Learning Letter

Dear Sean,

This course is so unique and so beautiful.  When I was looking up what textbook I'd need for this class and saw that it was just 5 young adult books I was very curious as to what I'd be doing in the class and what we'd be learning.  All I can say is that this class opened my eyes.  The museum display made me think about who I am and what makes me, me.  The border issue project was unbelievable for me because I'm not a huge political fan and so I tend to avoid the news because frankly I get confused and don't feel like any of it is important, but doing this project and hearing everyone else's projects made me realize that there is a lot going on around the world and it does effect me and it is something that I need to be aware of.  It was really interesting for me to do research on random countries and really get myself involved in what was going on in a country and what makes a country so unique.  It was all very eye-opening.

The graffiti wall was I think my second favorite assignment in the class because it made me realize the big themes around the world affect children and it's not just politicians who have to manage worldly issues.  Thinking about each book and then remembering the main character and what they went through and comparing it to myself was really hard for me.  Here I am in America, enjoying playing in my fenced backyard playing tag or whatever with my siblings with no cares in the world at age 10 when kids around the world are either leaving their family in order to leave and become something to benefit their family, or running for their lives from people trying to take advantage of them or kill them at the same age as me.  These hardships aren't just from history books, they are happening here and now all around the world.  It's really sad that what we complain about is something extraordinary to people in other countries.  The discussions we had in class were hard, but really good for me.  I finally feel the need to look up what's going on and try to get involved as much as I can.

Participating in the discussions and the projects made me realize how in order for me truly help the world, I have to be involved and really stay educated on the issues and actively participate in order to leave my mark.  I have a hard time thinking deeper and asking questions to extend discussions or conversations just because I'm typically trying to just wrap my brain around what's on the surface of the discussion, but I found myself more and more thinking deeper and deeper throughout the course.  I feel like this course really opened up my eyes and made me realize that it's not just me and my bubble, it's me and a magnificently huge world, and it's my job to explore it and stay familiar with it.

My plan of action...I have quite a few ideas, but I think what my heart keeps settling on is being active and going on as many mission trips as I can.  My goal is get my BA in fall 2015, get my Master degree by spring of 2016 and then going on either 3-4 month long missions trips, or one 3 month mission trip to a country/place that needs help.  Needs builders, educators, friends, financial help, etc.  I want to be there for someone else and help someone get through a struggle. I need to look into it more, but I've contacted a few missionaries and they have sent me information and I've started looking into it.  I want to travel, experience as many cultures as I can, and bring hope to people of all ages as much as I can.

Thank you so much for teaching this course and allowing us the opportunity to experience the world in such a unique way.  There's a huge road ahead of all of us, but one by one, we will get involved and lend a helping hand and it all starts by opening up eyes, which is something you have truly accomplished.
Thanks :)