Welkom!

This blog captures my unforgettable week in the Netherlands, March 8—16, 2025, during the seminar “Comparative Cultures of Resilience and Sustainability in the Netherlands and the United States,” led by Professor Simon Richter.

The group with Lot Locher (yellow beanie) in front of undeveloped farmland within Amsterdam’s outer ring; From the left: Brighid Dwyer, Clemente Garcia, David Liu, Ummayh Siddiqua, Thu Nguyen, Peace Oloko, Nora Wang, Olivia Liu, Jayden Huynh-Vuong, Simon Richter, Allison Xu, Lot Locher, Julia Pampush, Morgan Noody, Jasmine Simpson, Natalia Castillo, Sarika Chennur, and Nini Pham.

Documentation & Reflection

✈️ A meticulously planned journey

Weaving together lectures, site visits, borrels, and dinners with experts.

💡Experiential learning

Blurring the lines between the classroom and real world matters.

📚Part scrapbook, part field journal

Celebrating cherished memories and what we learned along the way.

A Huge Thank You!

To Professor Richter

For organizing this whole experience and opening us up to your world.

To the faculty

That made this trip possible and supported us throughout our time in the Netherlands.

To the lecturers and professionals

That took the time to speak with us about the Dutch Water Story and their role in it.

To the people of the Netherlands

For welcoming us into their country.

This blog captures snapshots of what we learned, who we met, and how these encounters are shaping ongoing inquiries. I hope you enjoy!

Panoramic view of the group observing the Maeslantkering Storm Surge Barrier from the front.