GlobeMed at the University of Cincinnati

I believe in the value of determination and where it can take you.

As a child growing up, I was always the small one, as I still am today. I was never one of those children that was really tall or had their growth spurt early, so then everyone else caught up to them and eventually become taller than them. I was always one of the shortest, one of the skinniest, and I never had a growth spurt. This was never really a situation for me until I started to play select soccer. When I was in second grade, I started to play select soccer for a club where I live. It was never really serious at that age, since there were no level teams, but once we got into fifth grade, the teams become leveled. There were two possible teams that I could get on, either the “A” or the “B” team. I was set on being on the “A” team, but being so small, the coaches thought that I would not be able to handle the size and toughness of the girls, so I was placed on the “B” team during the fall season of my fifth grade year. I was disappointed, but I still knew that one day I would make the “A” team. So from that moment, I decided that I work as hard as I could to make it. I went to every practice, every game, and every tournament. At every single event, I ran my fastest, practiced precisely, and played my hardest. I improved greatly during that fall season and when time came for spring tryouts in March, I knew it was my time to shine. I showed the coaches that the size of me didn’t matter, it was my heart and dedication that did. I proved myself to my coaches, my teammates, and myself and that spring, I was moved up from the “B” team to the “A” team, which I stayed on until I stopped playing select soccer after spring of my freshman year of high school.

 This was one of the first of many experiences I had growing up that lead me to believe in the value of determination. My father, one of my biggest role models in my life, instilled determination in me from the time I was a young girl. He was my biggest supporter when I played soccer. He always drove me to my practices and games and would always encourage me before every game with the simple phrase, “be tough”. A small girl being tough is not an easy role to fulfill, but through my determination, I did.

Soccer was not the only part of my life that I showed determination in, though.

My family does not have the best finances to afford school, so it was essential for me to get a scholarship to college. Ever since sophomore year, I knew of the program and scholarship I wanted to get in at the University of Cincinnati. Many people told me how difficult it was to get into the program and how I would be extremely lucky if I got into it, but I did not let that slow me down. I was, once again, determined to get into this program for the amazing opportunities and the scholarship. I studied hard, became involved in many organizations, held many leadership positions, and I participated in numerous hours of community service. Finally, senior year came around and I applied for the program. I spent several hours on my application, practiced my interview skills, and went to bed prepared, but nervous. After my interview, I spent a month anxiously awaiting news if I got in or not. On March 15, 2010, I received the magnificent news that I had gotten in!

I could have let people’s negative words get the best of me and not try for the program, but instead, through my determination, I worked hard, got involved, and got into my dream program. Just like in soccer when I was young and my success of getting into my program, I know my belief in the value of determination will help me succeed in college, also.

For the Next coming weeks GlobeMed is diligently putting together “have a heart week.” This will be chalk full of events and ideas to bring expand GHU throughout campus as well as generate some fundraising opportunities in a fun and seasonal way. Including chalking, “before I graduate murals”, candy, smores, and tee shirts…oh the fun we will have! World day of social justice is just around the corner and we are aiming to combine this with our own little record. I believe that have a heart week will be a blast and informational as well.Its awesome to see all the ideas coming together and plans being formulated that can easily tie in to our focus and how we can use these aspects to bring about awareness. This means a busy time for campaigns and communications as well as GHU, to get this event week to go off as a hit. Cannot wait, so much excitement!!

I believe that thinking is a process that is most beneficial to the world. The power of thought, it leads to all ideas and words and actions. When thinking is preceded and developed with education, I think that it becomes more powerful and purposeful. The ability to think for oneself is a tool that can be used by each individual, and can connect most things that surround us.

I believe that emotion is also an aspect that influences us. That you can act on it or feel it and that it can control and assist or even disrupt thinking.

I think that there is an important balance between the two and I think they are two of the most important capabilities that we practice. I believe in family, that they surround and fill our lives with unconditional love and support. That it builds strong connections and a sense of self and contributes to personal development. I believe in laughter, that it can calm oneself and others. Also that it is what keeps people grounded and connected. I believe in the power of a smile, that it transcends all cultures and languages with one exact meaning.

I believe in love, that we as individuals desire it in one form or another and that it motivates individuals and also provides a sense of security and fills the need for others. I believe in friendship and the strength and depth that can result from it. I believe in honesty, that it is important in the form of communication on many different continuums for instance in one’s career, in a relationship, friendship, and family. I believe in all of these things and more.

These values influence how I live my life from day to day.

The only thing distracting me from the bare concrete grinding into my knees was the large bead of sweat slowly working its way down my spine. Although my head was bowed, out of the corner of my eye I studied the Sister to my right: fine facial wrinkles, dark, Asian features, mouth never ceasing its movement or mind losing its focus on the rosary at hand.

At this moment, I finally sensed the ridiculousness of my situation: how did I, a thoroughly Midwestern, white girl, end up here, kneeling and writhing in pain and discomfort? Furthermore, why did I think I could hold my own at midday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the middle of a Tijuana summer?

One by one, my fellow classmates folded. Bowed out of the room, collapsed off their knees, or lost track of the prayers. My incredulity at the circumstance was the only thing that held my attention. I was keenly aware that this was a once in a lifetime experience and I didn’t want to forget for a moment where I was, or why I was there.

This powerful experience was part of my first meaningful international experience. While working with the Missionaries of Charity, I experienced levels of poverty far above and beyond what I had experienced in the United States.

And, for the first time, it sparked a connection in my head: the Catholic Social Teaching themes pounded into my head during my high school religion classes mattered. Themes such as: “Dignity of the Human Person,” “Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable,” “Global Solidarity and Justice,” and “Economic Justice,” were real and vital to the people I was now seeing, who were suffering at the most basic level without significant hope for improvement.

On the plane flying home, I felt my hipocracy in my heart. Howwas it fair that I got to go home to hot showers, comfy pillows, and SUVs for the rest of my life when the people I had just been living with had to continue their struggle, alone, in perpetuity?

At that moment I had another realization, something that I still believe in my heart: those, like me, with the ability to help those less fortunate, have the obligation to do so. I felt like my eyes had been opened to the great need of the world’s poor and I could not, in good conscience, turn away.

Therefore, this is what GlobeMed means to me: fulfilling my obligation as a citizen of the world, not just a one-time gift of time or money, but a commitment to strive for a permanent change the lives of the world’s most vulnerable.

Things are really starting to heat up for the GROW Coordinators! We are in the midst of applications for those interested in journeying to Thailand in December 2012; and I’m telling you, this is TOUGH. All the applications are amazing! I’m so incredibly thankful that there are only 6 applications!

On a side but equally important note, Erin and I are working with our partner in Thailand to get a realistic budget for the trip set. Also, we are going to be meeting with UC International for advice from the pros of sending kids abroad.