Well....I still like what I am studying, but in a way, it is nothing like I thought it would be. I like to pride myself on being a little idealistic, but also more on the side of realistic. I do not have any grand dreams of changing the entire world on my own, ending poverty, ending exploitation, ending conflicts...in reality all my goal really is is to make a difference in my own way. Even if that is only a small contribution. To be happy in the job that I end up in and at the least feel that whatever I am doing is worthwhile.
In some of the readings and theory I have had to read for my classes my views have been challenged at a very basic level. Sometimes it is as simple as the author asking "Who do you think you are to assume you know what is best for the "Third World"? When the education you espouse so vehemently causes families to lose income that could feed them because their children are sitting in a classroom that will also fail to provide them with a job, if they are lucky enough to complete their education, rather than helping their families on the farm grow food, or earn money to support themselves? It's a hard question to grapple with. I don't think I ever considered anything more than education is a good thing, in every circumstance. Every child should be given the same opportunities as I was provided. But what if it isn't that simple? As for me is turning out to be the case. I am not at the point where I don't believe there is anything I can do, I have just come to the realization that maybe all of the ideals that I had may not be the same for everyone else. It is interesting to learn about the different theories and I am still hopeful there is something out there I can be proud to do. So for now, I will just keep studying, if nothing else, my classes are making me more aware, and that is definitely a good thing even if it does cause me some discomfort.
In other news, it is officially fall here in Holland. The weather is cooling off and I look outside and if I see sunshine I automatically assume it is going to be warm which is never the case. School is busy as always and I am spending a good part of this weekend preparing for a presentation which will be half my grade for one of my classes and will be the coming Tuesday.
This week I also got to get together with some friends I made when I studied abroad here in 2006. There were 8 people living on my floor and most of them were very good people. What's funny is that half of us are living back in Amsterdam almost 2 years later. Siiri is from Estonia, Jeff is from Canada, Bobby is from Taiwan, and me are all back. All of us are doing different things, some of us studying still and some working but I still think it is impressive that all of us are back here and are from all over the world. It is nice to have some familiar faces around as well.
That is about all that is new here for now. I should put you all on a guilt trip for not writing me more! Love you all.
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing the challenges to your perceptions. Since I am running for school board right now, I'm very focused on the value of education however you raise a good point. Interesting.
my girl has turned into quite the young woman.there is no identity crisis you just have not the time to find your true identity as yet.it will come because you are the right path to find it.you have done much in your short time here and i am not suprised at all you have accomplished.miss you more than you can imagine and think of you always. be good dad
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