Although I will not have the opportunity to participate in CCESP this year, this class on the Politics of Development represents an opportunity to step away from the books and tackle real development problems with real solutions. The skills we will learn in class, as it pertains to researching a country, analyzing its problem areas, and finding feasible, cost effective solutions are very important for Development Economist. My interests in development stems from high school studying and my background as a Haitian-American student. Both have allowed me to look at developing nations cognizant of how CCESP projects in Nicaragua could be replicated in other countries. 

During my freshman year at Dartmouth, a majority of my classes were concentrated around international politics, globalization, and economics; primarily because I wanted to learn about barriers to development. Through research, I learned that multinational businesses from developed countries are the major suppliers of international development “assistance.” Money is not allocated to local non-governmental organizations or government organization, but rather big business that recirculates the money back into developed countries. 

The truth is we live in a capitalist world in which the strong inherently abuses the weak for political, economics and social gain. However, can the strong coexist with the weak to (overall) better the human condition? This is the primary question that drives my study of development. Therefore, I am curious to study Nicaraguan culture, customs, history, economy and politics; all in an effort to develop an image of a healthy, happy and thriving Nicaraguan. Last, I am excited to work with CCESP and non-CCESP students to learn from them and Professor Moody who has had years of extensive experiences on facilitate projects that actually change lives!