by Rachel Zemel ‘13

On April 15, the start of spring break, Kathleen Menchetti, AP World History and Global Issues teacher, began her journey to Nepal. Although there was limited time to visit Nepal due to the conflicting school year and monsoon season, Menchetti found a good time to explore a part of the country. Menchetti could only reach her destination, the Khumba region in Northeast Nepal, by flying to the Lukla Airport, right on the edge of a cliff and one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Once there, Menchetti trekked on Mount Everest, visited monasteries and experienced the diverse culture of the Sherpa people, who migrated from Tibet to the Khumba region. “It has eight of the ten highest peaks in the world. There is a community of people who lived in relative isolation for centuries. To be a part of it helps me to understand Buddhism. In turn, it helps me with my teaching to bring the richness back to the students,” explained Menchetti.

Menchetti stayed with Nepalese people in “tea houses,” a cross between a guest house, restaurant and social hang-out. Consequently, she was able to experience the culture firsthand. She noticed that there were arrangements for water conservation, independent children that often went unsupervised and a new movement to clean up Mount Everest. Further, she was surprised to see people frequently using cell phones where there were no televisions, cars or electricity. Internet connection was only available in cafes to cater to tourists. “There was a lack of type of extra … The materials stuff wasn’t there … The room I stayed in has basically four wood walls. Very simple. It has a simple bed and mattress,” recounted Menchetti.

Certainly no amateur after traveling to China, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Thailand, India, Romania and throughout Europe, Menchetti is traveling to Cambodia and Laos this summer with fellow AP World History teacher Michelle Games. “The world is open to you and changing so much with globalization. You really have to travel,” encouraged Menchetti. She wants to return to Nepal to see more beautiful nature and experience more with the Sherpa people.      

Returning from her trip with pictures and stories, Menchetti is excited about increasing the depth of her students’ knowledge. “You can enrich the lives of students if you can come back and share experiences, tell anecdotal evidence and give personal accounts. You can make it personal and can break stereotypes,” said Menchetti.

In AP World History Menchetti will use pictures and experiences in the Tangboche and Pangboche monasteries to further communicate the origin, evolution and diffusion of Buddhism. She will also use anecdotes to teach about the Sherpa’s migration to Nepal.

In Global Issues, Menchetti will teach about Nepal’s varying problems, such as horrific poverty and government corruption.  She will also present Nepal as an underdeveloped country to compare to more developed ones. “We, as Americans, have very different views of the world,” she said. “People are people no matter where they are.