A UMass Dartmouth education gives students global perspectives
From China
Fouad Jeryes, a senior management information systems major, was one of 80 students from throughout the country who spent two weeks in China this past summer through the International Scholars Laureate Program. Jeryes, whose father is Palestinian and whose mother is Jordanian, was raised in Tewksbury and Amman, Jordan. A "citizen of the world," he seeks "a more global perspective of the world and its people."
What was the most significant lesson you learned in China?
What I observed most was the never-ending insistence of the Chinese on work. They are serious and have a large appetite for learning new things and catching up with the rest of the world.
What most impressed you in China?
My journey through the country's major financial and trade hubs was one of the most incredibly educational experiences of my life. The sights, sounds, and opportunities seemed endless. The program offered me the business perspectives I needed to realize this nation's magnitude.
I fell in love with China's ancient feel. (The country) was so beautifully profound in its culture. I appreciated my limited, yet wonderful, time in each city to explore some of the many wonders of the world.
Business in China is complex. To engage in business, you must attempt to understand the traditions and customs even before the language itself, which is no longer much of a necessity. While most do not speak English in rural areas, the communication walls are quickly breaking down. More people are learning the English language in China than there are people living on American soil.
The relationship-driven, hierarchical ways add a distinct quality. Unlike the practice in the United States, business follows relationship in China, and the Chinese do business only with those whom they trust.
There is the important element called "face," a powerful combination embracing a person's honor, credibility, and reputation. Lack of "face" can ruin one's chances of conducting any business.
I wonder about the country's future. How much further can it prosper, with how many more companies? How much more pollution can it take? What about all the ethical issues? I thought of The China Dream, and author Joe Studwell's statement: "Ever since the time of Marco Polo, the world has seen China as an unrivalled opportunity for expanding trade. Century after century, businessmen have invested time and resources only to have the economy crash and their dreams turn to dust. Yet they always return."
What did you learn?
We talked with upper management persons at the American Chamber of Com-merce, World Trade Organization, and Coca-Cola. With Microsoft Asia's GM David Kay, we discussed different issues facing businesses. Microsoft has won some battles, but seems to be involved in a never-ending war beyond Chinese borders.
I met the future generation of Chinese businessmen and women at the Xi'an University of International Studies. I was impressed and jealous. I also learned how the extremely competitive environment can crush an individual's dream. In their view, Americans and others are taken seriously, with opportunities that the Chinese will never receive in their country.
What one thing should Americans realize about China?
With the fourth (about to become third) largest gross domestic product in the world, estimated at $10.17 trillion, China will have to control potential markets and stabilize the economy--500 million people earn under $1,000 a year, and about half of the population works in agriculture.
Knowledge is power, heavily regulated by the government. While watching CNN in my hotel, a report on China came on. Immediately after the introduction, the picture went black until the report was over. This may be strange to Americans, but rarely, if ever, do we hear of a Chinese protest.
How will this experience in China impact your education and career goals?
My desire is to be a leading business-man. Walking through metropolitan Shanghai made me feel that I could succeed there. I realized the world's largest corporations are pouring into China, and China itself is pouring into the world with its products! The things we consume, wear, and use go through the hands of countless Chinese who can only dream of possessing them. It bothers me that the world can be so unfair. I count my blessings and look forward to doing well by doing good in business tomorrow.
My tentative plans are to pursue a promising position at a company for several years, return for my graduate degree, and then build my own company with my brother Faris, a sophomore finance major at UMass Dartmouth; or to follow one of my business ideas directly after graduation if proper conditions present themselves.
What have been your best experiences at UMass Dartmouth?
I value most the social connectivity. To work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, and organization members is a great experience. People care and wish to furnish opportunities to you.
It is an excellent institution with a bright future. I would not have wanted to be anywhere else.
On Afghanistan
Cathy Young-Perry '06 can add to her resume experience that others would be hard pressed to match: "stateside suicide bombing tracker."
As a researcher for History Professor Brian Glyn Wiliams, the political science major did extensive work over the past year tracking suicide bombing in beleagured Afghanistan. As Dr. Williams traveled there, Young-Perry--a political science major with a history minor--did exhaustive research and developed what Williams calls "amazing" graphics, including a detailed map and chart on the bombings since 2001.
It was an enterprise that was exceptional in both its nature and the results: Williams' and Young-Perry's report, published in the March 2007 Terrorism Monitor, was cited by the United Nations in its September publication, "Suicide Attacks in Afghanistan," and the pair have been featured by, among others, the New York Times and BBC.
Young-Perry's work has gone a "long way in helping the U.S. understand a dangerous phenomenon that threatens to undermine everything we are attempting to do in Afghanistan," says Williams.
"I really hope that the research we do will save lives in Afghanistan," says Young- Perry, a New Bedford native.
How did you become involved in this kind of research?
In my junior year, I was lucky enough to be asked by the late Professor Phillip Melanson to do research for the second edition of his book The Secret Service: The Hidden History of an Enigmatic Agency. He taught me how to research and do interviews for books. I enjoyed the experience greatly and decided that I would like a research position after I graduated.
In my senior year, I took a course with Prof. Williams about Islamic politics. He was working on a book about Afghan warlord Rashid Dostum. I was intrigued and explained I could be very helpful in doing research. (Again) I felt lucky to have the chance to do research on an important project, which is unusual for an undergraduate.
A few months (later), Professor Williams was asked to research suicide bombing in Afghanistan. I began an exhaustive search for all the attacks that had occurred in Afghanistan. Prof. Williams spent countless hours talking to foreign contacts and (traveled) to Afghanistan to corroborate our findings.
As word of our work spread, I took all the information and created charts, graphs, maps, and a movie to make the enormous amount of information easily presentable.
Our findings have been showcased all over the world, in Pakistani newspapers and at conferences in Turkey, which Prof. Williams attended. Our work appeared in the March 1 Jamestown Foundation: Terrorism Monitor, then in CNN, the BBC, and Time. Professor Williams invited me to DC in June to present with him at the Jamestown Foundation to an audience that included members from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's office, the FBI, the CIA, and retired generals.
When you started as a student, what were your plans?
I was interested in global politics and in finding a way to mix my love of history with my love of international relations. I figured that I would apply to the CIA or NSA for security work. I wanted to make a difference and keep people safe, everywhere in the world.
I wanted to help make decisions to make a difference in how the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world.
What do you hope will be the result of your work?
If a few civilians or soldiers are spared, it will be worth it. I hope people will look at suicide bombing and help fix the problems that contribute to this phenomenon. The CIA and other agencies have requested copies of our work specifically to help make policy decisions. I hope it can open a door to more research on a tactic that, sadly, has become more prevalent.
How did your UMass Dartmouth educa-tion prepare you for your future plans?
I could never thank Professor Melanson enough for my first research opportunity. I have to mention (Political Science) Professor Robert Darst. Without his grueling research papers, I would never think out of the box and discipline myself to do the hours of research needed on the suicide bomber project. He demanded a level of perfection (and) I gained a lot of confidence in my own skills.
Professor Williams put a lot of trust into an untested undergraduate. I am eternally grateful to him. I had a great support system in (Political Science) Professor Michael Baum who was very encouraging and guided me.
UMass has some extremely talented professors. The university offered me the opportunity of a lifetime by having an incredible faculty that really believes in its students.
How have your family members reacted?
My husband could not be more proud or supportive of me. My 11-year-old son is extremely impressed. He was very excited when I traveled to DC, and has followed every mention we've had in online newspapers.
Your plans for the future?
My job now is with Fellowship Health Resources. I provide counseling and advocacy in a therapeutic setting, helping (individuals) with chronic mental illness achieve social, emotional, and personal independence through one or more programs.
I plan to apply to the United Nations for a two- to three-month position in Afghanistan. I hope to be able to work at the U.N. or for a non-government organization that deals with Afghan issues.
