Karsten Snitker
Iowa, USA
Let me begin by stating, it is very inspiring to participate in a group of young adults who are actively working to make our world a better place. Even after the first two weeks of staging, words like non-profit and volunteering have become common place. I have met a scientist from the Netherlands who has completed a masters degree in researching cures for breast cancer, a young Belgian women who, before coming to UWP, flew to Senegal on a whim to help educate local youth, an Iraqi refugee who wants dearly to represent his country in positive light and two students from the USA who were discussing how to best make lasting positive change. And these are only a few of the stories that make up Cast A 2012. (This semester there are over 100 of us!) Whatever the reason for participating in UWP, cast members have decided to dedicate their next six months (or a year in some cases) to a multi-cultural, service program. I’d like to let this idea soak in a bit…these men and women did not decide to go vacationing in Europe, or hang out on the beach with their friends. Instead they decided to use their energy in serving communities and inspiring others to do so as well.
As a fellow young adult I believe I can attest to the fact that today we are bombarded by many negative messages about what mainstream culture says will make us happy. Just turn on your radio or television, and it will not take long hear what wealth or status “can do for you”. As a participant in UWP, I get the privilege of spending my next few months with a group of young adults who are daring to stand up and say they want more than what this mainstream culture is deeming important. This group wants to make a difference, a lasting and positive impact on the world in which they live.
HOW SWEET IS THAT!?!
The voice of youth has not fizzled away into complacency. It is very much alive, and we are excited! “Up with People” is serving as a powerful medium for meaningful conversations that will literally help shape our world in the coming generations. It is producing globally conscious, respectful and passionate citizens, and in the process, will help forge relationships that will tie together all corners of the world. Already I have learned so much, and met many people who I probably would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. And did I mention, our world tour has only just begun!?
In one of our early sessions, UWP was described to us as an accelerated experiential learning program. It is definitely accelerated! I am currently trying to learn French, Dutch, Japanese and Swedish all at the same time, and on more than one occasion, have found my head simply swimming with all of this new information. As intense as it is, though, I leave every day wanting the next morning arrive so that I can continue my conversations and greet my new found friends. I know that the upcoming months are going to be a very forming experience because the first few days have already accomplished this. There are going to be many more stories to share, and I look forward to them. I hope this message finds you in good health and heart. Maybe we will see you on the road, but if not, know that we are working very hard to lend our voices to this important endeavor.
Follow the day to day adventures of Cast A at facebook.com/upwithpeople!
