Love this photo from Chance Riehl Photography
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Self Realizations
This semester.. and even this past year I have learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. Well, basically three huge things that I think about every day.
1. I am not a complainer. Well, I complain about things, like my computer not working, my phone cracking, having to wake up early, and all that typical stuff we hear on a daily basis. But I've realized, that I'm not a huge complainer, and those who are, are not my kind of people. During my trip to Uganda we obviously encountered hot weather, food we weren't used to, and terrible driving. I could not believe how often people I was accompanied by were complaining about these conditions. I couldn't grasp the concept of how they didn't realize how lucky we were that (a.) we were living the good life compared to everyone else, (b.) we were on an AMAZING trip that was not worth complaining about. Down here in DC, I've also experienced a lot of complaining. About... basically everything. Having to go to class, having to go to their internship, not getting the coffee they ordered, and how much work they had to do. I definitely grumbled about waking up early for work, and having to read so much for class, but It just stuck out to me how often I would hear it. I don't understand how people think that complaining about everything will change their situation. I just don't think I am used to such ignorance of how lucky we all are. No matter what, we are given so many opportunities on a daily basis that do not deserve such complaints. Okay onto the next realization.
2. I've realized I have a huge passion surrounding education. Growing up with a teacher parent, I never thought I'd get into education. Awhile ago, I started to consider possibly teaching when I'm old, wise, experienced, and hopefully in demand for my insight. More recently, thanks to my experience in the Transforming Communities program, I've noticed how important education can be in actually bringing about change. As someone who is interested in international development, I've taken a very strong interest in the education of youth; especially young girls. (See post about She's the First). Before coming to D.C. and traveling to Uganda, I had known I wanted to work on development overseas, but I wasn't sure of what path I wanted to take within that motive. I'm so happy to have found what I'm passionate about; and I'm so happy that its education... as weird as that sounds.
3. The final realization I've come to is; if not me, who else? I've come to realize someone who is passionate about dedicating their life to the improvement of others is rare. I'm baffled every day by people who are not driven by statistics and stories detailing how much needs to be done in the world. When I hear the statistic "If all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty." I'm inspire by the possibility of change, and the opportunity to be apart of it. I read an article that discussed how many dialects in Uganda don't even have a word for cancer. As a result, thousands of women are dying of cancer; open sore cancer that eats away their breasts because they don't know to get treated. That story has stuck with me every sense and I've been researching what can be done. When I hear that today, 62 million girls didn't go to school, my heart breaks. I want to be the change for both these statistics. How can I be of only a few who are moved by this?
So that about sums up my rant about my personal realizations.
1. I am not a complainer. Well, I complain about things, like my computer not working, my phone cracking, having to wake up early, and all that typical stuff we hear on a daily basis. But I've realized, that I'm not a huge complainer, and those who are, are not my kind of people. During my trip to Uganda we obviously encountered hot weather, food we weren't used to, and terrible driving. I could not believe how often people I was accompanied by were complaining about these conditions. I couldn't grasp the concept of how they didn't realize how lucky we were that (a.) we were living the good life compared to everyone else, (b.) we were on an AMAZING trip that was not worth complaining about. Down here in DC, I've also experienced a lot of complaining. About... basically everything. Having to go to class, having to go to their internship, not getting the coffee they ordered, and how much work they had to do. I definitely grumbled about waking up early for work, and having to read so much for class, but It just stuck out to me how often I would hear it. I don't understand how people think that complaining about everything will change their situation. I just don't think I am used to such ignorance of how lucky we all are. No matter what, we are given so many opportunities on a daily basis that do not deserve such complaints. Okay onto the next realization.
2. I've realized I have a huge passion surrounding education. Growing up with a teacher parent, I never thought I'd get into education. Awhile ago, I started to consider possibly teaching when I'm old, wise, experienced, and hopefully in demand for my insight. More recently, thanks to my experience in the Transforming Communities program, I've noticed how important education can be in actually bringing about change. As someone who is interested in international development, I've taken a very strong interest in the education of youth; especially young girls. (See post about She's the First). Before coming to D.C. and traveling to Uganda, I had known I wanted to work on development overseas, but I wasn't sure of what path I wanted to take within that motive. I'm so happy to have found what I'm passionate about; and I'm so happy that its education... as weird as that sounds.
3. The final realization I've come to is; if not me, who else? I've come to realize someone who is passionate about dedicating their life to the improvement of others is rare. I'm baffled every day by people who are not driven by statistics and stories detailing how much needs to be done in the world. When I hear the statistic "If all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty." I'm inspire by the possibility of change, and the opportunity to be apart of it. I read an article that discussed how many dialects in Uganda don't even have a word for cancer. As a result, thousands of women are dying of cancer; open sore cancer that eats away their breasts because they don't know to get treated. That story has stuck with me every sense and I've been researching what can be done. When I hear that today, 62 million girls didn't go to school, my heart breaks. I want to be the change for both these statistics. How can I be of only a few who are moved by this?
So that about sums up my rant about my personal realizations.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Leaving a Legacy
Even though I'll be sad to leave D.C. and all the friends I've made here, I'm really looking forward to returning back to Lasell. For starters, I'll be rooming with my two best friends who I haven't seen since the spring! I'm also really excited to head back to Boston to start Lasell's first chapter of She's the First. If you don't already know, she's the first is an non-profit organization with a goal of funding young girls who are looking to pursue a quality education. There are hundreds of university chapters all over the country, but unfortunately Lasell doesn't have one yet.Not only is the cause in itself truly inspirational, but it will help to tie our school to the Arlington Academy of Hope. If you've read any part of my blog you'll know that I went to Uganda, had an amazing time, fell in love with the country, and have to go back, blah blah blah. Well, little did I know, that many of the young girls who attend the Arlington Academy of Hope are sponsored by college students back home in the United States. I was fortunate enough to see first-hand how important that sponsorship can be in a young girl's life, as well as the community she resides in. What is a better way to have a greater impact in the village of Bumwalakani than to help girls go to school and help teach them as well?
There are only a few more steps that need to be taken and the chapter organization will be complete! I can't wait to work with other students who are just as passionate about this issue as I am. Oh, and we get to use cupcakes as a fundraiser....
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Late Night DC Adventures
So last night I finally got to do one thing I've wanted to do all semester; visit the monuments at night!
My night started off boring, I was doing home work, worked out a bit, then showered. My room mate and a friend were off at a gala/masquerade thing at the French Embassy and called me as soon as it ended. So off to the National Mall I went to meet my drunken friends for a stroll along the monuments.
Luckily, I ran into another friend who was also going to meet up with us. We got off at a nearby metro stop and were instantly greeted by the Washington Monument. It was all lit up! Unfortunately, Virginia's earthquake last year has caused it to be under construction. Its currently surrounded by a metal cast-looking structure so it's not fun to see at all. You can't even get close to it. The fog surrounding the mall did make it look kind of cool though.
Since we got there pretty late at night (1am) the city was relatively quite. Except for a few police cars and people walking around it was very calm. As we walked around the mall it was so cool looking out towards the city and seeing all the buildings stacked against each other. The city kind of dips down into the mall so we were just surrounding by amazing buildings! Looking past the Lincoln memorial you can even see how lit up Virginia is. Some of the buildings here are just so beautiful. I love the height limit and the Parissienne style architecture of most the buildings. It makes the city seem more formal, historical, and just official I guess.
We didn't see the true beauty of the mall at night until we were right in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Looking back towards the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool perfectly captured the light of the monument. The light pollution from Capitol Hill and beyond also set a beautiful color in the sky that was also reflected by the water. I was so surprised when my camera was actually able to get a good picture. I had to lay down on the cement to get it steady, but still!
So basically, I'm very disappointed I haven't been spending my nights sitting on the Lincoln Memorial looking out at beautiful Washington, D.C. Unfortunately its about to get cold, so maybe I'll get my friends to go one more time before the wind is too unbearable!
Luckily, I ran into another friend who was also going to meet up with us. We got off at a nearby metro stop and were instantly greeted by the Washington Monument. It was all lit up! Unfortunately, Virginia's earthquake last year has caused it to be under construction. Its currently surrounded by a metal cast-looking structure so it's not fun to see at all. You can't even get close to it. The fog surrounding the mall did make it look kind of cool though.
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| WWII Memorial |
We didn't see the true beauty of the mall at night until we were right in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Looking back towards the Washington Monument, the reflecting pool perfectly captured the light of the monument. The light pollution from Capitol Hill and beyond also set a beautiful color in the sky that was also reflected by the water. I was so surprised when my camera was actually able to get a good picture. I had to lay down on the cement to get it steady, but still!
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| Lincoln! |
Monday, October 7, 2013
Got Fairtrade?
It's here people... FAIR TRADE MONTH 2013! Are you excited? I AM YEAY CHOCOLATE.
Okay, so not many people know all the facts you should know about Fairtrade International and the "fair trade movement." It's an unfortunate fact, but I'm here to change that!
Things you should know:
Okay, so not many people know all the facts you should know about Fairtrade International and the "fair trade movement." It's an unfortunate fact, but I'm here to change that!
Things you should know:
- Fairtrade International is the leading organization that provides the certification for companies and product that use Fairtrade ingredients!
- Fairtrade America is the American based location for the international organization
- The international FAIRTRADE Mark appears on over 27,000 products sold in more than 120 countries – and now it’s coming to a store near you in the USA.
- The Fairtrade system currently works with 1.24 million people - farmers and workers - across more than 66 developing countries
- 75 per cent of all Fairtrade producers are smallholder farmers
- In addition to a liveable wage, farmers are given a Fairtrade premium
- Fairtrade International gave over $65 million in Fairtrade Premium last year to invest in business, social and environmental projects in their communities
- 2,849 businesses are licensed to use the Fairtrade Mark
So why is this important?
Many small crop farmers in developing countries are often taken advantage of by large corporations. Instead of receiving the market rate price for their product, they often receive small wages that leave them in debt and struggling to live a substantial life. Working for a Fairtrade certified farm also eliminates unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace. Workers on Fairtrade farms also enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages; forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
This post by Ben & Jerry's says it all. Who wouldn't want to choose the product that provides our world's producers with a livable wage. No one wants to intentionally exploit someone else!
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| https://plus.google.com/+benandjerrys/posts |
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Fairtrade Month!!!
With just a few days till Fairtrade month, my internship is getting quite busy... but in a GOOD way!
We have so many events coming up that I'm very excited to attend as well as organize. At some point during the month, Georgetown Cupcakes is teaming up with Divine Chocolate, to create a "fairtrade cupcake!" My three favorite things; chocolate, cupcakes, and fairtrade!
I've also been given the task of helping to plan and organize Fair Trade events at American University next month. I already have a BUNCH of ideas that I hope we are able to carry out. With a school like AU that is so willingly to provide programs for its students, I'm sure we won't have a problem!
For those of you who didn't know October is Fair Trade Month, check out this website for more details on how you can Be Fair for 31 days!
Also, if you are an organization, school, church, or group that wants to put on a Fair trade event you can request fliers, stickers, and product samples! E-mail us, and I'll be the one to pack your box and ship it!
http://fairtradeamerica.org/fairtrade/fairtrademonth
I've also been given the task of helping to plan and organize Fair Trade events at American University next month. I already have a BUNCH of ideas that I hope we are able to carry out. With a school like AU that is so willingly to provide programs for its students, I'm sure we won't have a problem!
For those of you who didn't know October is Fair Trade Month, check out this website for more details on how you can Be Fair for 31 days!
Also, if you are an organization, school, church, or group that wants to put on a Fair trade event you can request fliers, stickers, and product samples! E-mail us, and I'll be the one to pack your box and ship it!
http://fairtradeamerica.org/fairtrade/fairtrademonth
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I thought I was going to make a better habit out of blogging about DC but... alas here I am a week later. It's hard to believe I've been here almost a month, and again, I can't believe a month is already over!!
I get asked quite frequently of people back home, and other friends abroad, "How's D.C?" Well, like I simply tell everyone, I'm loving it. It's hard to go into more depth then that, but I'm having an amazing time. I was nervous I'd regret not doing international for my study abroad semester, but coming to D.C. has continuously been the best decision I've made in awhile.
The people here are great. I love being surrounded by so many diverse international students as well as Americans. Upon returning to Lasell, I know I'm going to miss the German and Norwegian accents following me around. I think I wrote about this last time, but its so cool being surrounded by people with the same passions and interests as me. Despite my serious lack of national political knowledge, its great to be surrounded by people who do. Hearing my friends who work on "the Hill" talk about their senators and congressmen is so refreshing.
Being in D.C. I've really gotten into something I never thought I'd take an interest in; slam poetry. I went a few weeks ago with a friend for the first time.. and LOVED IT. We went to a chain restaurant/bookstore/meeting place called Bus Boys & Poets. I was blown away. The poems were so emotional, raw, and intellectually stimulating that I went two weeks after. The amazing nachos I had there just recently will definitely influence me to keep on returning for some poetry.
Oh yeah I also absolutely, LOVE my internship. At first I was so jealous of my friends who got internships on "the Hill," but was soon to realize the amazing experience I'm getting out of mine. Working for Fairtrade America has already proven itself to be so fun. I've been the last two weeks helping to design graphics for "Fair Trade Month" in October. The first thing I made were stickers!! I made 5 different ones and all together, they're printing off around 10,000 of them. How crazy is that. 10,000 stickers that I designed! I've also put together a Facebook banner, a twitter back ground and a "lock-up"/small graphic for to promote the month. All the materials I designed are fully complete and should be up on the website soon! I can't wait to post the link and show all my friends and family. I'm so annoying proud and in love with my internship!
But yeah so basically I am having a GREAT time here in good old D.C. (despite the tragic shootings that occurred yesterday).
I get asked quite frequently of people back home, and other friends abroad, "How's D.C?" Well, like I simply tell everyone, I'm loving it. It's hard to go into more depth then that, but I'm having an amazing time. I was nervous I'd regret not doing international for my study abroad semester, but coming to D.C. has continuously been the best decision I've made in awhile.
The people here are great. I love being surrounded by so many diverse international students as well as Americans. Upon returning to Lasell, I know I'm going to miss the German and Norwegian accents following me around. I think I wrote about this last time, but its so cool being surrounded by people with the same passions and interests as me. Despite my serious lack of national political knowledge, its great to be surrounded by people who do. Hearing my friends who work on "the Hill" talk about their senators and congressmen is so refreshing.
Being in D.C. I've really gotten into something I never thought I'd take an interest in; slam poetry. I went a few weeks ago with a friend for the first time.. and LOVED IT. We went to a chain restaurant/bookstore/meeting place called Bus Boys & Poets. I was blown away. The poems were so emotional, raw, and intellectually stimulating that I went two weeks after. The amazing nachos I had there just recently will definitely influence me to keep on returning for some poetry.
Oh yeah I also absolutely, LOVE my internship. At first I was so jealous of my friends who got internships on "the Hill," but was soon to realize the amazing experience I'm getting out of mine. Working for Fairtrade America has already proven itself to be so fun. I've been the last two weeks helping to design graphics for "Fair Trade Month" in October. The first thing I made were stickers!! I made 5 different ones and all together, they're printing off around 10,000 of them. How crazy is that. 10,000 stickers that I designed! I've also put together a Facebook banner, a twitter back ground and a "lock-up"/small graphic for to promote the month. All the materials I designed are fully complete and should be up on the website soon! I can't wait to post the link and show all my friends and family. I'm so annoying proud and in love with my internship!
But yeah so basically I am having a GREAT time here in good old D.C. (despite the tragic shootings that occurred yesterday).
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