What have you done lately?

By: Titilope Adebambo Adeniyi-Oshin, Global Competency Training Intern

Too often, I hear questions like “What can I do differently?” “How can I help the less privileged?” “How can I make a difference in this world?” “What is there for me to do?” To be honest and without bias, we all feel the same way. We do not know where to start, nor how to begin. How exactly can we make a difference without pushing the envelope? More or less, how do we become the Santa Claus to those who need it? 

What if I said it all begins with you? Yes, you’ve heard this before, but quite truthfully, in order to make a difference in your neighborhood or at home, it all begins with you. Making just one little change in yourself changes everyone’s perspective and reactions around you. Have you tried it? If not, go ahead and give it a go. Life is filled with never ending question marks, but if you examine the questions you, the questions themselves may contain the key to unlock the answers.

We as human beings are inherently proud creatures. However a person’s EQ (emotional quotient) sets one human being apart from the other. Just as no fingers prints are the same, the same goes for us. Recently, I had the privilege of being a roommate to a Korean girl for a year who could not speak English. I noticed she cried herself to sleep, and I felt bad. I understood her predicament, as an international student myself. I believed she missed home, so I took it upon myself throughout the one year we were roommates to suggest activities that would make her feel more in touch with home. I took her to a Korean restaurant every Friday to taste home. Saturdays we watched Korean dramas. Language was a barrier, but I broke that barrier by learning her language. She gave me a great hug, when I said good morning to her in her language. She was moved to tears. I made a lifelong friend.

Are you looking for something to do? Indiana has an influx of Burmese Refugees. They are not here to borrow your country or squat for shelter; they’re here for the same opportunity as you. They simply want a new lease on life. A simple hello would do just fine or there are places you can volunteer.

Thus far, as an intern at the International Center, I have learned the importance of “breaking the ice” and “volunteerism,” but most importantly I have learned the importance of being “open minded” and “receiving.” So my fellow readers, I ask once more what have you done lately?