It's been almost an entire year since I last blogged. WOW. Since it's been forever, I just wanted to let everyone know that I plan on updating this blog semi-regularly within the next two months. I'm dangerously close to finishing my BA in International Relations, so most of my time is devoted to that for the time being. However, this is my last full semester of classes, so I will have considerably more free time beginning mid-May.
The past few months--through both school and my friends--I have learned a lot about the systemic racism toward people of color around the world. So when I come back to blogging, you can expect to see quite a few posts dealing exclusively with race. (Maybe even some guest posts from friends of mine?) It's an important issue, and one that the United States (or any other country in the world, for that matter) can not afford to sweep under the rug any longer. I also plan on tackling other hard issues like human trafficking--specifically how anti-trafficking advocacy can be both positive and damaging to the movement--, as well as pertinent global issues.
Talking about these things are not easy and often give us all a pit in our stomachs, but as I navigate my twenties, I am learning that in order to grow we must allow ourselves to be uncomfortable. We need to learn to face things together: with open minds, hearts, ears, compassion, and love. We must stop being so reactive, and instead listen. When others share their lived experiences with us, rather than becoming angry or defensive, let's try to listen instead.
I want this to be a space of listening and understanding. A place where we can all agree that disagreeing is a good thing, because when we discover the motivations behind the behaviors and thoughts of those around us, our differences seem to matter less. In fact, I think that the ways in which we are so fundamentally different--yet intrinsically the same--are the most beautiful things about the human experience. I'm not going to be perfect, and I'm probably going to put my foot in my mouth more times than I can ever count. But I'm here for the long haul. If I say something offensive, please call me out (from a place of love, and not righteous indignation). I want to hear your opinions, and I want to share mine with you. And hopefully we'll each end up growing.
