I, like author Jacqueline Novogratz, believe that every human being on this earth has the responsibility to help make this world a better place. Every person has different talents and abilities which they've naturally been blessed with or have worked hard to develop. One of the best things we can do as humans is be the best version of ourselves and share our gifts with the world. When I think of making the world a better place, I immediately think about education. As Nelson Mandela once said "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Growing up, my parents heavily emphasized the importance of education and its power. They have constantly pushed me to break down any barriers and ignore the limitations which may seemingly stand in my way. While at times I thought they went a bit overboard, looking back at my experiences I am very thankful for the measures they took. In the future, I would love to give back in the area of education. I am nothing without my education and am endlessly grateful for this privilege. Nevertheless, I don't believe that receiving an education should be a privilege-it should be a basic human right!
Domestically, one of my dreams is to create an organization that helps mentor underprivileged 1st generation children of immigrants. Although it sounds crazy, I'd love this mentorship program to start from their freshman year of high school and end their senior year of college. I believe that these years are crucial to a person's future success. Many of these students have no guidance once they get to high school and college. These experiences can be overwhelming and students need to learn how to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom in order to make it on to the path to success. I am by no means an expert on these subjects...but if I can share any of my experiences/stories to help someone else, I'm more than happy to do so.
I definitely agree that education needs to be a top priority in any development strategy. I love your idea for a non-profit, I hope you can make it happen one day!
ReplyDeleteI wrote about education as well! I love your idea of the organization, I think it would benefit society a lot. And I definitely agree high school years are the most important years for success.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this! Education is the foundation for everything. I'm glad you brought up this program because I think a lot of people benefit from it not just the children who need help.
ReplyDeleteYou're right when you side education is a privilege, and sometimes we should really be thankful that we have the chance to pursue a college degree, which, unfortunately, is not granted to anybody in the world
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to see if high schools would be open to a program like you describe above. An easy way to gauge may be to reach out and see if a school is interested. That might help get the ball rolling towards making the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteEducation really is key here. Lots of time when people are hurting planet earth it is done unintentionally and it is intertwined with the fact that they do not know they are harming the planet. With proper education, people will be able to achieve more as global citizens and help rebuild our planet!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar goal of creating a mentorship/education program also! Surprised that we weren't grouped together. Education is important to teach students what they do not know about this world. Mentorship will help guide them towards their interests and how they can succeed in what they do. USC currently has a very selective first generation mentorship program. If we can create an organization focused on first generation/immigrant college students where upperclassmen/alumni taught underclassmen, particularly freshman, the ropes of college and create long lasting networks, then these new classes of freshmen will always have a resource to meet their needs of adapting to college life and excelling in their personal and professional lives.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up with a comfortable background, I still needed guidance and scolding to set me on the right path. The children of immigrants, who are not familiar with the workings and language of their new country, need it even more. I learned this fact too: many high schoolers from underprivileged classes who have already gotten into college change their minds over the summer before college begins and don't end up going. It is important to follow up with them even as they prepare and begin college. I don't think it is enough to leave them on the doorstep of college.
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