"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
At a young age I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I told my mom, “I want to see everything there is to see and do everything there is to do in one lifetime.” At twenty-one, I have sailed around the world, been to 5 continents, swum in 3 oceans, and visited 14 countries. I am a sociology and criminal justice student; a student of people and perspective. I have learned about poverty, oppression, crime, abuse and hopelessness. I have looked into the eyes of people who dreamt of nothing but sitting in a classroom. I have seen cities crippled by failing education systems and dispassionate educators. But I have also seen natural beauty, pride, development, tradition, and sacrifice. This gives me hope. Crime can be combated with education. Families can be brought out of poverty with education. Cities can be rebuilt by educated youth. Countries can prosper on a foundation of educated citizens. As an individual who has had the privilege to be educated, it is my responsibility to share what I know with the people around me. I have certainly done my fair share of seeing. Now it is my turn to start doing, and I would like to teach. Education cultivates understanding and intelligent conversation free from ignorance and apathy. It fosters caring and participation as well community building and friendship. Nelson Mandela told us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” and our world is begging for change.
I made the decision quite recently to take time off after graduation before heading on to either Law or Graduate school. I know that I want to go further in my education, but in the meantime I think I have some giving back to do. I have spent the better part of the past four years taking advantage of every possible opportunity and now I believe it is my turn to slow down and give back to the people who have given me so much. I have submitted applications to the Teach for America Corps and the Fulbright Student Program to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia. I am currently preparing for a final interview with Teach for America and will be notified about the Fulbright Scholarship next Spring. I am not sure where this adventure is going to take me, but I know that wherever I am headed it is where I am meant to be.
I made the decision quite recently to take time off after graduation before heading on to either Law or Graduate school. I know that I want to go further in my education, but in the meantime I think I have some giving back to do. I have spent the better part of the past four years taking advantage of every possible opportunity and now I believe it is my turn to slow down and give back to the people who have given me so much. I have submitted applications to the Teach for America Corps and the Fulbright Student Program to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Malaysia. I am currently preparing for a final interview with Teach for America and will be notified about the Fulbright Scholarship next Spring. I am not sure where this adventure is going to take me, but I know that wherever I am headed it is where I am meant to be.