Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Where it all began....


Giacobazzi Yañez
Giacobazzi Yañez
Anthropology Major
Film Minor
Internship:
Videographer
Organization:
Mirador Basin Project
Location:
Guatemala

Student discovers Mayan world through film

Giacobazzi says . . .
Experience Description? I worked as a videographer in El Mirador, the largest civilization of the Mayan world. I interviewed and filmed archaeologists at their excavation sites, capturing their latest discoveries of Pre-Classic and Classic periods of the Maya.
How I found this opportunity? While on a Sierra Institute Maya field study program, I met and worked for Richard Hansen, Archaeologist and Project Director of the Mirador Basin Project. When the project was delayed to obtain government permits and the film crew from National Geographic postponed their visit, Hansen, learning that I was a film student, offered me this amazing work experience.
Best thing about this experience? One of the best facets was meeting so many talented archaeologists. Had they not been so gracious in sharing their wealth of knowledge with me, the trip would not have been nearly as successful.
How this experience enhanced my HSU education? This has given me clearer vision on how to better approach and prepare myself to move into the direction of visual anthropology and documentary filmmaking. I’ve been able to absorb more out of classes this semester because I can relate my studies to the work I did in the field.
What I learned from my visit to the Career Center? When I first visited the Career Center, I asked what it would take to prepare myself to work on a film crew for National Geographic. I was encouraged to get some fieldwork experience and begin working on a portfolio. It was also suggested that I get to know the people I wanted to work for and make contacts that would help me get my foot in the door. I have now done both!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011


ISU Magazine

Volume 41 | Number 2 | Spring/Summer 2011
Giacobazzi Yañez
Giacobazzi Yañez in front of the New York City skyline the morning before UN meetings.
Photos by Giacobazzi Yañez

ISU Student Journeys to United Nations

Spring 2011 Issue | By Giacobazzi Yañez

In February of 2010, I discovered Guatemalan President of the Mayan National Council of Elders, Don Alejandro Cirilo Oxlaj in a documentary project created by Stephen Michael Copeland called "Shift of the Ages." Due for release in 2011, the film tells an inspiring story about Don Alejandro's mission in sharing his message as he travels across the world representing the Mayan nation. His messages of social uplift and Indigenous wisdom had such an intrinsic effect on me that I wanted to fight for the same causes he and other Indigenous cultures face. Little did I know at that time that I would soon be in his presence and at the center of the events that were to take place in New York City.

On Oct. 8, 2010, Don Alejandro addressed the United Nations. I had the privilege of taking part in this historic event, which included two additional Mayan elders, Hunbatz Men and Don Pedro Pablo Chuc Pech, who represent the Yucatan Mexico region of Mayan elders. Also making an appearance was the aboriginal Grand Elder, Bob Randall from Australia.


President of the Mayan Council of the Elders Don Alejandro Cirilo Oxlaj, between his wife Elizabeth Araujo and aboriginal Grand Elder Bob Randall.

Don Alejandro, driven by the Mayan prophecies foretold by his ancestors and their ancient calendars, has been heading up a global movement to unify tribes, spiritual, and Indigenous leaders.
"We the Maya are very much present," said Don Alejandro. At 82, he has been traveling the world for more than 30 years, spreading his message of hope, peace, love for Mother Nature, and, most importantly love for ourselves.

This has not been an easy road for the 13th generation Q'uiche Maya High Priest and for many years now, one of his greatest obstacles is removing the ignorance that the ending of the Mayan long count calendar near December 21, 2012 is not the end of the world. The ancient Mayan calendar is currently in its fifth period of the sun. This is equal to one full cycle of the long count calendar, which is approximately 5,200 years. We are completing this great cycle and beginning of what the Mayans call "the year zero." Don Alejandro made it clear to the audience that they have documentation of the four previous periods of the sun left behind from his ancestors.
With so many people fixed on the idea of death and destruction, it takes personal effort from the elders to explain that their prophecies are not meant to frighten the world. The fear from this general perception has permeated the globe evoking a range of reactions. Hollywood and non-Mayan scholars have much to blame for this negative depiction. The elders voiced out that the end of their calendar signifies a renewal and awakening for humanity.

I was unaware of the elders' visit at the UN until two weeks prior to the date. By chance I heard of this event on a radio program. Instantly I knew I had to attend to see and hear what the Elders had to say to understand their beliefs better. I wanted to conduct my own research and spread their knowledge based on the observations I made. I intended to capture the significance of this invitation for the Elders and what the public response would be. In my pursuit of establishing contacts, I solidified access to the UN with permission to document on video. My next big task was to approach ISU and ask if they would be willing to sponsor my trip. Through my concerted efforts, I gathered support from multiple departments in sponsorship to fund my travel expenses, making this trip possible.

When I arrived I was instantly accepted with open arms from the organizers of the events and liaisons of the Mayan Elders. The days that followed were entwined with serendipitous moments from witnessing these elders speak at the podium to meeting them personally, and exchanging dialogue. Thanks to my parents, who insisted I speak Spanish and understand my Mexican culture, I was able to communicate with the elders sharing a common language without the need of interpreters.

I learned valuable skills and lessons through this experience that broadened my horizons beyond what a textbook or a classroom setting could provide. As an undergraduate major in anthropology with minors in Spanish and mass communication, this experience gave me a new sense of purpose with my education.

Besides gaining much from this professional experience, on a personal level the elders reminded me how easily we forget our role as humans on Earth.
"We must treat this world as caretakers, not owners of the land," Randall said.
Idaho State University Brightest and Best Acknowledgement


Brightest and Best
Giacobazzi Yañez

Giacobazzi Yañez

Hometown: Canton, IL
High School: Canton High School
Class Year: Senior
Major: Anthropology
Minor: Spanish and Mass Communication
Interests/Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Listening to Music, Traveling, Origami, Photography, Video, Astronomy, Backpacking, Learning Languages, and Cooking.

Career goal: My experiences have driven me to work toward a career as a documentary filmmaker who applies visual anthropological methods in films that have a socially conscious impact. I envision working closely with humanitarian organizations and serving as an ally to Latin American communities. I intend to advocate awareness in social justice, the environment, preservation of language and culture. I would like to continue my ongoing work at El Mirador and potentially expand my work at other ancient archaeological sites.

Why ISU? ISU's well respected anthropology program has a distinguished faculty and offers one of the world's leading archaeologists in Mayan scholarly research, Dr. Richard Hansen. Due to the working relationship I developed with Dr. Hansen over the last three years, I consciously decided to transfer and finish out my undergraduate at ISU. The fieldwork that I conduct with Dr. Hansen during the summers in Guatemala as an archaeological videographer motivated me to advance my professional and technical skills. By doing so, I will enhance my academic relationship with Dr. Hansen and broaden the potential range of opportunities that will help me attain my career goals. My undergraduate goals while at ISU are to acquire a theoretical foundation imbedded with practical experience in preparation to become a graduate student at the London Film School.

ISU Experience: As a recent transfer student from California it has taken me some time to adjust, but the ISU staff and faculty have provided wonderful support. As a work study student working for Photographic services and the Mass Communication Department, these positions provide me with great hands on experience that I will carry with me in the years ahead.

Why I do what I do: The individuals I have become acquainted with at ISU have inspired and influenced my aspirations for more academic achievements. I love the work that I do during the summers because it is a process of preservation for the future generations of archaeologists and the Mayan people. I am proud of my Mexican and Indigenous heritage, which has given me the strength and determination to pursue this educational path. I have a strong desire to integrate the education I have gained to serve my culture and humanity on a global scale. Hopefully my passions will lead to making a difference.

Here is the press release to the District 5400 Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Recipients for the 2012-2013 academic year!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

TWO AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS SELECTED!!


The Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee met on Friday, June 7 in Twin Falls to interview three applicants for the 2012-2013 academic year.  From left to right:  John McGuire, chair, Shari Stroud (Twin Falls), Dick Boyd (Twin Falls), Chuck Lehrman (Buhl), David Lewis (Nampa), Kathleen Simko (DGE), Ben Simko (Eagle-Garden City), Frank Lara (Nampa) - Photographer, Terry Gilbert, DG


BECAUSE OF MONEY IN OUR DISTRICT DESIGNATED FUNDS (DDF), WE WERE ABLE TO SPONSOR TWO GREAT CANDIDATES FOR THE 2012-2013 ACADEMIC YEAR!


THIS IS A HIGH-TECH COMMITTEE!  HERE'S PROOF AS THEY INTERVIEWED GIACO YANEZ...


The applicant above is Giacobazzi (Giaco) Yanez whose image the committee viewed on a screen as he interviewed from an Internet cafe in Jalisco, Mexico where he was visiting relatives.  Giacobazzi, an anthropology major from Idaho State University, was nominated by JoAn Dilweg of the Rotary Club of Pocatello.

Wrote Tom Hallaq, ISU assistant professor, "Giaco has demonstrated a high level of dedication to his chosen field, combining his two loves of anthropology and filmmaking.  He has chosen to major in anthropology, developing solid skills in research principles associated with this field."

"Giaco's personal goals is the pursuit of a master's degree that will propel him closer to his career as a visual anthropologist.  I believe Giaco will represent well any organization that supports him in his endeavors.  He will give credit where credit is due and will create respectful relationships that will reflect positively on all involved.  More than any other student I have taught, Giaco exudes an attitude of global unity and reverence."

Affirmed Richard Holmer, Professor and Chair of Anthropology, "Giaco's objective is to attend the London Film School, one of the oldest and most prestigious film academies in the world."



THE RC OF REXBURG NOMINATED TIARA LUSK, ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
 


The committee found Tiara to be a dynamic applicant, confident, articulate and focused. 
Stated Tiara in her application, "As a scholar, I am high motivated, professional, articulate, creative and able to think critically.  I am particularly good at noticing patterns in systems and am able to quickly identify problems and find creative solutions.  I am also driven by a deep empathy for others and a need to understand others.  I am optimistic,hard-working, honest and sincere, and I strive to have integrity.  I grew up being taught to value service and am attracted to Rotary because of their reputation for service.  I have attended a few Rotary meetings and strongly believe in the Rotary slogan, "Service Above Self," and the mission of the Rotary organization.  Rotary's mission is a legacy I would like to help further, and I believe the personal qualities I have combined with my experience will contribute to my success as a Rotary International Scholar."
Tiara will either pursue international comparative education in Pakistan with an emphasis on education for women or Israel where she will study integrated schools there with integrateds chools in the U.S.


DISTRICT 5400 CAN BE PROUD OF BOTH SCHOLARS.  THANKS TO THE CLUBS THAT NOMINATED CANDIDATES, INCLUDING BOISE SUNRISE ROTARY WHOSE CANDIDATE WAS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY NEXT YEAR, AS WELL.