Cultural Diversity in ASB Atlanta '10

Prior to my first break freshman year I had a fellow education major interview me for the school newspaper about my application to go on an Alternative Service Break trip through the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS). At the time I was only toying with the idea of going on one and haven’t even submitted the application yet, but since I was published in print saying I planned to apply, I went straight to the website and made the deadline by one-hour. After about a week I was told I would be going on the fall break trip to Atlanta. The theme of this trip was homelessness, hunger and civil rights. The members of our team were ten other college students (be being the youngest one at the time) and four freshman from local high schools.

Our first stop (which was the exact opposite direction of Atlanta) was my home town of Greensboro. In Greensboro we went the International Museum of Civil Rights. Being from Greensboro I knew the historic background of the Woolsworth counter sit-in, and knew the museum was under construction, but I had never been there. The museum shed some significant insight on the struggles of the ‘60s civil rights movement. After staying the night in Greensboro we departed for Atlanta at 5:30 a.m.

Upon arriving in Atlanta we went straight into loading up trucks at Hosea Feeds the Hungry and Homeless foundation, and split into two groups.  I and one other college student went with the four high school freshman, to deliver meals within the city. We saw things that you would not believe. While at one of the sites, a homeless man told us, "Homelessness is not a crime, but a bad condition." Then he prayed with all of us. To see these people lose everything, and still have their faith truly touched me. I think of all the little things I question my faith with, and this made it seem dull in comparison. While delivering meals the girls told me I should teach at their school, which is always great to hear. That evening I asked one of the high school students what they thought and she replied, "It makes me appreciate what I have."

I feel with any type of social issue our society faces knowledge is the best way to combat it. The more people who are aware of the problem the more there are to find a solution. Especially with the issue of homelessness, it benefits students (of any age) to witness some less fortunate than they are to appreciate what they have and feel the compelling need to give back. A primary goal of education is to prepare students to be productive members of society. One of these aspects is to demonstrate how a citizen can give back to their community.

The main take-away for this trip was the importance of diversity and appreciation for other cultures. This is vital for our classrooms. On this trip I was one of two Caucasian students, which was very different than what I was used to. I had a small experience of what it was like to be the minority, and while it was intimidating at first cultural and racial bounds were eliminated and we all united under one cause. If we could instill this in every student that comes through our doors, we can help ignite culture change in our society.