Hyacinth Parker OC ‘17

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Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia (2017-19)

Hyacinth Parker graduated in 2017 as an Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies. Hyacinth has travelled to Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and India to research urban planning, women’s rights, climate change, and transportation systems. Through the Fellowship, Hyacinth hopes to gain a nuanced understanding of the social, political, and cultural dynamic of Yogyakarta. An avid trumpet player, Hyacinth is most looking forward to exploring the urban spaces of Yogya, reaching out to local batik textile dyers, and building bridges with local organizations that are involved in human rights and sustainability.

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Indonesia hasn't broken me...yet.
Indonesia hasn't broken me...yet.

Hyacinth Parker ‘17, UGM Fellow

Since moving to Indonesia, I have made lists. There have been a variety. A list of Western foods I want to make – chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes at the top, though I never remember craving them at home. A list of clothing that I hope the people at the laundry service don’t shrink, burn or lose. A list of self-service laundromats I started going to after they shrunk a friend’s dress, burned my jacket, and lost all of our dish towels. The money I’ve spent for the week. The people who have exclaimed “But you’re Black!” in Indonesian when I tell them I’m from the United States.