2 More Days of College Classes...What? Already?

I cannot even believe I only have 2 days of class left. But, it’s not only 2 more days of class left this semester, but it also 2 more days of class left of my entire college career. That is absolutely CRAZY. And honestly a little scary. Sometimes I just can’t even believe that I’m really almost done. Time sure does fly.

My perception of the world has changed today. In our Social Studies class we did an activity where we were given 50 M&Ms and then asked to proportion them out according to certain questions. First we had to do the population distribution of the world. The biggest shock to me was that Asia takes 30 of the 50 M&Ms. 60%! Africa—7, Europe—6, South America—3.5, North America—3, and Oceania—.5. Then we had to make our guesses about the comparison of water consumption in Africa compared to water consumption in New Zealand. It was another shock: the average African uses 2 M&Ms or 15 litres per day, while the average New Zealander uses 48 M&Ms or 350 litres per day. Such a disparity! Our next task was literate vs. illiterate adults. For some reason our past guess made us think there would be more illiterate adults, but really 14 of 50 adults are illiterate, while 36 of 50 adults are literate. At least that one is a little more promising. We also learned the stats for oil consumption per capita: US = 42 of 50 M&Ms, China = 5 of 50 M&Ms, and India = 3 of 50 M&Ms. It is an interesting activity to make us all more globally aware of the huge disparities we usually do not even think about.

One of the most touching things we talked about today was the story of Iqbal Masih from Pakistan. His story is incredible. He was sold into slavery at the age of four. He was exploited as a child laborer in the carpet making industry until the age of ten when he ran away. He started speaking up for himself, gained international attention, and began giving speeches about child labor and his life experiences all over the world. He came to America, spoke to many children in schools, and was awarded Reebok's 1994 Human Rights Youth Action Award. He could have stayed and lived anywhere he wanted, but he chose to go back to Pakistan “to finish what he started.” Soon after arriving home, he was murdered while biking in front of his house. His life has inspired many children to take social action and do something about the wrong things happening in the world. Some students who heard him speak during his visit to America raised $250,000 to build schools in Pakistan in honor of Iqbal. Twelve 12-year-olds, including Craig Keilburger, started and organization called “Free the Children.” It’s incredible all the things people have done. This kind of stuff makes me want to get out there and be a better member of society, a better human being. It also makes me feel so extremely blessed and grateful for my life and everything I have been given. It makes me want to enjoy every moment, and not take anything for granted. Even on a small scale, like these beautiful plants and flowers I get to see everyday:

I am so blessed.