By: Thandolwethu Astrid Jele
As a mildly-seasoned adventurer, I can tell you for sure that the World of Coca-Cola is a tricky place – I am pretty sure I forgot what moderation was as I tried to maneuver those sticky floors. The same dilemma of moderation keeps coming up whenever I enter Bolton Dining Commons. There are just too many options to choose from – and please, I am not complaining. I enjoyed everything that had to do with food this past week. Sadly, I cannot say the same about the marine animals I encountered at the Georgia Aquarium. I have always been conflicted about animal enclosures – do I appreciate the learning opportunity given to those that live too far from the ocean or do I cry at the idea of animals being deprived of their beautiful natural habitats? After much thought, almost every time I come to the same conclusion – for as long as I am an omnivore, I have no right to speak for the animals.
Speaking of speaking for others, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights helped me remember why others sacrifice for others – because we believe and when we believe we want to ensure that our beliefs are realized. The museum reminded me of the struggles that were faced by those before me in South Africa on their fight to have others realize the need for a nondiscriminatory world that provides enough opportunities for all to prosper. A world that is just and fair realizes the need to assist those that are less fortunate. The Senior Hunger Coalition & Grocery Bag Packing is a great example of people putting their strengths together to assist those that need help the most. I doubt myself a lot when it comes to assisting others and the sighted guide lecture we had last week helped gain new skills and the confidence to assist visually impaired individuals if a time came.
The time is fast approaching for me to draw up a refined project action plan for what I hope to do for my community. The seminars on strategic planning have been useful in helping me create a mind map of who is impacted by the issues I wish to address and who is interested to help in kind and in cash. To receive help in cash I will be following the tips I received during the grant writing workshop last week. I fear that I know nothing, but I am also appreciating that all wise-humans are wiser because they know that they know nothing. Not knowing gives one so much room to learn. Just like Phiona on Queen of Katwe, when told to plan, I fear that things will never change, but “what matters is when you reset the pieces and play again.”
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