U.S. Student Envoys at Yeosu Expo Expand Knowledge, Give Back

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The Big O, a water screen that is a landmark of the 2012 Expo in Yeosu, Korea

Washington — For Esther Weon, a student ambassador working at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, the consequences of global warming changed from an abstract concept to a cause for visceral fear when she heard a representative from the Maldives talk about what is in store for the country if the Earth continues to heat up.

The Maldives, a nation of more than 1,000 islands, rises less than three meters above sea level at its highest point. Weon blogged about a celebration for Maldives national day in Yeosu June 4, where “colorfully dressed dancers twirling with colorful pottery and traditional Maldivian drums” performed.

Maldivian officials often speak of the dire consequences a meter rise in sea levels would have for a country that bills itself as an earthly paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and sapphire blue waters. Tourism is its largest industry, and honeymooners make up a large portion of the tourists.

“Maldives are facing a slew of environmental challenges,” Weon blogs. The discussion of these problems “was made all the more poignant by his desperation to protect and preserve his country’s gorgeous landscapes and equally beautiful culture.”

Another USA Pavilion student ambassador, Brittney Young, blogs that reading a science fiction classic, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, has enriched her experience in Yeosu.

 

“Even though it was first published in 1870, I am pretty sure Jules Verne actually meant it to be my guide through Expo 2012,” she blogs. “Reading Twenty Thousand Leagues has given me a more personal connection to the expo as well as with the past and future.”

Student ambassador Dana D’Amelio blogs about what the expo is doing for the Korean province where Yeosu is located. Cholla province (do) in past centuries was where criminals and disgraced officials were sent. “As the site of much government opposition and protest prior to democratization in the late 1980s, Cholla-do did not enjoy the fruits of South Korea’s rapid economic development as much as other regions. I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen and am optimistic about the great things that the WorldExpo will do for this city and the surrounding area,” she blogs. She also is looking forward to tasting the cooking of Cholla-do, reputed to be some of the finest in Korea.

The student ambassadors are not only soaking up knowledge and experiences, but also getting out into the local community and setting an example of good environmental citizenship.

On June 15, Ellen Truchon, So-Jung Youn, Audrey Ok, Patrick Branco and Cathy Xie put on gloves and cleared trash, nets and other discarded fishing gear from a 25-meter stretch of Yeosu’s black sand beach.

In five weeks, the expo’s aim of bringing the world to Yeosu and Yeosu to the world has been achieved, especially as demonstrated through the experiences of these student ambassadors.