LiA Week 3 Reflection Make_sense Perú

This week we visited three different sites, taking pictures and videos. We also met with Saphi's editor to produce our first social media video, which we are excited to see next week.

Aug 01, 2024

Lain Nelson

Student, Cornell University

Liked by Kristin Ramsay

What went well?

This week we visited three different sites: the Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana (National Museum of Peruvian Culture), the Casa de la Literatura Peruana (House of Peruvian Literature), and the Ministry of Culture. At each site, we documented our experience, taking pictures and videos. We also met with Saphi's editor to produce our first video social media video, which we are excited to see next week.

At the Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana we saw various items representing Peruvian culture. It was wonderful to hear Jud, one of our Make_sense facilitators <3, and our Peruvian volunteers discussing the personal significance of some of the items on display.

Traditional Chumpi Belt from the Museo Nacional

At the Casa de la Literatura Peruana we were able to hear stories orated in their indigenous languages of origin. We were also pleasantly surprised that our visit coincided with a choir singing in Quechua in the main stairwell.

Quechua Story at the Casa de la Literatura Peruana

Finally, we were flooded with colors and craftsmanship at the Ministry of Culture. Specifically, we visited Ruraq Maki, which means handmade in Quechua and is a craft fair drawing traditional artisans from different regions of Perú. We saw so much incredible talent and even witnessed an interview being conducted in Quechua for TV Perú.

Works from Ruraq Maki

What could have been done differently?

We are still hoping to improve our volunteer integration. We might do so by forming teams, inviting volunteers to our meetings with Saphi, or having our volunteers participate in Instagram takeovers.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

I learned that even when I am not feeling particularly motivated, I can lean on the enthusiasm of others, being excited by their connections to the work. For instance, while I did not expect to enjoy the Museo Nacional de la Cultura Peruana, I was able to through the stories of Jud and our Peruvian volunteers.

What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership often requires delegating tasks. This should not necessarily be viewed as burdening others with work but rather as trusting them to contribute to a common goal.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I want to work on creating more videos, as we have gathered a lot of videos/pictures which we have yet to develop into social media content.

Lain Nelson (They/Them)

Student, Cornell University

Lain is an undergraduate majoring in computer science and Cornell's College Scholar Program, where they study inclusive natural language processing. They intend to graduate in 2026. Lain grew up in New York City. They love performing, and have been onstage at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Citi Field. They also love to learn from others and will happily engage in intellectual conversations (especially when someone else is excited). They hope to work in making AI more inclusive.

Here is a little introductory video made for the Cornell Laidlaw Program.