Global conscience moves student
Reagan Lynn
Issue date: 5/1/07 Section: Cover stories
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Spring Break in the Bahamas. Sounds like a blissful vacation of drinking rum and wallowing aimlessly down the coastline with Jack Sparrow. Instead, I participated in a mission trip with the Dwelling Place Senior High Ministries, the high school youth group from First Baptist Church of New Smyrna Beach.
Like thousands of other so-called American Echo Boomers - portrayed variously in the media as conspicuous consumers or spoiled brats - I opted to use my precious vacation to try and make a difference. All over the country, students like me are doing the same and our numbers are growing yearly, especially since recent reports on the state of the environment. Some also volunteer as a response to the Iraq War and the many injured returning home, as well as to the recent murders at Virginia Tech, which serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.
One of the most popular volunteer organizations is Cross Cultural Solutions. On the nonprofit organization's Web site, Shaneah says, "Traveling to Salvador, Brazil was a life changing experience. I was consumed by the rich culture, and history that Salvador represents. It was one of the most profound and defining moments in my life. I was able to make a difference in my placement.
"I worked in CAASAH a center/residence for people who have HIV/AIDS. I helped with the babies, adults, and toddlers as well. Traveling to Salvador, Brazil was a life-changing experience. I was consumed by the rich culture, and history. It was one of the most profound and defining moments in my life. I was able to make a difference in my placement."
For students, such as myself, who are enrolled in the DBCC Honors Seminar course, this year's theme is globalization. Each student is required to complete a service requirement, preferably in a local setting. I met my requirement differently, witnessing globalization in action in the Bahamas.
March 18-25, our team cleared a large section of steep, rocky, forested terrain on the island of Eleuthra. Students hacked down small trees with machetes and hauled limbs, branches, and foliage to burn piles while adults brandished chainsaws. Meanwhile, everyone worked cautiously because of the numerous poisonous, rash-inflicting trees.
Like thousands of other so-called American Echo Boomers - portrayed variously in the media as conspicuous consumers or spoiled brats - I opted to use my precious vacation to try and make a difference. All over the country, students like me are doing the same and our numbers are growing yearly, especially since recent reports on the state of the environment. Some also volunteer as a response to the Iraq War and the many injured returning home, as well as to the recent murders at Virginia Tech, which serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.
One of the most popular volunteer organizations is Cross Cultural Solutions. On the nonprofit organization's Web site, Shaneah says, "Traveling to Salvador, Brazil was a life changing experience. I was consumed by the rich culture, and history that Salvador represents. It was one of the most profound and defining moments in my life. I was able to make a difference in my placement.
"I worked in CAASAH a center/residence for people who have HIV/AIDS. I helped with the babies, adults, and toddlers as well. Traveling to Salvador, Brazil was a life-changing experience. I was consumed by the rich culture, and history. It was one of the most profound and defining moments in my life. I was able to make a difference in my placement."
For students, such as myself, who are enrolled in the DBCC Honors Seminar course, this year's theme is globalization. Each student is required to complete a service requirement, preferably in a local setting. I met my requirement differently, witnessing globalization in action in the Bahamas.
March 18-25, our team cleared a large section of steep, rocky, forested terrain on the island of Eleuthra. Students hacked down small trees with machetes and hauled limbs, branches, and foliage to burn piles while adults brandished chainsaws. Meanwhile, everyone worked cautiously because of the numerous poisonous, rash-inflicting trees.
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