Sabine's Story
Jenny Seim
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News
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The event began with a formal dinner above the Union. Guests, including students and some staff members, dined over a chicken entrée served with salad, cooked vegetables and various desert bars. Casual conversation took place as the guests ate their meals.
As dinner came to a close, Hyland began her speech, sharing special moments of her life thus far.
First, Hyland described her recent experience with an Andean Shaman in South America. The Shaman used coco leaves (which are sacred in the Andes) to read her future. He threw them into the air, blew them onto a table and determined that she would return to Lake Titicaca. Secondly, he concluded that Hyland's next book would be a success, which she was very happy to hear.
Hyland also shared earlier stories, dating back to her teenage years. She first went to Peru at 16 years of age and fell in love with the country. After living in Peru for one year, Hyland found her passion: she desired to study anthropology, the Andes and wanted to pursue a doctorate degree as well.
Hyland received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, and then took some time off after graduation. She soon found herself on a full scholarship to Yale and received her doctorate there.
Hyland hoped to work in indigenous communities, but civil war in Peru was at a dangerous height. Instead, she turned to ethno history.
"Yale had incredible resources," Hyland said, so she studied Spanish archives and collections of Latin American manuscripts.
The most exciting field moment occurred about five years ago where she worked with 16th century Inca documents. The Incas continue to remain an interest of hers. Currently, Hyland is studying "khipus" or "quipus," language devices used by the Incas.
Throughout her professional career, Hyland developed a love for writing, which truly surprised her. Hyland thought she would be an Indiana Jones figure finding adventure in the Andes, but she found writing to be rewarding as well. Currently, she is a published author and has a collection of articles coming out in February.
Hyland also mentioned a rather funny story about her husband, Dr. William Hyland, who is a part-time assistant professor of Latin at SNC and the director of the Center for Norbertine Studies. William grew up in New York and was a Green Bay Packers fan. He told Sabine about a school in De Pere, Wis. where the Packers stayed during training camp; he hoped to move there one day.
Sabine had then told William: "It'll never happen. If we move to Green Bay, you can have a picture of Vince Lombardi in the living room." They, of course, eventually did move to Green Bay, though no Lombardi picture graces their home.
Hyland concluded the speech by acknowledging her husband's help over the years. She also noted that her lengthy travels are sometimes hard for their children, though she wants to leave them an impression of the marginalized and voiceless people of the world.
The next "Herstory" will be on Thursday, Dec. 10 with Dr. Susan Landt. To RSVP to the event, email Michelle Behrens at michelle.behrens@snc.edu.
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