KASIA
Exceptional Education Graduate |
KASIA
Exceptional Education Graduate |
Today was one of the most influential and inspiring days that I have ever had in the Dominican Republic. As a cohort, we visited Taino Farms (https://tainofarm.com/) which is an organic farm that utilizes aquaponics (no, not hydroponics) as a method to grow incredible fruits, herbs, vegetables, and much more! By utilizing tilapia, this farm takes a 360 degrees approach to farming. What that means is that they use everything that they can to ensure there is no waste, trash is reused to make growth, and our minds are blown. We were given a tour of the farm by a brilliant and inspiring woman named Elizabeth who is from Detroit, Michigan. Her vision is to begin a sustainable aquaponics system in her home town to both help the environment and teach the people around her how to reuse instead of turning undesirable objects into landfill waste (obviously, helping the environment too). What we saw at this farm was absolutely astonishing. To see something come full circle (fish, fish poop and pee, water and fish poop and pee and worms, plants, harvest, eat, repeat) was like watching something come to life in an hour or so. Seeing the process of how organic/aquaponic foods are made with hard labor, love, and ingenuity is inspiring because it reminds us that we can do so much more than we are doing to make a difference with what we have! Trash or dirty things like fish poop are often seen as just that, trash and dirty things; however, if you look at those things in a different perspective and with a different purpose, you can see so much more. Elizabeth doesn’t see fish poop and pee as a dirty thing to get rid of; she sees fish poop and pee as the essential ingredient in creating and growing a new plant to feed the people around her. It’s miraculous, and it’s right at our fingertips if we just reach far enough. Our world confuses perfection as beauty. Whether we’re talking about body image (guilty as charged), test scores (hello, teachers), or feces (talking fish here), we’re missing the mark. Dominicans are unbelievably resourceful; this is something that Americans struggle with because there is no need to be resourceful or to think about how we are affecting other people (such as Dominicans). Out of sight; out of mind. However, in the DR, where there is no recycling or efficient garbage disposal, they must make beauty out of trash or live with trash all around. They must be efficient, and Americans, we can learn a lot from them. Taino Farm taught me that beauty is not perfection, something incredibly important can come out of what others view as unimportant, making your own food is empowering, and we can make a different if we change our perspective. Elizabeth taught me a lot today, and I am grateful for the experience to see Taino Farms in all of its beauty. On another note, I would like to also take the time to thank a very important person. I met Tamara Horstman-Riphahn during the interviews for the first DR trip in 2017. Since then, she has made a great impact on my life in many ways whether environmentally, educationally, or just on a human to human level. Her passion for the environment and sustainable resources is undeniable. She leads us as a cohort with passion, and she teaches me how to be a better person every time I come into contact with her. She is wise, gentle, and strong. On our second trip to the DR, my love and respect for her and her incredible family has only grown deeper, and I would not be the woman that I am today without knowing her. To experience Taino Farms with Tamara today was very special because I knew that we had a mutual, passionate interest in the matter. Thank you, Tamara, for all that you do and all that you have taught me. I appreciate you more than I can say. Our time at the farm was made complete with a relaxing, lazy float down the Tasica River. We took in all of the beauty of the DR together as we made our way back to the farm. Our group is solid, and I am appreciating all of the different strengths, personalities, and characteristics of each member. Its hard to believe that our experience has just begun because I feel like I’ve known these ladies and gentleman for a long time. I miss my family and friends in Buffalo but am certainly not envying your weather! Adios from sunny Cabarete! Thanks for checking in.
4 Comments
Keli Garas-York
1/11/2019 05:35:38 pm
Wow! I didn't know about aquaponics! I think a lazy float down a river sounds amazing! I hope you have a wonderful experience.
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Sisi Zagarrigo
1/11/2019 07:47:42 pm
Kassia, It is wonderful to see how happy DR makes you! Hope you have your research questions down and are working hard. Have fun! I look forward to seeing some more great pics :)
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Mark Balus
1/12/2019 01:03:24 pm
Hi Kassia, Looks and sounds fascinating. We have a lot to learn here in the states. I'm happy for you.
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Kathy Ralabate Doody
1/13/2019 04:48:57 pm
Kassia - hi! So happy to hear you have the opportunity to go back to the DR. You will have such an interesting perspective as you have the benefit of a past trip under your belt. I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Thankfully, we'll have plenty of opportunities during our Saturdays this semester. Keep taking those amazing photos and telling their stories. You are such a strong writer; it was a pleasure to read your blog :)
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AuthorI am a first year graduate student and a substitute teacher in two school districts. This will be my second time traveling to the DR with the IPDS cohort from BSC, and I am honored to be back! I am passionate about my family and friends, education, music, and spreading smiles. Thank you for following my journey. ArchivesCategories |