Being introduced to a new culture brings about endless possibilities. After being a delegate at the ADL National Mission Trip to Washington D.C., I was exposed to a whole new world. Before that trip, I was a bystander and never realized how much power I possessed to make change happen. Thanks to that trip, I coordinated a stronger and more productive Peace Week at my high school. No Place For Hate became a constant phrase around campus and the idea of students thinking before they said something that was rude, or hateful, is a sign that we are moving forward in a positive direction.
To be honest, I do not believe my involvement with the ADL has come to an end. I know from that experience that I will gain not only a new perspective on the world, but a better acceptance of other cultures, religions, and lifestyles. An opportunity such as this will alter my views on international relations, economic aspects, and legislative advocacy. I hope to learn more about my own life, the work I want to do one day, and the impact that I can make as a leader.
Before embarking on the trip, I have set up a specific plan to examine my thoughts before, during, and after my time in Israel. This will assist me in see how much I have grown as a journalist, a leader, and a citizen of the world. Ten days before, I would write each day on my blog about my thoughts, goals, and first impressions based on the material we would be given. While there, I would video, photograph, and journal in regards to three main topics: religion, people, and the political aspect.
After my return, numerous opportunities await for me to write and produce media. On campus, I plan to submit articles to our campus paper the Oregon Daily Emerald, our women’s paper The Siren, a moderate paper called Yalla, and our journalism school’s magazine Ethos. The photos and videos I will take will be turned into audio slideshows and profile pieces. Thanks to my affiliation with the university’s student government, I would contact the Women’s Center, The Mills International Center, and the Multicultural Center to show my work at a meeting or event held by different international and multicultural groups. In cooperation with the International Students Association, I would discuss plans for including a portion of their International Week with a peace related seminar or activity. This event would bring in speakers and give all international groups an opportunity to contribute.
Life is a learning experience and I know that if chosen for this opportunity, that I would prosper and absorb all that I encounter. I firmly believe that each of us have a story to tell and all I need is an experience like this to jumpstart that tale. It is a growing world, and I want to learn from the past, apply it to the present, and plan for the future.
