Editorial
“What can I do; I’m just a student.”
“I don’t have the power or influence to make a difference in other countries.”
“I’m just one person, I can’t affect the world.”
Everyone has probably felt small and insignificant at least at some point in his or her life. Everyone has probably witnessed something firsthand or in a movie that has tugged at his or her heart, but has simultaneously wondered what he or she, as an individual, could do about it.
Open our eyes. Let us see the world in a new light. Let us notice and understand things happening internationally, nationally, and locally. And once that awareness has been achieved, let us not stop there. Let our actions match our concerns. Open our eyes, then let us make a difference.
There are many different categories that Concordia students can fit into. Musician. Artist. Scholar. Professional. Student. Adult. Male. Female. American citizen. World citizen. Each category potentially dictates how much of an influence we have and how much of a difference we can make. Open our eyes. Give us the means to make a difference.
The Day of Reckoning did exactly that for those in attendance. Jordan Sing said that if the event reached even one person, and made that person re-evaluate their actions and in essence open their eyes, then the event accomplished everything SGA wanted, and more. So although the attendance was less than SGA had hoped, it was still considered a success for the people who were there.
Coinciding with the Day of Reckoning, there were two more events around F-M with similar objectives. WalkSUDAN was a fundraiser to help an organization called PACODES build a library in Sudan. Hunger and Homelessness week was sponsored by area churches to raise awareness and money for the homeless population in the F-M area.
So what does this mean? This means that F-M residents should all be good and aware about homelessness and poverty within our country and outside of it. We should be all riled up to take action… for about a day or two. But the hustle and bustle of everyday life will inevitably begin to pile back on our shoulders.
We forget about child soldiers in Uganda or the ~1,000 homeless people in the F-M metro area every night, and we start to worry about a paper due next week or an argument with a friend. Pretty soon, large-scale issues become our second priority.
The Day of Reckoning happened a week ago. In these seven days, have we forgotten the emotions that were felt so strongly? Have we forgotten that we all can make a difference in a unique way? Have we forgotten that people without much spare money—i.e. most college students—can still donate their time or talent?
Soulfege is the band that performed during the Day of Reckoning. During a discussion they mediated, one member drilled the point home that we can all make a difference.
“I’m not here to tell you who to vote for,” he said. “But I’m here to tell you to vote. Research who you are voting for and see how they plan to help struggling countries. That is how you can make a difference.”
Don’t let the Day of Reckoning be just another thing you did on a Saturday during college. Let it motivate you to make a difference. Let it impact your life. Let it open your eyes.
Published: October 8, 2008 Updated: 10/08/08 12:10 PM
Source: http://www.livewiredj.net/concordian/pacercms/article.php?id=489
1 comments:
Many place their emotions of hunger, disease, cancer into a place of isolation that is only allowed to come out when in a certain emotional state, like a college rally or watching a documentary. I work with www.survivorcorps.org and have seen first hand of individuals embracing the hardships of others to know how survivors dealing with their angst and peace. Whether it is blogging, speaking on the radio, or running for a cause, individuals do the best they can to accept that everyone is not dealt an equal hand in the game of life but moments of happiness given to those in hardship will be remembered for a lifetime.
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