but…
I am a student of the
College of Education, majoring in Elementary Education with supplements in
Bilingual Studies and TESOL (Teaching Students of Other Languages). I am also
enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences with hopes of acquiring double
majors in both Spanish and Latin American Studies. My personal dream in this
life is simply this: I aspire to help build
bridges between people, cultures, and nations. Some may say that this is naïve
or idealistic. I have chosen to firmly believe that it is a realistic and
necessary goal to consider. The reasons are too many to list; they exist in the
individual faces of each child who will one day stand to face the future that we
create. I aspire that one day those
children ~yours and mine~
will be the leaders of a world defined by knowledge, individual freedom and a
unity that extends beyond the limitations of any borders or boundaries that we
know now.
I believe that the majority
of battles forged in fear and hate are a direct result of the lack of an
objective, clear and accessible knowledge about the many perspectives of
Ì “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” –Confucius
The current political crisis facing our country and the world has created in me a growing urgency to research and explore any alternative strategies for the future of my child; all children. We must make an effort to halt the progress of destruction and to open the doors to possibility. It is a sad, though very realistic truth that our government will probably not be able to disengage itself from the pending crisis and current involvement with the country of Iraq. From the perspectives of many, there exists a definite probability that if the United States were to turn its back and walk peaceably away at this time, the implied invitation would be too strong for our opponents to deny. The invitation, in this case, could be interpreted as one to shoot us in the back as we are departing. This possibility can be seen neither as fair discourse nor due justice for our military or government. At this late hour, an alliance of the people of the United States in support of the many courageous men and women in our nation’s military is essential. We must look ahead for what is to come in the aftermath. When this battle is concluded, the survival of freedom is dependent upon addressing an immediate and realistically attainable solution for the near future. It is never too late…nor too early to plan for this eminent issue. This is a vision which is not only tangible to me, it inspires within me a passion that cannot be expressed with mere words. I ask you to ponder the possibilities. This appeal goes out to educators, aspiring educators, professionals of all careers and any person who has a personal interest in the future lives of the children of the world. This appeal is also to those of you who have any resource of time or knowledge to share that you might share. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope that hearts, if even only a few, can be touched and compelled to consider the concept I want to present to you at this time.
Ì
“Safeguarding the rights of others is the most noble and beautiful end of a
human being.” –Kahlil
Gibran
If individuals in other
countries were given the free opportunity to learn a balanced and unbiased
overview of World histories, societies, economies, technology, theologies, and
marketing/communication strategies, perhaps the negativity that has been
“taught” can be untaught. Fear, hatred, intolerance, and war may be replaced
by the gift of the many existing truths of our World. It is my belief that in
the society that is our World, the significant truth to be seen is that we the people
are fundamentally the same. Diverse, yes. I
argue, however, that within the heart and origin of the spirit of our souls, we
are much the same. How can one person hate another who seeks the same
fulfillments and fears the same failures; individuals who, one like the other,
share the same concerns for the livelihood, and hopes for the future of their
children?
Ì
“…gente que quiere un mundo sincero, la gente corriente de cualquier
ciudad” –Laura
Pausini
The concept that I envision
is one that I have felt and written about extensively during the two years that
I have attended NMSU. I am driven by a love for children.
The body, or process of this
concept, however, is still under construction. The concept requires the input
and knowledge of individuals such you to continue shaping it. I humbly remind
you that mine is the voice of only one student. I believe in the infinitely
grand rippling-effect of positive thoughts and actions when surrounded by an
environment of positive souls. It
is my hope that within the citizens of our university, local schools, and
community, the ambition and faith can be found to possibly expand and lead the
nation forward into a new age of tolerance and prosperity. I have seen that many
grand movements begin with a small core, or forum, of determined individuals. With dedication and optimism, what begins small can soon
becomes a monumental occurrence. In this “small town” of Las Cruces exist
many great and compassionate souls. I believe in the possible outcomes of a
collective effort that can begin, if we chose, here and now. For the youth and future leaders of our world, I hope it can
be considered.
Ì
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the
continent”-John
Donne, Devotions
Individuals comprise
governments. Governments speak for the people. It can be said that there are
governments that teach ignorant or fear-based policies and actions. The United
States has a superior educational system that is sought after by students from
all over the world. We also have many citizens and instructors who, due in part
to this demand, speak a multitude of languages. I have heard the voices of many
educators who are inspired to say that we must embrace and acknowledge the many
diverse cultures that make up the different societies of our World.
Isolation does not breed knowledge. Educational reform is a constant
issue in our Nation because of this.
Ì “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for
the freedom of thought which they seldom use.” –Kierkegaard
Teachers, in my opinion, are
truly the mentors, the heart, and the soul of our nation.
Ì“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by
yourself.” –Chinese Proverb
The Declaration of
Independence states an individual right for "a free and equitable
education for all people.” This is not defined by national borders. The States, not the
Federal Government, are the primary governing force behind education. Perhaps it
can be said that individual states are, in this case, nations unto themselves. What better way than the offer of education
can the people of the United States lead
the World into a new order; one that is abundantly and competitively prosperous.
After the battle in Iraq, unlimited are the possibilities that exist in offering
a free and equitable gift of Global Education to those in countries who need it
most.