Until today, every day had gone by slowly and we were amazed at what a short time we had been together but how much we already felt comfortable with each other. We all know that at the end of the trip we will think that it went by too fast. Unfortunately, today went by too fast. Today was the kick-off to the service component of Global Lead. We went to Athens to hear about an amazing organization called Praksis. Praksis provides medical, psychological, and humanitarian services to disadvantaged people such as asylum seekers and street children. Next week, we will be working with Praksis. I can speak for everyone when I say that after today we are all extremely excited to work with such a great organization.
Today made me re-evaluate and think about a lot of things in my life. I believe that there is a lot more that I can be doing to better the world that I live in. In high school I volunteered with a lot of organizations, and when I got to college I didn’t get very involved on campus until recently. When I return to UGA I plan on being active in helping the world through organizations like UGAmiracle. Even small deeds such as donating medicine can make a world of difference. Donating at least an hour of my time each week can change someone’s life. There are so many little things we can all do to better the world.
Today also really made me think about the way I perceive immigrants. After hearing an asylum seeker named Abdul speak about his escape from Sudan to Greece I was filled with sympathy. It took Abdul 3 months to get from Sudan to Greece and once he arrived, he was not met with open arms. The Greek immigration process is very bureaucratic that causes more problems than it solves. When he arrived he was detained at a place where he had no rights and wasn’t allowed a lawyer. When he got out 15 days later he was homeless and without a job. Abdul is black and black people have a very difficult time finding work in Greece because many Greeks attach a stigma to them. Luckily, he found Praksis who took him in and gave him shelter and classes to learn Greek so that he can one day get a job and be successful in Greece. Hearing Abdul’s story made me reflect on the way I as an American looks at immigrants. Even hearing the word “immigration” has a stigma attached to it. During his speech I realized that I never think about why someone is coming to America for work. Even when people come to America they are faced with prejudice and difficulties with the language. Immigrants to Greece face this too, but as Abdul said, “What else can I do? There is no other place.” People have to escape danger in their countries only to be treated poorly by people in another. Unfortunately, this is the best that they can hope for. I hope for a day where people can see each other as fellow human beings.
Austin Bloom
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