When I
hear the word capital, I immediately think “equipment, machines, buildings, input in the production function denoted by K”. Two years of theoretical econ classes have conditioned this knee-jerk reaction from me by emphasizing such definition of capital repeatedly through lectures, readings, and problem sets. So on Monday morning when Dr. Paulson asked the eight of us what we think cultural capital means, I was totally confused and disoriented. Maybe it means an input in the “culture” function? Wait, what would a “culture” function even mean?
This fog
of hopeless thoughts cleared from my mind when he began to explain that cultural
capital is what we build from having positive interactions with people who have
different background from ours. Cultural capital enables us to adapt to
different societies more easily and, most importantly, learn from them. I could
hear my econ 101 textbook yelling that no such type of capital exists, but I
was completely fascinated by this refreshing concept. As I’m reflecting back on
this week, the idea of cultural capital seems to perfectly describe my time
here at Menomonie so far.
Before
arriving at MSP airport, my anxiety was fueled by friends and family who
worried about whether I could take care of myself in a small rural town because
I have lived in urban southern California most of my life. I did not know what
to expect since I have never been to the Midwest or heard anything much about
the region. As June 17th inched closer and closer, I restlessly wondered about
what the town and LAKES REU people will be like, as well as how different (and
hard) everything might be.
I
shouldn’t have stressed out so much because from my first week here I’ve
realized that “different” is not synonymous to “difficult”. From engaging
with different people at Menomonie, I’ve not only found a strong support system
but also opened myself up to learning beyond the classroom setting. Other LAKES
students have been kind, humorous and open with me since day one. Having such
positive relationships with them allowed me to learn so much about the
different parts of U.S. they are from and their academic interests/studies (most
of which are nonexistent at my college). All the mentors are very enthusiastic
and welcoming to us, and group meetings with them taught me how it is becoming
increasingly important to tackle lake pollution and other environmental issues
with an interdisciplinary approach. On Wednesday we met Dan Prestebak, John,
and other conservationists whose generosity and support for us showed through
their willingness to prepare a special farm tour and dinner. Listening to them
talk while strolling around the fields together, I was able to grasp a better
understanding of the hurdles to developing an effective nutrient/water quality
policy.
The civic
and work environment here has surpassed any expectations that I could have had.
Although Menomonie is different, it was not difficult for me to feel belonged
because there’s such strong sense of community as well as encouragement from
the entire LAKES team and the town. There is no exclusivity unlike at my
college, and LA, where people are often cliquey. From this inclusive and
positive environment, I have learned so much and already feel more developed as
an individual than I was a week ago. I am lucky to be a part of the LAKES team
and am excited to begin working with my partner Elle on our research projects!
(Elle and I at Dan Prestebak's farm)
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