Day # 5: Our First DOTCOM Reflection!!!

1. In Washington, D.C., I was exposed to all kinds of new information about media methods, the growth of media, and media ethics. My first lesson on media in D.C. came from the US State Department concerning the use of a new software interface called CO.NX. This software allows anyone from around the world, regardless of Internet speed, to access and discuss political events online .

Although this technology is new and still has its limitations, there is great potential in the use of web 2.0 technologies when attempting to bring awareness to the world of politics. I also learned a bit about media ethics from NPR ombudsman Alicia Shepard.
Mrs. Shepard explained that in a world in which the news has become an increasingly accessible and personal entity, it is also becoming increasingly more difficult to verify whether or not the news one reads on a blog or website is necessarily true. Finally, while in D.C., I became acquainted with Twitter for the first time, as well as Skype. If anyone wishes to use these web 2.0 technologies to communicate with me, my username for Twitter is "flagchicken" (after the DOTCOM mascot, Lenin) and for Skype it is david.sackstein92. (Even Mrs. Shepard friended me on facebook :-) )

2. In D.C., I learned a lot about my DOTCOM colleagues from other countries. They are all interesting, talented, kind, curious, and incredibly intelligent individuals. My first night in D.C. was an immersion experience as I was in a room with only Armenian students. However, my Armenian friends were accepting and patient with me, and they have generously given me the opportunity to learn some Armenian from them. Although the Azerbaijani students arrived late, I had a fantastic first impression of these DOTCOM colleagues. They, too, have been willing to teach me their language, and all of my foreign friends have been warm and friendly. This is my roommate, Niko, we enjoyed an interesting adventure today that I will have to blog about later :-) .

3. The most challenging aspect of the DOTCOM program so far has been the delayed arrival of the Azerbaijani students. Had these DOTCOMers arrived earlier, they would not have missed the valuable team-building activities that the American and Armenian students had enjoyed in D.C. the unfortunate tension upon the arrival of the Azerbaijani students was almost palpable. However, all of my DOTCOM friends are such excellent people that I am sure that we will all be a beautifully functioning group in no time at all. I greatly look forward to working with all of my DOTCOM friends, and by the end of the next three weeks, it will be as if there could never have been barriers between us.

4. It has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to meet my DOTCOM colleagues in person. I felt as if I knew them from their blogs and videos, but they are even more impressive in person! I have learned so much from them and about them. From my Armenian friends, I have been privileged enough to learn about the Armenian language and culture, and the same is true for the Azerbaijani students and their language and culture. From my American Friends, I have been exposed to their unique perspectives and beliefs. After all, every one of these unique individuals brings something special to the table. It has been incredibly interesting to learn about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan from students from these countries. However, I feel that many of the most rewarding experiences are yet to come.