Lend a Hand, Gain a Passion

The world as we know it is full of problems. Big Problems. Global Problems. Larger than any one person or any one cause. Things right now are pretty dire, and we’re all, at some level or another, well aware of it. But, why should we care? What can we really do to enact change? Issues like human trafficking, global poverty, AIDS and exploitation seem overwhelming and untouchable, but the reality is, each of us does have an opportunity to change the world … even if it’s changing one world with one hand, one at a time.

For the last years I’ve devoted my life to gaining a consciousness, learning about the world and the inequities that abound. I have spent hours with my nose buried in a book, doing what the United States education system failed to do: educate me. Through my efforts to gain a more broad and informed understanding, I’ve stumbled upon some incredible organizations and people that are truly making a difference in the world, and through their support and willingness to engage me in their causes, I’ve had the chance to impact the present.

Hailing from a small town in western North Dakota, my upbringing was pretty sheltered. I grew up believing that racism and sexism were realities of a past life. Being white and middle class no doubt played into these beliefs, but there is still no reason that my education system didn’t inform me about the inequities that face our world today. Progressive and engaged education for young people today is absolutely necessary if we hope to ever make a dent in the important issues in today’s world.

Fast forward to present day: I currently teach a class of undergraduate students at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. We spend an entire semester delving into tough issues that have been avoided for so long: racism, poverty, privilege, sexism, etc. the conversations are hard and the students have to dig deeper than they ever have before, to answer questions about their world, their existence and their place in it all. Coming to terms with privilege isn’t always easy, but as an instructor, I feel it’s necessary that students get a grip on reality — global reality.

The culmination of the class is a 10-day service trip to Antigua, Guatemala. Visiting “the impoverished” to “help” doesn’t do much good for anyone; in fact, it just reinstates power differences and subjugation. Students aren’t lying out in the sun or swimming in the ocean. They are building houses for families, visiting orphanages, serving those at the homeless shelter and holding malnourished children on the brink of death. They are present with the people of Guatemala and through this experience, they are often transformed. The things we do in Guatemala aren’t profound, by any means.

Anyone can blow bubbles or braid hair; anyone can do the things we did, by no means are we something special. But, the presence of the students brings dignity and hope to the children and families being served. The honest and true desire to just be present with people holds incredible possibility and changes the world, even if it’s one world. Students gain perspective and awareness and come away with much more than they’ve given. They’ve experienced humanity and come back to the states with a whole new lens in which to view the world. For these students, the opportunity to challenge themselves and engage with the world around them changes them, and ultimately, the world.

Over 30 students have participated in this class and some have continued on to join the Peace Corps., others have served other parts of the world and still others continue their education in hopes using their profession to serve. I’ve lent a hand and I’ve gained a passion . . .  for bringing others on this journey to change the world, even if it’s one life at a time.