Idea Details
When we are inside our comfortable little bubbles surrounded by familiar people and familiar things it is easy to ignore global issues because they often seem too far away to confront. Only when we immerse ourselves in a culture for reasons bigger than ourselves can we truly reach a full understanding and appreciation of that culture. Last year I travelled to Cambodia for a holiday. Not long after my arrival there I realized that I would never again go to Cambodia for a vacation. There was almost a sense of embarrassment that accompanied me as I travelled for pleasure to a country where so many parents are struggling to feed and clothe their children. That's when I knew that the only way I could ever go back to Cambodia and effectively relate to the people would be to volunteer there; to help out in someway. International volunteerism is one of the most meaningful, selfless and proactive ways to promote cultural understanding and effect change in our world.
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Jessica Lyle 31 May 2009 I don't know you like so many of the other commenters do, but I really appreciate the ideas you have gathered here. I find your answer to this question thoughtful. Also, the belief your peers have in you tells us something very important. I hope you get this opportunity. Good luck.
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Laura Palmer 31 May 2009 Thank-you so much (once again) to everyone who voted and to those of you who are still planning to do so! I am touched and honoured that so many of you believe I can make a difference! I may not have the most votes around here, but I do have a lot of passion and it would be such a pleasure to give back - for the right reasons. It's easy to lose faith in the world when you watch the news and hear about all the war and poverty. Then once in awhile you hear about organizations and individuals who are countering the war and poverty. They are making a difference. I want to be part of that. As a teacher, I can offer education. However, I won't limit myself to education. I'll build houses if I'm asked to. Whatever it takes to make a significant difference. That's what I want with every fiber of my being. :)
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Melissa Drake 27 May 2009 Hope you get his Laura!
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Shelley Roberts 26 May 2009 Laura I am praying for you to win!! Best of luck!!!!
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Dave Macdonald 24 May 2009 Laura,
This is a very genuine answer. Best of luck to you - I'm rooting for you! -Dave |
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Julia Kessler 24 May 2009 Good luck to you. This is a great paragraph, I agree with you: we can only relate to the people of places like Thailand when we strip away the fancy "tourist" title and make ourselves productive, useful, and available to others for selfless reasons. That is what volunteering is all about. I have a feeling you would be a wonderful asset to a volunteer team heading overseas. Peace out.
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ji-yoon lee 24 May 2009 Some people see poverty, get sad, but sit by and do nothing. Other people - like you - decide that sitting by is not okay. You have the determination, compassion, authenticity and the big heart required to make a difference in a place like Thailand. I know you will do wonderful things there.
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Erik Blair 24 May 2009 There are many places like Cambodia around the world. But few people share their experiences in those places, and even fewer do anything about it like you are doing. Thank you for taking action where it's needed the most.
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candy hillyard 24 May 2009 Laura I really hope that you win my prayers are with you. Helen Short
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Cheryl Hennessey 23 May 2009 Laura, if anyone deserves this, it's you! I admire your passion for all things travel and volunteer-related. This is so my kind of thing; the only difference is that you have the guts and spirit to actually go and do it! I hope you win :)
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