Hey yall!
This week I got my Gilman Scholarship in on time, so I am SO thankful for that (fingers crossed). I have been looking at everyone else's blogs, and have noticed that while many of us have very different backgrounds, we also have interesting similarities as well. I think this will help us get along over in Ghana, as well as allow us to learn more from each other.
In her blog, Danielle told a story about her mom calling people out in public. She recalled being embarrassed as her mom corrected people's wrong actions in public. I laughed when I read this, because my mom used to do the exact same thing. Whenever we would see people acting disrespectful or reckless in public she would yell at them or talk to them, telling them why they shouldn't treat elders disrespectfully, or why they should pick up the trash they just threw on the ground. I used to be embarassed like crazy when she did this, and I would hide my face from onlookers whenever she would yell. However, looking back, I now understand and even admire what she did. She set an incredible example for me to call out injustice whenever I see it, no matter who else is around or how many people are giving in. Because of her I am not afraid to do what is right, even if I get looked down at for doing so.
Next, I found a similarity with Asha. Referring to her family and their roots, she said in her blog, "I crave that feeling of belonging." I have always felt this way in regard to getting in touch with my family and our history. My mom, one of nine kids, grew up in an intensely Italian family. They always tell stories about when they used to go over to Italy and have giant family reunions, and their stories seem like times of pure happiness and no worries. Since most of our family is in Kansas City, I only see them twice a year and I have always craved this same feeling of belonging and acceptance that they describe to me.
Ciao bellisima!
-Ben
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Education
Hey boys and girls,
This week I am writing about another modernghana article, titled "Youth Encouraged to avoid politicians who perpetuate violence".
This article relates directly to what we will be doing at the HOPE Orphanage because it shows Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu's motivational speech to students in Ghana. In this speech he was "instilling in the students a sense of purpose and direction," and inspiring them to continue with their educations. In this article he discusses the importance of being educated, and he encourages the 600 students present to stay in school and to make a difference.
I think Mr. Sosu's speech relates very much to what we are going to be doing at the HOPE Orphanage. We need to not just be week-long momentary mentors to the boys. We need to make a real difference that is not soon forgotten. Through trying to instill values and lessons into these kids, we can turn just one week into a lifetime of difference.
Thanks,
-Ben
http://www.modernghana.com/news/379123/1/youth-urged-to-avoid-politicians-who-perpetuate-vi.html
This week I am writing about another modernghana article, titled "Youth Encouraged to avoid politicians who perpetuate violence".
This article relates directly to what we will be doing at the HOPE Orphanage because it shows Mr. Francis-Xavier Sosu's motivational speech to students in Ghana. In this speech he was "instilling in the students a sense of purpose and direction," and inspiring them to continue with their educations. In this article he discusses the importance of being educated, and he encourages the 600 students present to stay in school and to make a difference.
I think Mr. Sosu's speech relates very much to what we are going to be doing at the HOPE Orphanage. We need to not just be week-long momentary mentors to the boys. We need to make a real difference that is not soon forgotten. Through trying to instill values and lessons into these kids, we can turn just one week into a lifetime of difference.
Thanks,
-Ben
http://www.modernghana.com/news/379123/1/youth-urged-to-avoid-politicians-who-perpetuate-vi.html
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Hunger Alliance Article
Hey everybody,
A couple weeks ago I read an article for class about Ghana and other West African countries combating hunger. This article discusses the fifteen West African countries forming the Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition program. Having recently met in Accra, these countries intend to halve extreme hunger and poverty in West Africa by 2015.
Honestly I was amazed when I read this article. Growing up in America, we are often bombarded with stories of other Americans helping out the needy, and we often hear accounts of wealthy people going and helping out the less-fortunate. Even on a country-wide scale, we always hear about American and European initiatives to cut down on world hunger and poverty. However, we hardly ever hear stories of the countries in need tackling their own problems that they face.
This article was the first time I had ever heard of African countries uniting to end hunger and poverty on their own soil. I think we often hear about America and well-off European initiatives to help
Africa, but we are never shown Africa's own initiatives to help Africans. This whole new view shows that Africa is not a dependent land, and that its people are strong and able to unite to solve problems.
http://www.modernghana.com/news/375752/1/alliance-against-hunger-launched.html
A couple weeks ago I read an article for class about Ghana and other West African countries combating hunger. This article discusses the fifteen West African countries forming the Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition program. Having recently met in Accra, these countries intend to halve extreme hunger and poverty in West Africa by 2015.
Honestly I was amazed when I read this article. Growing up in America, we are often bombarded with stories of other Americans helping out the needy, and we often hear accounts of wealthy people going and helping out the less-fortunate. Even on a country-wide scale, we always hear about American and European initiatives to cut down on world hunger and poverty. However, we hardly ever hear stories of the countries in need tackling their own problems that they face.
This article was the first time I had ever heard of African countries uniting to end hunger and poverty on their own soil. I think we often hear about America and well-off European initiatives to help
Africa, but we are never shown Africa's own initiatives to help Africans. This whole new view shows that Africa is not a dependent land, and that its people are strong and able to unite to solve problems.
http://www.modernghana.com/news/375752/1/alliance-against-hunger-launched.html
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Brainstorming
Hey everybody!
This week in class we broke into groups and found out who all we're going to be working with in our service projects over in Ghana. I am going ot be at the HOPE orphanage/ home for boys, which is absolutely where I feel I will fit. I am very excited about this, and think we have a great group of three who can really make a difference. We also talked with Ms. Rose, who stayed at the orphanage for a month last summer. Her advice and direction absolutely got us on the right track, and hearing all she had to say about her experiences there got me completely excited for the trip.
One thing we did this week was brainstorm about what exactly we're going to do to impact the community with our service projects. We came up with ideas and a list of immediate needs (books, school supplies, etc) as well as long-term needs, like a system where volunteers can sign up to help out at the school.
If anyone comes up with any ideas you think might help, please don't hesitate to tell us!
God Bless,
-Ben
This week in class we broke into groups and found out who all we're going to be working with in our service projects over in Ghana. I am going ot be at the HOPE orphanage/ home for boys, which is absolutely where I feel I will fit. I am very excited about this, and think we have a great group of three who can really make a difference. We also talked with Ms. Rose, who stayed at the orphanage for a month last summer. Her advice and direction absolutely got us on the right track, and hearing all she had to say about her experiences there got me completely excited for the trip.
One thing we did this week was brainstorm about what exactly we're going to do to impact the community with our service projects. We came up with ideas and a list of immediate needs (books, school supplies, etc) as well as long-term needs, like a system where volunteers can sign up to help out at the school.
If anyone comes up with any ideas you think might help, please don't hesitate to tell us!
God Bless,
-Ben
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Collective Me
Hey everybody!
This week we are choosing five items that represent our social identities (race, ethnicity, class, etc.).
The five items that I feel represent my past and my upbringing would be a rosary, a small house, a hammer, pizza, and a heart.
The rosary represents my faith, and the fact that my family's Catholic beliefs have played an integral role in my life.
The small house represents my humble beginnings in Oak Cliff. Although I did not come from much, my family's house was filled with a strong kind of love that one rarely finds.
The hammer stands for all of the hard work I have done in my life. Growing up with very little finances, I have had to work my whole life. Not only in school, but also in jobs, my work has taught me about people, about life, and about myself as well.
Pizza represents my family's Italian roots and heritage. We have a strong family that extends all across the country. Pizza stands for the food that unites us when we are brought together every Christmas, as way as a way to celebrate our heritage.
Lastly, the heart represents love. This includes both the love that I have been given by others as well as the love that I always try to show others. I feel that loving people is just about the most important thing you can do.
Thanks for reading!
-Ben
This week we are choosing five items that represent our social identities (race, ethnicity, class, etc.).
The five items that I feel represent my past and my upbringing would be a rosary, a small house, a hammer, pizza, and a heart.
The rosary represents my faith, and the fact that my family's Catholic beliefs have played an integral role in my life.
The small house represents my humble beginnings in Oak Cliff. Although I did not come from much, my family's house was filled with a strong kind of love that one rarely finds.
The hammer stands for all of the hard work I have done in my life. Growing up with very little finances, I have had to work my whole life. Not only in school, but also in jobs, my work has taught me about people, about life, and about myself as well.
Pizza represents my family's Italian roots and heritage. We have a strong family that extends all across the country. Pizza stands for the food that unites us when we are brought together every Christmas, as way as a way to celebrate our heritage.
Lastly, the heart represents love. This includes both the love that I have been given by others as well as the love that I always try to show others. I feel that loving people is just about the most important thing you can do.
Thanks for reading!
-Ben
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Bennn
Hey boys and girls.
My name is Ben, and I am going with Ugeo on the Maymester trip to Ghana! We both know I'm excited.
About me:
I am from Dallas, Texas (Oak Cliff, that's my hood!), and I am a very spontaneous person. I am never too busy for the ones I love, and I am entirely thankful that the Lord has privileged me with the ability to go on this trip. I am incredibly excited to be exposed to a new culture and a new way of life, and I think that Ghana and its people will teach me the importance of being open and being grateful for what I have, even if it's not much by American standards. I am absolutely thrilled to see a new life, and yall will be hearing much more from me!
Oh, and I love Beyonce'...
My name is Ben, and I am going with Ugeo on the Maymester trip to Ghana! We both know I'm excited.
About me:
I am from Dallas, Texas (Oak Cliff, that's my hood!), and I am a very spontaneous person. I am never too busy for the ones I love, and I am entirely thankful that the Lord has privileged me with the ability to go on this trip. I am incredibly excited to be exposed to a new culture and a new way of life, and I think that Ghana and its people will teach me the importance of being open and being grateful for what I have, even if it's not much by American standards. I am absolutely thrilled to see a new life, and yall will be hearing much more from me!
Oh, and I love Beyonce'...
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