Hello blog patrons.
I am now officially done with this Advanced Media Reporting project. And as glad as I am to say that, it's a bit of a bummer. I can honestly say that this project will forever be one of the coolest things I have done in my school career. Besides being outstandingly cool, it was also considerably fun.
At first thought, this was a daunting task. You mean I have to go out, spend all this time with my subject family - the Gurungs - on top of my part-time job and my other school work? Yes, I had to balance all of that. But I survived, pulled through, and created something I am particularly proud of.
Perhaps the best part of this whole project was the time spent with the Gurungs getting to know them. Yes, I know, that was the purpose of this assignment; but in my case, it was different. I have known the Gurungs for several years now, on a professional level - as I relayed in my first post. Getting to know them on a more personal level was really a neat experience.
I had no idea coming in to this project that, for instance, both Kushal and Reema were avid runners and had participated in several half marathons. I had no clue that Kushal and Reema, in spite of attending the same high school in Nepal, did not meet until they attended the University of Central Oklahoma. It's all these little things that I learned that meant the most to me.
It got me thinking, that in a way, I wish I knew all my parents to this degree at work. To put you in the know, I work for the Liberty School District, at the before-and-after school program, Kid's Zone. The most I tend to know about my parents are their names and workplace...and that's only with a fraction of them.
Aside from these little personal things that came to my attention in the duration of the project was the deep culture of Nepal. Reema and Kushal spared no detail when describing the incredible and colorful culture of their homeland. It was really eye-opening to what goes on in the world around us. I consider myself a pretty worldly guy, I love learning of new cultures and things of that nature. So this project was right up my alley.
One single collective thought on this project: Success. I did enjoy this. I did learn from this. And it did give me a chance to practice my skills at creating multi-media presentations.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Gurungs Talk Soccer
Hello blog patrons!
This post is here to showcase a light-hearted topic - the playing of soccer.
Soccer is a considerably popular sport in Nepal, and worldwide for that matter.
Kayden has been playing soccer for several years, and from first hand experience, I can say he's pretty good at it!
-SBBErvay
This post is here to showcase a light-hearted topic - the playing of soccer.
Soccer is a considerably popular sport in Nepal, and worldwide for that matter.
Kayden has been playing soccer for several years, and from first hand experience, I can say he's pretty good at it!
-SBBErvay
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Instilling Nepali Culture in the Younger Generation
Staying in America was a conscious decision made by Reema and Kushal Gurung in the mid 1990's. Graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, the two knew there were very few opportunities waiting for recent graduates of Computer Science and Information Systems in their home country of Nepal. Reema and Kushal were unmarried at the time, and decided to see what a future in the states would hold.
"We both came to America on a student visa, to go to school," says Reema. "After school, the visa is still good for one year of practical training and to start a career." This gave the couple some time to test the waters of American life. Both Reema and Kushal applied at the Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, and they were both hired by the growing company.
"When we got hired, Cerner sponsored us for a green card," Reema says as she continues discussing her and her husband's history in the US. "We gained permanent residence after two years, and five years later we took the citizenship test and became Americans."
Now legalized American citizens, Reema and Kushal were gearing up to start a family. Their children Elaina and Kayden were both born in Kansas City, the town which they now call home. Reema and Kushal knew that they wanted to instill a deep understanding of Nepali culture in the children; the fact that they both grew up in Nepal made this an easy decision.
Religion is a very important aspect of Nepali culture. The Gurungs practice an intricate, graceful combination of both Hindu and Buddhist teachings - taking characteristics from both religions. "There is a Hindu temple in Kansas, Shawnee, that was built by Indians. But since we are all Hindu, we all use it," says Reema. The family does not go too often, but do visit several times a year.
Images and statues of the Buddha and Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the Gurung household. Each Hindu deity represents something different. "Certain days are to celebrate certain gods. On this day, you pray to this god for this reason," Kushal explains as he is looking at some totem items. The Gurungs keep these items handy as a reminder of their faith.
Reema continues to talk about the family's philosophy on teaching Elaina and Kayden religion, "Our religion is so open - we welcome in anyone and are not restricting. We let the kids go to church with their friends if they want. Every religion is good in the end and they help make you a better person. We want them to have experience with it all." Kushal adds to this, "The older generations do not feel this way, but it is becoming more popular in our community."
There are two separate calendars that the Gurungs utilize. The calendar that America uses, and the vastly differing Nepali calendar. The Nepali calendar is released each year by a head priest - you never know what day a holiday may fall on until that calendar comes out. Currently, it is January in Nepal, and the year 2070 (they celebrated the New Year on April 13th).
Because there are two calendars the Gurungs use, they celebrate most holidays twice. Each family member celebrates their American birthday, and their Nepali birthday. They celebrate Christmas, and the Hindu equivalent. There is a major holiday, paying respect for one of many gods, about once a month Kushal explains. In Nepal, businesses and schools close down for a given amount of time (between a week and a month) for holiday celebrations.
There is a relatively large Nepali community in the Kansas City area, according to the family. Somewhere around 250 people, with the largest concentration in Johnson County, Kansas. The reason for this is, appropriately enough, is the availability of Nepali spices and ingredients for traditional meals. "You cannot find the spices up here, but the grocery stores down south have a lot of them," remarks Reema. Nepali food is very similar to the cuisine of India - so certain spices are required for some of the dishes.
Main meals in Nepal consist of rice, curry, and lentils. Due to the high price of meat in Nepal, very little is consumed. It is not uncommon to only eat meat one or two days a week - that is the same even in schools. "I really like trying the new foods. Not the spicy stuff, but the candy and chips are all different," says Elaina, talking about her experience with Nepali foods. Kayden's experiences are much the same.
"I like meeting the people and learning the language. I'm pretty good at it, but sometimes I have to add english words if I don't know how to say it in Nepali," Elaina says. On most weekends the Gurungs travel out to Johnson County to spend time with other Nepali families. "It helps the kids learn about Nepal. Any chance we can expose the kids to food and customs, we do that," says Reema.
The Kansas City Nepali community hosts presentations from time to time. The presentations consist of traditional Nepali song and dance, food, and spending time with good people. Both Elaina and Kayden have taken part in the presentations. The kids wear customary clothing; Elaina wears a Sari, while Kayden wears the male equivalent. All the Nepali men don small hats, a signifier of their national heritage.
The Gurungs try to visit Nepal as often as possible, about once every three years. Due to the cost of the trip and the extensive travel, this is no easy task. But because the family's relatives have been visiting America more often, the need for travel has slowed.
"We both came to America on a student visa, to go to school," says Reema. "After school, the visa is still good for one year of practical training and to start a career." This gave the couple some time to test the waters of American life. Both Reema and Kushal applied at the Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, and they were both hired by the growing company.
"When we got hired, Cerner sponsored us for a green card," Reema says as she continues discussing her and her husband's history in the US. "We gained permanent residence after two years, and five years later we took the citizenship test and became Americans."
Now legalized American citizens, Reema and Kushal were gearing up to start a family. Their children Elaina and Kayden were both born in Kansas City, the town which they now call home. Reema and Kushal knew that they wanted to instill a deep understanding of Nepali culture in the children; the fact that they both grew up in Nepal made this an easy decision.
Religion is a very important aspect of Nepali culture. The Gurungs practice an intricate, graceful combination of both Hindu and Buddhist teachings - taking characteristics from both religions. "There is a Hindu temple in Kansas, Shawnee, that was built by Indians. But since we are all Hindu, we all use it," says Reema. The family does not go too often, but do visit several times a year.
Images and statues of the Buddha and Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the Gurung household. Each Hindu deity represents something different. "Certain days are to celebrate certain gods. On this day, you pray to this god for this reason," Kushal explains as he is looking at some totem items. The Gurungs keep these items handy as a reminder of their faith.Reema continues to talk about the family's philosophy on teaching Elaina and Kayden religion, "Our religion is so open - we welcome in anyone and are not restricting. We let the kids go to church with their friends if they want. Every religion is good in the end and they help make you a better person. We want them to have experience with it all." Kushal adds to this, "The older generations do not feel this way, but it is becoming more popular in our community."
There are two separate calendars that the Gurungs utilize. The calendar that America uses, and the vastly differing Nepali calendar. The Nepali calendar is released each year by a head priest - you never know what day a holiday may fall on until that calendar comes out. Currently, it is January in Nepal, and the year 2070 (they celebrated the New Year on April 13th).
Because there are two calendars the Gurungs use, they celebrate most holidays twice. Each family member celebrates their American birthday, and their Nepali birthday. They celebrate Christmas, and the Hindu equivalent. There is a major holiday, paying respect for one of many gods, about once a month Kushal explains. In Nepal, businesses and schools close down for a given amount of time (between a week and a month) for holiday celebrations.
There is a relatively large Nepali community in the Kansas City area, according to the family. Somewhere around 250 people, with the largest concentration in Johnson County, Kansas. The reason for this is, appropriately enough, is the availability of Nepali spices and ingredients for traditional meals. "You cannot find the spices up here, but the grocery stores down south have a lot of them," remarks Reema. Nepali food is very similar to the cuisine of India - so certain spices are required for some of the dishes.
Main meals in Nepal consist of rice, curry, and lentils. Due to the high price of meat in Nepal, very little is consumed. It is not uncommon to only eat meat one or two days a week - that is the same even in schools. "I really like trying the new foods. Not the spicy stuff, but the candy and chips are all different," says Elaina, talking about her experience with Nepali foods. Kayden's experiences are much the same.
"I like meeting the people and learning the language. I'm pretty good at it, but sometimes I have to add english words if I don't know how to say it in Nepali," Elaina says. On most weekends the Gurungs travel out to Johnson County to spend time with other Nepali families. "It helps the kids learn about Nepal. Any chance we can expose the kids to food and customs, we do that," says Reema.The Kansas City Nepali community hosts presentations from time to time. The presentations consist of traditional Nepali song and dance, food, and spending time with good people. Both Elaina and Kayden have taken part in the presentations. The kids wear customary clothing; Elaina wears a Sari, while Kayden wears the male equivalent. All the Nepali men don small hats, a signifier of their national heritage.
The Gurungs try to visit Nepal as often as possible, about once every three years. Due to the cost of the trip and the extensive travel, this is no easy task. But because the family's relatives have been visiting America more often, the need for travel has slowed.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Nepali Weddings
Hello blog patrons.
Last year, the Gurungs went on a mulitple-month trip to Nepal.
One of the reasons for the trip was a wedding. In this podcast, we gain some insight through Elaina's eyes on the whole wedding experience.
The concept of Gufa really grasped me. I found it very interesting.
I did some research and found some more cool stuff relating to it.
If you so choose, here is more information on Gufa:
Last year, the Gurungs went on a mulitple-month trip to Nepal.
One of the reasons for the trip was a wedding. In this podcast, we gain some insight through Elaina's eyes on the whole wedding experience.
The concept of Gufa really grasped me. I found it very interesting.
I did some research and found some more cool stuff relating to it.
If you so choose, here is more information on Gufa:
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Nepai Culture in the House
Hello blog patrons.
The other night I spent an hour or so at the Gurung household.
I noticed immediately, on my way to the door, a small bust of the Buddha resting in the yard. This was a sure sign of things to come.
Upon entry to the house, the subtle, intermingling of suburban decor and traditional Nepali items filled my senses. Here is what proceeded:
-SBBErvay
The other night I spent an hour or so at the Gurung household.
I noticed immediately, on my way to the door, a small bust of the Buddha resting in the yard. This was a sure sign of things to come.
Upon entry to the house, the subtle, intermingling of suburban decor and traditional Nepali items filled my senses. Here is what proceeded:
-SBBErvay
Thursday, April 4, 2013
An Introduction Post...
Hello patrons of SBBErvay.blogspot.com.
This is a simple site for a project that I, Steven Ervay, am currently delving into.
The project is an in-depth, multi media look into a family of four, the Gurungs, who came to Kansas City from the Himalayan nation of Nepal. This experience is bound together under the all-encompassing theme of how the Gurungs keep Nepali culture alive in the KC suburbs. I will take a look into how Kushal and Reema (father and mother) practice their traditions and why they believe it is important to instill Nepali culture in their children. Furthermore I will spend time with Elaina (daughter) and Kayden (son) - both born in Kansas City - to find out how they feel about Nepali culture.
I came in contact with the Gurungs through my work. I am an employee of the Liberty School District - Kid's Zone Program. The children attend Kid's Zone at my site and I have known them for several years. So naturally, when the discussion of surveying an international subject came up, they were in the front of my mind.
Very few reservations of this project are nagging me. I am comfortable with the family I have chosen. as mentioned, I've known them all for several years on a professional basis. In the scope of this project, I hope to gain a deep insight to the cultural norms and traditions of a country that is far from where I live and what I know. I want to learn what I can, first hand, about life in Nepal.
Check back weekly for features on the Gurung family and how they keep Nepali culture alive and thriving.
-SBBErvay
This is a simple site for a project that I, Steven Ervay, am currently delving into.
The project is an in-depth, multi media look into a family of four, the Gurungs, who came to Kansas City from the Himalayan nation of Nepal. This experience is bound together under the all-encompassing theme of how the Gurungs keep Nepali culture alive in the KC suburbs. I will take a look into how Kushal and Reema (father and mother) practice their traditions and why they believe it is important to instill Nepali culture in their children. Furthermore I will spend time with Elaina (daughter) and Kayden (son) - both born in Kansas City - to find out how they feel about Nepali culture.
I came in contact with the Gurungs through my work. I am an employee of the Liberty School District - Kid's Zone Program. The children attend Kid's Zone at my site and I have known them for several years. So naturally, when the discussion of surveying an international subject came up, they were in the front of my mind.
Very few reservations of this project are nagging me. I am comfortable with the family I have chosen. as mentioned, I've known them all for several years on a professional basis. In the scope of this project, I hope to gain a deep insight to the cultural norms and traditions of a country that is far from where I live and what I know. I want to learn what I can, first hand, about life in Nepal.
Check back weekly for features on the Gurung family and how they keep Nepali culture alive and thriving.
-SBBErvay
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