Assignment 3- Elena Andrews

My family teases me about being a "world traveler" and connoisseur of culture. I certainly wouldn't go that far, having only left the country once and lived in the same two counties my whole life, but my parents, Model UN, some traveling, and scrutiny of current events have given me a very defined view on culture and diplomacy.

My personal philosophy on social responsibility can be summed up in the phrase "positive nihilism". We're all dust specks on a minuscule ball of dirt sitting in an infinite universe, so why not see this ball of dirt for the awe-inspiring and beautiful ball that it is? Life is short, I'd rather spend it helping and understanding people than hating or disrespecting or discriminating.

It follows, then, that understanding someone is key to helping them. Exposure to different viewpoints is the cornerstone of respect. To illustrate this, I'll give you a list: Jordan and women's rights. A assassinated judge in the Nigerian presidential cabinet. Finland and diversity in the Olympics. Where is the commonality? Me. I've researched, written, debated, and argued as these countries, about these topics, and it's taught me the hidden truth of Atticus Finch's admonition: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Model UN has enhanced my belief in respect and my ability to empathize with the views of others while still standing up for my own.

Nowhere have these views of others been as evident as places I've visited. Within the US, I've visited New York City, Newark, Chicago, Washington D.C., Florida, South Padre Island, Philadelphia, Huntsville, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Columbus. Without: London, Paris, Rome, Sorrento, and Capri. In the course of my somewhat paltry travels, I've seen again and again the beauty of the natural world, along with the difference respect can make and the power that altruism and kindness can have.