Today, we traveled to the Tohono O’odham museum to hear a few guest speakers. However, the expectations one would get by looking at the itinerary would be different from what actually happened at the meeting.
We entered a room at 9:00 am and listened to many speakers before a lunch break after noon. Because the itinerary says that the event is scheduled from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, I expected to be done shortly after eating. However, it was nearly 4:00 pm by the time the last speaker finished.
Throughout my life, I have always been one who learns primarily through reading and observation. For whatever reason, my mind just does not function well when it comes to listening. Textbooks are 150% more vital to my learning than teachers. As you can expect, seven-hour lectures just are not my sort of thing.
However, I must admit that this post should not be perceived as an attempt to express frustration or vent negative feelings. On the positive side, I must admit that I was very impressed by the knowledge, dedication, and determination of the speakers. People spoke on behalf of organizations that promote public safety, natural beauty, youth empowerment, archaeology, and long-term planning. Nevertheless, there was one thing that frustrated me today: the speakers strongly emphasized concern for the preservation of culture and the natural environment while dedicating less time to discussing the physical health and financial prosperity of the nation. With an unemployment rate above 25% and a per capita income of less than 10,000 dollars (part of my paper), I really wanted to learn more about issues along these lines.
While, the seven-hour talk was not my favorite part of our trip, I nevertheless feel grateful for the opportunity to have met many admirable people
Peter Steere’s program introduced us to people who are involved in numerous categories of Tohono O’odham tribal management and social welfare. It is true that he underestimated the time it would take all of them to discuss their agencies. On the other hand, this is the kind of introduction that few visitors to the Nation ever get. It is true that the length of the program was not for the faint of heart, but as you say the speakers were all knowledgeable and dedicated.