2013 has been a fantastic year
for me. It was filled with amazing
moments, great trips, and wonderful accomplishments. When I look back I feel
extremely lucky to live the life that I do. But the last few months of the year have had a
big impact on me. I hope I remember these moments forever because they have awakened
something inside of me.
This time last year, I was asked
to be executive producer of TEDxJacksonville and I apprehensively accepted. I
was so nervous about taking on the event but am so glad that I did. The event
allowed me to see Jacksonville in a new light. It made me fall in love with the
city for its flaws and its potential. I also met some amazing people and am so
honored to now call them my friends. You all know the quote, “surround yourself
with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all,
surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you
don’t see it yourself.” All my
TEDxJacksonville team members are a source of inspiration for me because the status
quo is never good enough for them. They constantly push me and make me want to
do more.
This doesn’t just apply to friends
and family. I believe this is also true about people you encounter in passing.
I witnessed two demonstrations this week. Garment factory workers were
protesting their wages and demanding change. This would have never happened in
Cambodia before the age of social media and its power to amplify stories. The
poor finally feel they have a voice and that the world is listening. Seeing
them fight for what is fair and just was an amazing moment.
Over the past few weeks, I have
developed a friendship with a Cambodian colleague. Ra is a recent college graduate and is transitioning
from a volunteer role to a fulltime position at Aide et Action. He is so
excited about the opportunity and the fact that he can help change the status
of education in Cambodia. He asked me to
help him with some of his projects because he wants to make them more
effective. He doesn’t want to settle for mediocrity and is genuinely passionate
about his work. When I get back home, I hope I am as
passionate as him about my job.
On the way back from a field trip
this week, I made eye contact with a teenage boy while getting off of a ferry. He
had severe scarring on his face and was in old unwashed clothes and torn
slippers. His eyes had a look of uncertainty. I kept thinking about him. I felt guilty
because I have everything and he had nothing. I see this every day and am still
not sure how to process it. I moved out
to Cambodia to see the challenges of development first hand and it has been
a struggle. Today, news spreads like wildfire but sometimes it feels like the
wrong news is getting all the attention. How do we keep the plight of others
relevant when mainstream news channels choose to focus on reality tv stars and
celebrities?
I want to take these moments with
me in 2014 because I want them to continue to push me. Fear is a waste of time
and during moments of weakness we allow it to conquer us. The unknown is only the unknown until you try it. I hope each of you
tackles something you have always wanted to in this New Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment