Yesterday I was able to experience something that was nothing short of miraculous, overwhelming, and awe-inspiring. Through the power of technology and social media, Virginia Tech was able to have a Skype conversation with democratic activist, Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of the Burmese democratic revolution who has spent a lifetime fighting for freedom in Burma. Living in the midst of a dictatorship, she has been under house arrest for years, only having recently been released. She is an inspiration to all and we are some of the lucky few in America who have had the opportunity and honor to speak with her.
This whole thing started with a simple YouTube video of Virginia Tech's World Regions course pleading for this opportunity. Just a few weeks later, it spread like wildfire and our request was answered. If the chance arose, she would speak with us. And she did.
Here are just a few of the clips I was able to capture of our (Virginia Tech's) conversation with her:
And, just as proof that Matt and I were there, let's play a quick game of spot the boyfriend:
Did you find him? I'm sure you did.
This was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience that I will not soon forget. It was made possible by technology that has been only developed in my lifetime and will continue to bring people closer and allow for such amazing interactions as this. We were able to talk with someone who is literally on the other side of the planet, someone who otherwise we would have never been able to talk with.
Aung San Suu Kyi is an amazing woman who has achieved so much for her people and she will continue to promote democracy until her goal of freedom has been achieved.
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