton, NJ 08544
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]
www.princeton.edu/~pia
Newsletter of Princeton in Asia Summer 2006
N D : P A F P
ew irectioNs i roNtier osts
W
ith the first departures of the 2006-2007 southeastern Jiangxi province. I was supposed unpredictable and stimulating. While PiA is
PiA fellows, we begin to reflect on a banner to get a sense of the exact complaints that the indeed philosophically rooted in Asia’s under-
year for PiA. Our fellows continue to learn poorest of China’s farmers are expressing; developed areas, its fringe of urban-profes-
from their transformative experiences and many observers see rural discontent as a po- sional fellowships testify to the fact that any
to make a positive difference in a part of the tentially explosive issue in China. While this Asian work and living environment requires
world where needs are expanding. PiA is issue seems abstract on the 25th floor of a different kinds of adaptations that challenge,
growing and seeking new opportunities for our Hong Kong skyscraper, it is raw, engrossing, educate, and expand in equal proportion.
talented young people to serve, explore, and and unfathomably complicated on the ground.
learn from this incredible part of the world. On the basis of interviews conducted in Man- By Caroline Carter, PiA Fellow at the
National Democratic Institute, Dili, East
A sampling of some of PiA’s new “frontier” darin with farmers and migrant workers over
Timor
posts is enclosed in the pages to come as an about a 200-square-mile region of hill coun-
indication of the kind of new fellowships and try, I wrote an article in the November issue When I applied to work as a PiA fellow for
challenges that PiA Fellows have taken on this of the FEER about some trends in Chinese ru- the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in
past year. ral society. Seeing this article published—my East Timor, I was drawn by an interest in de-
first—was satisfying, but it also revealed the velopment, particularly in post-conflict coun-
By Will MacNamara, PiA Roxe Journalism bittersweet lining of journalistic field research: tries. My first ten months working for NDI in
Fellow at the Far Eastern Economic Re- you carry the finished product in your hands, this small, seemingly laid back island nation
view, Hong Kong but you are left remembering how much you were both fascinating and rewarding. I was
After many decades as saw that you were not able to tell. fortunate to be placed in an office in which
Asia’s premier English- I worked almost exclusively with Timorese
language weekly, the Most of my work, though, involves research co-workers. My position as a PiA Fellow
Far Eastern Economic and editing. Sometimes the editing involves allowed me to play many roles in the office
Review was restructured substantive rewriting, since we are never quite without being anyone’s boss; I was a teacher,
in 2004 into a monthly sure how compelling each essay will be (a student, assistant, translator, confidant, and a
journal. I am now the risk every journal takes). In any case, the late friend to all my co-workers. The people with
third member of the new nights that our familial editorial team is forced whom I interacted on a daily basis became my
FEER’s editorial staff. And like all mom-and- to pull during production week—along with family. (continued on page 4)
pop-size operations—even those with me- the coffee and Chinese take-
dia-conglomerate parents—any extra help is out associated—is a welcome
welcome, and chores are laid on thickly. In reminder of college. My work
the past half-year I have been editing, writ- hours may fluctuate toward the
ing, researching, and translating for FEER, extreme sometimes, but I have
whose excellent 60th anniversary issue was plenty of time to explore this in-
published in March. (Subscribe at www.feer. credible city-state I live in.
com.)
Because I want to be a journal-
I was given the opportunity early on to con- ist and a writer, I can’t imagine
tribute an article about my area of amateur how lucky I have been to walk
expertise—Chinese society. The editor-in- into this job straight out of col-
chief sent me on a two-week fact-finding as- lege, a job whose responsibili-
signment to the Chinese countryside around ties are as numerous as they are
F e D
rom the xecutive irector
S
pring is the busiest and most inspiring baton to the incoming class. In their final whose dry cleaner asked for her autograph
time of the year for PiA as we prepare our months PiAers continue to notch impres- after pulling out the most recent issue of
new class of fellows, bask in the achieve- sive achievements and some typically un- Manila’s People Magazine—which promi-
ments of our current fellows, and gather the orthodox PiA resume-builders. Highlights nently featured Juliana in a photo shoot.
PiA family for the annual dinner. from this year’s fellows include:
Patrick Douglass (Teaching Fellow at
Program Growth Will McNamara (Roxe Journalism Fellow China Foreign Affairs University) added to
Our program continues to thrive. We are at Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong the PiA lexicon by coining the term ‘chul-
growing to meet increased demand on the Kong) modestly mentioned in his piece that let’ to capture the resurgence of the mullet
part of our Asian institutions and have wit- he has researched and published several hairstyle in China.
nessed a surge in applicants eager to learn feature length articles in the region’s lead-
from Asia. We are launching this year’s ing foreign affairs publication, but he did Asia Trip
class of fellows—107 inspiring young peo- not mention that he was awarded a presti- Seeing our fellows in action is an inspiring
ple bound for transformative experiences in gious Society of Publishers in Asia award experience and a wonderful affirmation of
15 countries. A brief review of this year’s for his feature writing! He will move on our mission. I wish everyone could have
fellows is enough to make many of us won- from PiA to work for Reuters and then the the opportunity to see them on the ground.
der how we ever got into PiA. This year’s Financial Times as a Bartley fellow—all at It is the highlight of the Executive Direc-
cohort includes two second generations the ripe old age of 21. tor’s year to travel to Asia annually, rid-
PiAers whose fathers were PiAers in the ing the coattails of our fellows, imposing
’60s and ’70s, one girl from a horse farm Shandon Quinn and Amy Seng (Teaching on their hospitality, and being feted by our
in Kentucky who has never left the States, Fellows at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singa- partner institutions. (Some people actually
a broomball champion from New Jersey, pore) have received one of the University’s claim that I enjoy these trips!)
a senior who has already earned US state most prestigious teaching awards: the Aca-
department security clearance because of demic Award. This is a highly sought after This year’s Asia trip spanned 13 countries.
her work in China, and a musician writing award that is rarely conferred on foreign Thailand Program Director Stephanie
his senior thesis—a composition—using teachers. It is a tremendous honor for our Teachout and I connected with 70 of our
the ambient noise from developing coun- fellows who will be recognized in an of- fellows, 40 PiA host institutions, and 60
tries. (Why didn’t I think of a thesis topic ficial ceremony at the University. of our alumni in Asia. Three marriage pro-
that would fund my travels?) To know the posals were deferred in Southeast Asia (all
fellows is to be inspired by their energy, Stephanie’s). Innumerable laughs and gam-
talents and belief that improving our world bei’s were had. Thanks to the presence of
is imperative and possible. For those who PiA Trustee Richard Van Horne on the trip
have not had the pleasure of meeting them this year, the Executive Director reduced
at interviews, orientation, or the annual the number of massages in her schedule
dinner, here’s a brief snapshot of the PiA in favor of some actual work meetings.
fellows of 2006-2007: Richard’s presence in Japan, Korea, China,
and Mongolia was invaluable (enjoying
• 91 full-year fellows and 16 summer fermented mare’s milk without a Trustee at
interns (nearly 20% growth) one’s side is just not the same). Somewhere
• 57% women; 43% men between the sand and snow of the stark
• 45% Princeton University Gobi desert, the late night fiddling sessions
• 65% teaching, 18% NGO, 11% busi- Teaching Fellows Laura KO Smith and Dan Kopf in rural Japan, and the ‘Hot Pot and Hot
ness, 6% media make some new friends in Rach Gia, Vietnam. Air’ alumni gatherings in Shanghai, PiA
• 250 applicants for 79 posts (1:3 ac- managed to generate 16 new opportunities
ceptance rate full-year, 1:5 summer) Laura Smith (Teaching Fellow at Kien and make preparations to enter Mongolia
• 12 fellows staying on a second year Giang Community College, Vietnam, pic- as our 15th country.
tured above) writes “I recorded my voice
(More colorful information on our individ- today for Vietnam Airlines. I will forever be La plus ça change, la plus c’est la même
ual fellows is available on the website in “the voice” at the Rach Gia airport saying chose
the PiA facebook of fellows.) “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Viet- The Asia trip was a wonderful kaleidoscope
nam Airlines flight VN 482 to Phu Quoc of PiA’s inspiring work and an illuminating
PiA Field Report and Ho Chi Minh. Please go to the check-in experience about the changing nature of
Meanwhile, our current fellows in the field counter to begin flight formalities.” operating in Asia. PiA continues to attract
are slurping their last noodles, enjoying the incredibly talented young people eager to
final vestiges of their celebrity, trimming Juliana Bennison (Public Health Fellow immerse themselves in Asian cultures, to
their pinky nails and preparing to pass the at Save the Children in the Phillippines) serve local communities, and to challenge
F e D
rom the xecutive irector
important for us to maintain this lead- PiA: The Sequel
ership by continuing to grow our pro- Third, the arrival of cellphones and email
gram in the regions where it’s needed has changed the PiA experience immea-
(particularly in harder-to-reach loca- surably. Older alumni will fondly cite the
tions where the presence of foreign- proverbial two-hour trek in the rain (uphill
ers is still unusual) and to enhance our both ways, of course) to call one’s parents.
program for our fellows by bolstering This has turned into the push of a button to
their experiences with language study answer the cellphone or get the latest news
and travel grants supported by PiA. on-line. The upside of this is that the office
Increasing our support to our fellows is able to be in better touch, support our fel-
in the field allows them to immerse lows more, and assist in cases of emergency.
themselves in the culture of their host The ease of communications also means
countries and get to places where their that true immersion has become more dif-
presence is special. This is a worth- ficult. Our fellows have access to their fa-
Christmas in Hanoi: Vietnam News Roxe Journalism Fellow, Sara while investment in carrying out our vorite publications online, to their families
Shapiro, Child Fund Fellow and second year, Alisha Blechman, mission of grassroots diplomacy ef- by phone, to their friends by email. The
an avian flu-free chicken, IUCN Fellow and second year, Jessica fectively and is critical in keeping PiA more connected they stay virtually, the less
Illaszewicz (Santa), and the ED on the last stop of the Asia trip. at the forefront of cross-cultural bridge impetus they have to immerse themselves
building for the coming century. in their communities. One way that PiA is
themselves by having their own perspec- addressing this is by encouraging selected
tives upended. Our core mission of cross- The Grit Factor fellows to stay on a second year in their
cultural bridge-building hasn’t changed, Second, as Asia becomes more prosperous, posts. The second year is a time when fel-
yet the context in which we are fulfilling the PiA experience is changing in locations lows reap the rewards of their hard work in
our mission has changed dramatically. The such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines, learning language, making local friends, and
most noticeable and dramatic change, of and Thailand. In locations where our fel- exploring their host country. Additionally,
course, is that much of Asia has “arrived” lows used to enjoy eastern toilets and inti- second years, who have already adjusted
economically and geopolitically. Prosper- mate relationships with dirt, now they can and acquired cultural and linguistic fluency,
ous, bustling, recognized for its strategic order cappuccinos at the local Starbucks and tend to be more valuable to their host insti-
importance, Asia is now on everyone’s radar buy DVDs of Friends. While their presence tutions.
screen. PiA has a proven track record and continues to be appreciated in all locations,
expertise in a critical part of the world with they are no longer the subject of curiosity In Closing...
which everyone from American universities and welcome parades in cities like Beijing, PiA is moving in exciting new directions to
to global businesses is looking to build ties. Shanghai, Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur. continue to carry out our century-old mis-
This increased prosperity and recognition of It is, of course, important for PiA to main- sion of serving the needs of Asia. As al-
the importance of Asia has a few strategic tain our long-term relationships with insti- ways, I look forward to hearing our alumni’s
implications for PiA that I am eager to share tutions in these locations and to be a part of comments, thoughts, and suggestions on the
with our alumni. the burgeoning Asian economies. However, program.
our growth should also reflect the needs in
Keeping our Edge less prosperous parts of Asia, where our fel-
First and foremost, there is increased com- lows’ talents can make a marked
petition for a foot-hold in Asia among edu- impact on their communities and
cational exchange and service programs where they can truly experience
such as PiA. Where once we were alone immersion far away from daily
sending fellows to remote locations, I now check-ins on nytimes.com. Our
often run across organizations with similar alumni are likely to notice that
aims. PiA’s century-old commitment to the many of the new posts being cre-
region, our expertise, and our long-standing ated (in places like Indonesia,
relationship, put us in a leadership position East Timor, the Philippines, Mon-
among institutions committed to providing golia, China’s Yunnan province)
young people cultural immersion experi- reflect PiA’s grass-roots approach
ences in Asia. A recent New York Times and tradition of community living
article about the importance of professional in often gritty conditions. (Just
and cultural experience abroad after gradu- ask the East Timor fellows who PiA bonding in Taiwan with fellows Pei Pei Ma and Keith
ating named PiA as one of the leading pro- have lived with daily electricity Laskowski and their colleagues at Tunghai University,
grams providing these experiences. (A copy outages and shared their homes PiA’s longest-standing relationship.
can be downloaded from our website.) It is with plenty of critters).
N P
ew osts
be so removed from Dili when the people that and pork buns and finish it in the middle of
we cared about were facing violence and fear a mosh pit listening to Chinese punk; or go
on a daily basis. It was also completely sur- straight from traditional Chinese flute class
real to be sitting at an afternoon soccer game to hot room yoga.
with the rest of the town, or at a traditional
party with people dancing and laughing,
And then I go to work, an experience just as
while receiving phone calls and messages
weird and interesting and full of contrasts as
about evacuations and violence. Many phone
everything else in Shanghai. The PiA busi-
calls and funny “rescue” schemes later (one
ness position at Tractus has turned out really
had me “marrying an Indonesian man” to
well, thanks to all the people that put so much
Caroline Carter with her English Class get over the border!), PiA and NDI arranged
time, energy, and thought into making it hap-
in Dili, East Timor. for me to fly by UN helicopter from Oecusse
pen! Tractus assists companies to establish a
to Dili and then out of the country to Bali,
Caroline Carter presence or improve their business in Asia’s
where the other PiA Fellows had already been
(Continued from the front page) evacuated to. developing economies.
One of my primary activities at NDI was
teaching English to the staff. It was extreme- While I am now safely out of East Timor, For me personally that’s meant everything
ly rewarding watching their English develop, my heart is still there. Fortunately, none of from typical intern tasks like deciding on
particularly the beginners. There have been my co-workers were hurt, although several a new printer for the office—which is not
many exciting moments working for NDI in
did lose most of their belongings. And while as boring as it sounds because I got do so
East Timor—from helping someone read her
some people might think that I would be much of it in Chinese—up to real business-
name for the first time to watching everybody
relieved to be out of such an unstable situ- man stuff like team leading research for a
speak in English with Anastasia when she
ation, I could not feel more the opposite. I presentation one of our Directors gave on the
came to visit. Also memorable are the many
am grateful for the opportunity that PiA gave climate for investment in China’s industrial
hilarious comments that people come up with
me to form such strong connections to such minerals sector. I also wrote a related paper
every day, such as when one of my students
wonderful people, and I am anxiously antici-
that was published in Industrial Minerals
told me after reading a book that I brought
pating the day when I am allowed to return,
Magazine and am now working on updat-
from the US that she was going to name her
to continue my work there and to be reunited
ing the content for our website. I actually
next child Amelia Bedelia. There was also
with the people who have meant so much to
get to spend a lot of time writing, which is
my month-long, somewhat successful effort
me throughout the year.
to convince everyone that the name of the up- an unexpected perk, especially because I
coming holiday was not ‘Merry Christmas,’ Editor’s note: PiA’s program in Timor is cur- get fantastic feedback from our senior man-
but just Christmas. Even after I thought that rently on hold pending a review of the US State agement. Unlike college where you simply
I had made the point well, I still had someone Department’s current “ordered departure” sta- get comments on what you could have done
come up to me and ask what my plans were tus. Our Timor Fellows are eager to return. An-
for Merry Christmas. gela Sherwood, who has recently finished her PiA
year, has returned to Timor as the Public Infor-
However, in the last two months, the country mation Officer for the International Organization
for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental or-
has experienced a surge of violence, and our
ganization for humanitarian assistance. Angela
happy little NDI family has certainly felt the
writes, “Our work here now is more important
effects. When the violence first broke out at
than ever and there are even fewer people to help
the end of April, I was in Dili and was able
these days.” PiA is monitoring the situation in
to evacuate several co-workers from their
East Timor and hopes to continue the program
homes. There were about 25-30 people liv-
once the security situation has improved.
ing in our office. I enjoyed being able to help
out at this difficult time, and I felt that the re-
By Ian Hanks, PiA Fellow at Tractus,
lationships that I had established and the lan-
Shanghai, China
guage skills that I had gained afforded me a
Ian’s story and his resilience is inspirational.
unique position to provide assistance.
To use his own words, “I’m 24, living with
my girlfriend in fantastic Shanghai, working
When the second wave of violence broke out,
a sweet business job, and taking chemo for
I was on a 14-hour boat ride headed toward
brain cancer.” He is sharing his story and
the small enclave of Oecusse. What was
stories of his life in Shanghai on his blog
intended to be a four-day trip turned into a
at www.ian-in-shanghai.com. Ian’s blog
two-week trip, as transportation out of the
enclave was cut off. My three co-workers was also featured in USAToday on May 1st.
and I spent most of the time either contact- Check out this article on the PiA website.
Ian Hanks on a trip to Suzhou, a city
ing family and friends or trying to enjoy the
friends and relaxed atmosphere available in I like Shanghai for its contrasts. It’s a place outside of Shanghai two hours by train and
Oecusse. It was very difficult for all of us to where I can start my day eating chicken feet famous for its gardens.
N P / N P
ew osts ew rojects
better, I get to watch all of my writing get (This was followed by a chorus of kinder- care facility where they can get a free eye
polished into “A” quality work. It makes garteners chanting, “Helmut Beetle, Helmut exam and, if necessary, new eyeglasses. (40
sense—the final product is a reflection of the Beetle.”) RMB ($5) gets one student an exam and set
company as a whole so of course it has to go of glasses with a case.)
out looking perfect. “How do you say kamakiri?” “Praying Man-
tis.” And so on. (They really love insects.) Needless to say, the students are elated about
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still eight hours this opportunity. So am I. First I have to as-
holed up in an office, wearing uncomfort- I’m delighted that the kids mastered a few sess who needs care and who cannot afford
able clothes, but the wide range of skills I’m English phrases and even insect names. (I’ve to get it. And in simply doing so I get to learn
learning and the experiences I’m collecting heard that they have also corrected the Eng- about the kids’ families and histories; I relate
make it all worth it. Plus, I should be trav- lish pronunciation of their parents and teach- to the individuals on more than a teacher-stu-
eling a lot more during the next six months ers.) But more importantly, they’re excited dent level. Next, I take them in to get them
doing field work, which I think will be really about English. They have turned English examined, which for some is the first special-
interesting! into something personal, when it had seemed ized and individualized eye care they have
so absurd just a month or two before. Eng- ever received. Finally, I watch them pick out
By David Boyd, PiA Fellow at Ekoin Bud- lish isn’t that funny to them these days; now and put on their very own first pair of eye-
dhist Temple, Tokyo, Japan it’s just fun. glasses, which is the cherry on top.
I live and work at
Ryogoku Kindergar- By Megan Cox, PiA Fellow at Jishou Nearly all of those in need from this year’s
ten in downtown To- Teacher’s College, Hunan, China freshman class have received eyeglasses,
kyo. It’s a great job. Jishou Teacher’s College is located in Jishou, and we continue to make rounds to the eye
Since September, a small town in the northwest of Hunan prov- care facility—each time coming away with a
I’ve taught a few par- ince. This college is not just a place for edu- greater sense of satisfaction. I am currently
ents, a handful of first cation; it stands as a symbol of hope for our doing fundraising for the rest of the students
graders, and roughly students, nearly all of whom come from poor in need this year, as well as raising a sum for
80 five-year-olds. families in the countryside of Hunan. Most next year’s program.
of the students’ parents are farmers or labor-
At first, quite a few Teaching Fellow David ers who have worked very hard to earn the I thank those involved for the opportunity with
of my five-year-old Boyd says, “Hi Mom!” funds for tuition. But, because a large portion PiA and also for the support we have received
students were uncom- of their earnings are used to pay for tuition, for this program. The students have written
fortable in English class. When one brave there is usually nothing left for other impor- numerous “Thank You” letters explaining
kid mustered up the courage to say hello, tant expenses. Many of the students can’t af- that otherwise this opportunity would not be
the other children would laugh hysterically. ford the basics that we all take for granted. available to them. It is very clear that they ap-
English was new to them, and it just sounded Nevertheless, they are radiant in spirit and preciate what is being done for them, but I
funny. are inspiring, hardworking, and dedicated would also like to state my thanks for the stu-
individuals. This, in large part, is why I am dents and for the opportunity to be involved
Three of the five-year-olds in particular (a so proud to tell you about a program recently in this program. I have found it so heartwarm-
triple-threat of class clowns) found English enacted at our college to help cover at least ing and fulfilling.
to be hilarious. For a few weeks, they lined one of these expenses: eye
up in the back row, making noises and mock- care.
ing English. It was definitely cute, but a nui-
sance nonetheless. The new eye care program
at Jishou Teacher’s College
A few of the children shed their inhibitions assists those in need and
in a frenzied game of “Duck, Duck, Goose.” who were unable to pay.
But for most of the kids, the turning point Dan Mattingly, a PiA fel-
was probably “how do you say such-and- low in 2004-2005, worked
such?” I think that little phrase really em- on this program last year,
powered them (and tapped into their bound- setting a great example
less curiosity). From that lesson on, the class (and raising some start-up
was riddled with a series of questions (even funds) for this year. With
from the back row triplets, who began vying the financial help of donors
for seats in the front of the class). in the U.S. and China, Lisa
(Jishou College’s other PiA
They thrust their hands up high. “How do fellow) and I are able to
you say kabutomushi?” “Helmut Beetle.” take students to a local eye Students from Jishou Normal College with their new eyeglasses.
A N r P A A
ew ole For A i lum
Leslie Ann Medema, PiA Vietnam ‘05, I joined PiA in that in-between year—not Richard Van Horne, PiA Japan ‘78, Joins
(the new) PiA Program Director fortunate enough to have known Carrie and the Executive Director’s Annual Trip
PiA alumna Leslie Medema has found a new getting to know Anastasia through email. At Along with his position as the PiA Board
role for herself in PiA stateside where she first PiA was entirely about the country and finance chairman and distinguished alum-
has been working for PiA as the new pro- the personal experiences I was having, not nus, Richard Van Horne added a new role
gram director since November. She came on necessarily about being a part of something this year—the self-proclaimed courier of
board just in time to recruit, interview, se- bigger or part of a program with a strong long underwear for our Mongolian-bound
lect, and orient the newest batch of PiAers, history. But I remember exactly when and Executive Director. Here are some ex-
and now she is hooked. how that changed. cerpts from his trip report to PiA’s Board
of Trustees.
I was at a festival dancing with my students
when I looked around, and I saw people I When Anastasia asked me to accompany her
had known in the past. There was the tall, on the Asia trip, I had visions of a comfort-
athletic football captain. The four-eyed, able sojourn to picturesque locales. What
buck toothed grinning geek surrounded by a she really meant was: let’s go to Ulaan
pod of equally scientific know-it-alls. There Baatar!! But I am glad we did. I partici-
were the shy girls with terrible acne and the pated in part of the Executive Director’s
tall models with perfect white skin. There annual trip to Asia. I visited our fellows,
was the deliberate, gentle philosopher and host organizations, and friends of PiA with
the “wild and crazy guy” who drank too Anastasia in Japan, China, Mongolia, and
much and tried to show off with terrible Korea. Asia is where the action is—still.
break dance moves. We were all excited Economic growth, political change, dyna-
and having so much fun. It was in that mo- mism. I saw the variety and movement of
ment that I didn’t see the people around me Asia. It was an amazing mix: meeting ter-
as different anymore, and the emotions of rific, new people; seeing old friends in Ja-
Leslie Medema with two of her students, our shared history and the importance of my pan; connecting the past with the present;
Ha and Duong, in Can Tho, Vietnam. new friendships gave me an overwhelming and opening up a new frontier for PiA in
sense of euphoria and sadness. Mongolia.
I remember my PiA interview very well. I
walked into the PiA office in the only power I began to think about how I got to that Our PiA kids are great!! The fellows I
suit I owned—pants were too big, jacket was point—from the book falling off the shelf, met on this trip are an inspiring lot. Ac-
too small, but I looked good. Then I inter- to discussions with family, to my education. complished, poised, interested, hard-work-
viewed, and it was casual, personal, charm- But in reality, the intensity of my experienc- ing. We need good ambassadors, and we
ing, and I felt overdressed. I wasn’t sure if es was given to me by a very unique program have them. Whether they are assigned as
I wanted the fellowship, yet I was dying for and the relationships established through it. teachers, paralegals, reporters, marketing
it—now that I am the Program Director, I When Anastasia invited me to work at PiA reps—you name it—they are making the
see that this is typical. after I returned to the US, I was nervous. most of their opportunities to work and live
Nervous of retelling my story over and over in Asia.
Landing in Vietnam was a long-held dream. because it was emotional and personal. But
In 1992 at the one used book store in down- now I am excited to hear about those ‘auh In one sense, the PiA experience is differ-
town Sioux Falls, South Dakota, my home, a huh” moments for others and honored to be ent today than it was 25 years ago. Our
Vietnamese phrase book fell off the shelf in in the presence of such amazing fellows and fellows today have cell phones and email,
front of me. For no reason other than that I alumni. I look forward to getting to know whereas we had no phones and airmail. But
thought that the cover was well-designed, I all of you over the course of the next year. in another way, the experience is not really
decided to buy it. I took the book to my Dad, much different at all. Our teachers in Japan
and said, “I think I want to go to Vietnam today go into battle with chalk, strong vo-
one day—meet the people who licked us.” cal chords, a few low-tech teaching props,
and plenty of enthusiasm. The grass-roots
It goes without saying that a man of his connection that our fellows make with ev-
generation was as likely to understand that erybody they come into contact with during
naïve sentiment as I was to understand his their year or two in Asia is still the crux of
powerful reaction. I ended up majoring in the experience. For me, the trip was a jour-
US history, focusing on Vietnam-era poli- ney back in time.
tics, and my interest in the country grew to
an obsession. It would be four years out of
college before I was ready to make the leap Left: Richard Van Horne eating lunch
and go there. with students in Yakage, Japan.
P A N F A c G F w
i Ames irst NNuAl Arrie orDoN ellowshiP iNNers
Innovative projects in Japan and Viet- has been created
nam’s Mekong Delta selected to honor to provide up to
the memory of PiA’s dynamic Executive $10,000 in funding
Director, Carrie Gordon to the current PiA
fellow or recent
In April, Princeton in Asia’s Board of alum who best
Trustees announced the winners of the embodies her en-
first annual Carrie Gordon Fellowships. ergy, enthusiasm,
Created to honor the memory and spirit and commitment
of the organization’s beloved late execu- to public service.
tive director, the awards for 2006 are be- In honor of the
ing given to Daniel White (Can Tho, Viet- inaugural year of
nam) and Aaron Ellerbee (Yakage, Japan). the fellowship, the
“These are remarkable young people with Board of Trustees
tremendous, caring ideas to whom I am has decided to
honored to lend PiA’s support, especially award grants for
Aaron Ellerbee with his kindergarden students in Yakage, Japan.
in Carrie’s name,” said PiA’s President of two outstanding
the Board of Trustees, David Newberg. Asia projects in
The Princeton in Asia Board of Trust-
2006.
ees is pleased to be able honor Car-
Carrie Gordon, who died of breast cancer
rie’s memory through the inspiring
in 2004, received great joy from following Daniel White, who has spent the last aca-
example of these two young fellows.
the adventures of the fellows she hand se- demic year teaching English at Can Tho
lected to take part in PiA’s yearlong work University through PiA, is being awarded
(Contributed by Sarah Van Boven, PiA Viet-
experiences in Asian countries. Her pride his fellowship for a project to improve
nam ‘95, PiA Board Member, and Member of
in the accomplishments of “her kids” and living conditions at two orphanages in
the Carrie Gordon Tribute Committee.)
her unwavering belief in the importance of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. White, a 2004
young people following their passions were magna cum laude graduate of the Univer-
defining traits of Carrie’s life. To carry on sity of Tennessee, will provide the chil-
this legacy, the Carrie Gordon Fellowship dren with regular instruction in English
language and computer skills through an
innovative program that will also provide
work-study scholarships to local univer-
sity students. “There is something about
working with these children that deeply af-
fects everyone who comes in contact with
them,” says White. “The children are won-
derful, loving, and infinitely inspiring.”
Aaron Ellerbee, a PiA fellow who has
worked for two years teaching English
to kindergarteners in Yakage, Japan, has
Aaron Ellerbee: sample drawings for his
been chosen as the second Carrie Gor-
children’s book.
don Fellow for his project to write and il-
lustrate a bilingual children’s book on the
The Carrie Gordon Fellowship will provide up to
theme of international understanding and
$10,000 in funding to a Princeton in Asia Fellow or
friendship. A 2004 Princeton graduate
a recent alumnus/a (within five years of his/her PiA
who intends to pursue graduate studies in
year) to work in Asia beyond the end of his/her fel-
art when he returns to the United States,
lowship. The funding will be used to support a public
Ellerbee says, “My students love it when I
service project of his/her choice that best embodies
draw for them. Somewhere between
Carrie’s spirit, enthusiasm, and commitment to public
pterodactyl and pretty princesses, it
service. The projects may be personal or wider-rang-
just seemed like a good idea to write a
ing. Criteria for selection will include the project’s im-
children’s book and turn my drawings
pact, feasibility and sustainability as well as the quali-
into something they could learn from.”
Danny White with a young man from the orphan- fications of the applicant. Please visit our website at
age where he volunteers in Can Tho, Vietnam. www.princeton.edu/~pia for more information.
A P A l : j h
i eGeND Ack uDDlestoN
Jack Huddleston (Class of ‘58) was one of our touchstone PiA Fellow PiA Trustee, Ruth Stevens, on Jack:
alumni—one of the first fellows into post-war Japan and a loyal “I have enjoyed decades of friendship with Jack and Keiko. One of
alumnus who was incredibly generous to our organization. His my fondest memories was an incident when we all found ourselves
dedication to PiA was equalled only by his passion for rugby, staying at the Okura hotel in the early 1990s. The three of us mo-
strong opinions, and off-color humor. His tradition of helping oth- seyed across the street to a well-known embassy watering hole and
ers and his ability to make people laugh at any time (even in his settled in for the evening. At one point in our conversation, Jack
most difficult hours) will be remembered very fondly. made some curmudgeonly comment about women. Keiko and I
jumped all over him. Roundly out-gunned, Jack backed off, and
Jack left very clear instructions that there was to be no memorial I am happy to say, he brings up the lesson he learned just about
service and “NO DARN SPEECHES”, but he would be the first every time we get together.”
to appreciate a good roast. It’s not often we laugh out loud when
writing of someone’s passing. However, Jack’s irreverent humor Fellow Japan PiAer and close friend, Ham Meserve, on Jack:
and inveterate ribbing deserve nothing less. If any of us can leave “Jack and I shadowed each other in our younger days. We both
such a legacy of generosity and inspire people to laugh even once attended St. George’s in the early 1950s, followed by English
we’ve moved on—we will have left a meaningful legacy indeed. Speaking Union scholarships (I at Tonbridge in 1954 and Jack at
Sherburne in 1955). In 1958 we signed up as the two charter en-
Anastasia Vrachnos on meeting Jack and Keiko: rollees in Princeton’s budding Asian History Department, then that
“Jack and Keiko strolled into PiA’s perch on Prospect Ave one fine summer became PiA’s first to return to Japan after World War II as
morning in March a little over one year ago. Keiko was elegant, Osawa Fellows in Tokyo. As roommates senior year in 1959-60,
regal, subtle. Jack was a lion: irrepressible, outspoken, incorri- Jack wet-nursed me through a traumatic senior thesis. We drove
gible, no-nonsense. Jack lost no time in bemoaning the fact that 30 across America that summer to attend Japanese language school
Princeton football players spent their summer practicing in Princ- at Stanford. We both took MAs in Japanese history in the early
eton rather than having a meaningful experience in another culture 1960s (Jack at Washington and I at Harvard), then each opted for
somewhere. Football stood no chance in the face of Jack’s beloved international banking (Jack at Chemical and I at Citibank). In the
rugby. ensuing 40 years we kept in touch through letters, phone calls, mu-
tual friends and the odd, too infrequent visit. Yet, that sweltering
We shared a love of rugby and the kind of jokes that corporate email Tokyo summer of 1958 seems only yesterday—we were struggling
servers tend to censor. Jack, whose progressive political leanings to teach English to bemused senior Japanese executives thrice our
and opinions were never subtle, found it in his heart to be close age, chasing down tennis balls in Karuizawa, haunting Roppongi
friends with some Republicans and considered this an example of soba shops, or simply seeking out the coolest corner in that tiny
his great maturity, open-mindedness and wisdom. In the short time upstairs back dorm of pre-air-conditioned I-House. As one ages,
I knew him, Jack made an indelible impression on me. Our cor- early memories crystallize. Jack was one of a kind….sharp wit,
respondence over the last year brimmed with his charm, wit, and engaging self-deprecation, that wry smile, a true friend.”
unorthodox opinions. I can think of no better tribute to him than to
let Jack speak for himself through snippets of his emails—which
had our office in stitches on a regular basis. Here are some of the
Jackson Noyes Huddleston, Jr. of Seattle, born in Hunting-
snippets we can publish:
ton, West Virginia in 1938, passed
away of pancreatic cancer on March
Jack Huddleston on...
11, 2006. Jack spent his life as a
On Ruth Stevens: “Ruth asked me if you and I were plotting some-
student, businessman, teacher and
thing for PiA. I said nothing and ignored her for the first time in my
author culminating in the book,
life, which is not easy to do. I suggest you ignore her too.”
“Gaijin Kaisha—Running a Foreign
On Hospitality: “Anastasia, tell us when you are visiting, I want to
Business in Japan.” He is survived
be sure there are no stray cats or stray men in the alley.”
by his wife, Keiko; his daughters,
On PiA: “My tennis game is going well but the hard courts defi-
Shannon Lea Lucansky of Leawood,
nitely give me a P.I.A.”
Kansas and Sayako Huddleston of
On the ED’s Marriage Prospects: “Anastasia, see what you
Paris, France; his sister, Rita Hud-
missed by not meeting me in my younger days and getting older
dleston Liles of Richmond, Virginia;
with me.”
and three grandchildren.
On Gifts: “The only gift you can accept is what you can drink.”
On Politics: “Think of all the money and time it turns out the ad-
In lieu of flowers, Jack and his family have requested that
ministration wasted monitoring me.”
remembrances may be made to Princeton in Asia or to Univer-
On Illness: “I have the doctors truly confounded. They do not
sity of Washington Jackson N. Huddleston, Jr. Men’s Rugby
know what they did that almost took me out before nor why, after
Endowment www.uwfoundation.org/huddleston (University of
they pulled the plug on everything, I am better every day.”
Washington Foundation, Box 358240, Seattle, WA 98195).
On Life: “I am truly happy and we are having our share of
laughs.”
F A r D
rom the lumNi elAtioNs irector
PiA “On the Road”
PiA has been hitting the road. If you have escaped our alumni out-
reach so far, we can assure you that it is only a matter of time
before we come stay on your couch. PiA has held alumni events in
New York, DC, San Francisco, and Los Angeles and is planning a
Boston gathering in the fall. Thus far we have connected with over
600 PiA alumni.
On the fundraising front, we have surpassed our ambitious annual
giving goal of $125,000, raising over $138,000 this year thanks
to the generosity of our Board of Trustees and many of our alum-
ni and friends. In addition to our annual campaign, we are very
pleased to report that we have added $73,000 to the Carrie Tribute
Fund, which now totals $130,000. None of this could have been
achieved without the generosity of the PiA family. Thank you. Sawasdee! PiAers spanning a Thai decade: Jeff Cranmer (Thailand ‘91), Steph-
anie Teachout (Thailand ‘01), Amanda Dennis (Thailand ‘03), Tom Klein (Thai-
Be a Mentor! land ‘04), Michael Carpenter (Thailand ‘91), and Lauren Karp (Thailand ‘04).
Become a mentor in the PiA Alumni network. Help returning PiA
fellows prepare for their destination and the magic of Asia and PiA Alum in Print and on the Screen
re-adjust to life in the States. Mentorships can be as simple as Don George (Japan ’75) joined a group of alumni in San Fran-
sharing tips and tales, providing directions to the best noodle stall cisco and read from several of his anthologies of travel writing
in town, or suggesting a list of things not to miss, and many be- including The Kindness of Strangers and By the Seat of My Pants.
come long-lasting relationships. PiA mentors will be matched with Don is the Global Travel Editor for Lonely Planet and is the main
PiA fellows from the same country or with similar career interests. author of five anthologies and a book on travel writing. His next
Please email us at [email protected] if you would like to be book, Tales from Nowhere, will be published by Lonely Planet in
matched with an outgoing fellow. September.
PiA Reunions Ted Fishman (Indonesia ’80) published the critically acclaimed
On Saturday, June 3rd, after Princeton’s P-rade we met 70 of you book, China Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challeng-
for some Asian food, Asian drinks, and stories that begin with es America and the World, last year. For more information about
“when I was in Asia” at the PiA office in Princeton. Thank you Ted’s book, please visit www.chinainc-book.com.
all for coming, and if you didn’t get a chance to update us on your
whereabouts, travel plans, adventures, etc., please drop us a line at Terry Wrong (Lebanon ’80) has received numerous awards in-
[email protected]. cluding three Emmys, the Alfred I. DuPont Silver Baton award,
and seven CINE Golden Eagle awards for his work as a producer
with ABC News. Some of his work in Asia includes his instant
news specials: ‘Tsunami: Wave of Destruction’ (2005) and ‘Where
is Osama Bin Laden’ (2002) and a special documentary ‘They
Were Young & Brave’ marking the return of American veterans
to the Vietnam War’s bloodiest battlefield. Terry was the keynote
speaker at our annual dinner this year in Princeton on May 15,
2006.
Interviews and Orientation
Huge thank you to all the alums and friends who helped with interviews
and orientation: Anna Evans, Jim Gordan, Jon Nuger, Cady Carlson, Jen-
aro Cardona-Fox, Brett Dakin, Emily Hicks, Cindy Ray, Alexa Knoop,
Darren Joe, Vinod Aravind, Jon Wonnell, Kishori Kedlaya, Brian Vogt,
Aimee Feeley, David Newhouse, Brandon Hall, Graeme Christianson, Sun
Jung Kim, Lizzy Hallihan, Jim Secreto, Elise Van Oss, Will Leahy, Vince
Faherty, Marc Fogel, Mark Dunn, Sue Fou, Sue Sypko, Jonathan Gold-
man, Jim Secreto, Mira Manickam, Jonathan Haagan, John Muse, Bina
Venkataraman, Ted James, Shannon Roe, Adam Murray, Nancy Sun, Dan
Grabon, Shin Lui, Ben Shell, Le Quang Binh, Benny Tran, Kate Thirolf,
Don George (Japan ‘75) signing books for the hosts of the Lawrence Darby, Daria Hrabrov, Felicia Sonmez, Rory Truex, Nikola Z
San Francisco Alumni Gathering, Naomi and Peter Hand (Kazakhstan ‘96). Guscic, Brian Cochran, and Professors Gregory Chow, Paula Chow, Lynn
White, David Howell, and Christophe Robert.
A A e
siAN rt veNt
O
n April 26, 2006, our ‘little engine that Many special thanks to the following And many thanks to our featured artists:
could’ hosted its first ever art benefit in sponsors for their generous support:
New York City. The Asian Art Exhibit and
Cocktail Party evening featured the work Platinum
of Maria Lobo from Hong Kong, Kiyo- American International Group, Inc. (AIG)
shi Ike from Japan, and Amy Cheng from JPMorgan
Taiwan, along with a unique collection of
hand-drawn Asian maps from the Argosy Emerald
Gallery. The event also featured Thai and Margaret Cannella
Burmese dancers in a downtown venue, Elizabeth and Jay Chandler
tres chic by PiA standards. Catherine Curran
Steven R. Diamond and Sarah E. Jeffries
Over $50,000 was raised and, most im- Nozomi Terao and Joshua Levine
portantly, the evening energized many PiA Tom and Mila Tuttle
Amy Cheng
alumni and introduced our organization to A Prayer of Desire #1
many new friends. The overwhelming suc- Jade
cess and spirit of the event, with 340 people Schuyler Roach Heuer
enjoying Asian art, fare, and fun, would not The Vietnam Gaggle
have been possible without our indefatiga-
ble committee members: Elizabeth Chan- Silver
dler (chair), Jenaro Cardona-Fox (’00), Kevin and Stephanie Cuskley
Anna Evans (’03), Aimee Feeley (’92), Sue Russell and Peggy DaSilva
Fou (’94), and Katy Niner (’03). Susan Rodriguez and Charles Lowrey
Elise Van Oss
We are grateful to the following partners Maria Vrachnos and Andrew Patrick
whose services made the evening possible: Dr. Themistocles and Kiki Vrachnos
Argosy Gallery Silk
Calligraving Designs Artemis Anninos
David Ziff Catering Rick and Carla Berry
Lotus Music and Dance Jenaro Cardona-Fox
Nakamura Graphics Paula and Gregory Chow
Niner Wine Estates Aimee and John Feeley
Kiyoshi Ike
Pearl River Mart Karen Karp Three Views of Water Shadows
Singha Beer Lex Kelso
Thai Music and Dance Society of America Melanie Kirkpatrick and Jack David
Web Design by Sorat Tungkasiri Joe and Sewell Mechem
Barry and Jackie Metzger
MultiNational Underwriters, Inc.
Owen and Amber Nee
David and Cecil Newberg
Meg Osius
Paleewong Trading Company, Inc.
PNC Bank
Paul and Judy Rodriguez
Standard & Poor’s Vista Research
Charles Stevens
Lesley “Hands” Williams
Ginny and Alex Wilmerding
Margaret Wilson
Outgoing PiA Fellows introduce PiA to Art Benefit
attendees. Megan McGowan (Thailand), Lily Samet (Hong Maria Lobo
Four, 30 x 15
Kong), Jing Jin (Hong Kong), Frances Symes (Thailand).