aninvolvedcitizen

[aninvolvedcitizen]

What has the AGBL experience meant to your understanding of being the difference?

My definition of being the difference is much more about what you are doing, and not just what you are saying you should do. We could have learned about Colombia and tried to help Kilo Alimentos from afar, but the perspective we gained from travelling and meeting Sergio and Catalina in person is what made the difference. 

We were able to establish a real connection with the company and fully understand their needs and goals. This was essential in developing our proposals. 

I think this is a great example of going the extra mile (or hundred miles) to fully understand the problem, invest yourself, and make the most educated response on how to fix it. 

Being the difference means you are ready to make the change that others are not willing to work for. I am incredibly grateful to work with a group of change makers. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Monserrate.

We took the funicular up the mountain to Monserrate. It is a famous religious site that includes statues of the stations of the cross, and a Catholic Church. We ate at a french restaurant for dinner and the rode the funicular back down. The views of the city were unreal. At the peak we were 10,500 ft. in the air, and my lungs were aware of it. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Our final presentation to Kilo Alimentos.

Sergio and Catalina traveled to CESA on Thursday morning to hear our proposals on how to help their business. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

How have your experiences of being an involved citizen during your service learning impacted you and who you hope to be someday?

Being an involved citizen in the Colombian community reveals what it is like to do purposeful work. For the first time, on a big scale, I felt pride in myself about working hard to understand a community and draft a plan. In turn, I hope to alter some of my life goals to more directly help communities.

Originally, I hoped to work in the audit profession and then transition into government work to help fight white collar crime. I do think a career in government would require me to be an involved citizen, but after my experience in Colombia I hope for it to be on an international scale. 

My favorite part of becoming and involved citizen in Colombia was learning a new culture. I have been thinking more about transitioning into economic development and working for nonprofits. This way I can provide a more direct relief for humanity. 

Additionally, I will continue and hopefully improve my involvement in the Milwaukee community. My first two years at Marquette, I was directly involved in meal serving programs, but now I spend most of my time working with Marquette Dance Marathon. I enjoy this service and group of people, but after graduation I will transition into more community related service. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

On Monday morning we toured a rose farm. We saw the entire production process and learned how the different varieties are made. There was lots of experimenting with colors and patterns for different markets around the world!

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Marquette students at CESA. 

The CESA Entrepreneurship class pitched us their ideas and we gave them feedback. It was a fast and fun process. It always amazes me how open conversation and new perspectives can be so beneficial!

[aninvolvedcitizen]

What feelings come up when asked ‘How can you change the world’?

Determination coupled with an overwhelming sense of ‘I don’t know’. I think many people want to know that their life work has created positive change, but I think it is difficult to know the best way to do that. It starts with knowing what you are good at, what your best skills are that you can offer. I do not know what I want to do with my life. I tell myself that my current purpose is to work on the skills I currently have and make them better. 

Additionally, I cannot predict the problems that will happen in the future, but once I feel ready and confident in my abilities, I will work to couple my skills with my passions. 

If I felt ready for this step now, I would pursue working with the FBI in their white-collar crime division and specifically focus on human trafficking. This has been a passion of mine throughout college, and maybe it will be after I work for a few years.

Overall, whether someone has big goals to make direct change to society or not, I think it is still important to live your everyday life like you are changing the world. Be a kind person. Help people you know and people you don’t. Listen to people. These little things are just as important as a career dedicated to serving the world. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Here is another picture from our visit to Kilo Alimentos. The picture displays the part of the process when the cheese is pressed to remove all the excess whey. This technique is a tradition for women in the region. It is a very intense process!

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Our visit to Kilo Alimentos in Sotaquira was on Sunday. We arrived and got an in-depth tour of the facility and cheese-making process. Here is a picture of their finished product. The cheese must age 21 days before they sell it. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Plaza Bolivar, Bogota

During our second day in Colombia, went went on a walking tour of the city. This is the main square of the city and it is surrounded by the Palace of Justice, the National Capital Building, the Primary Cathedral of Bogota, and Lievano Palace. There were many people selling things and taking pictures in this very populated heart of the city. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Who changes the world? Do you have to have money, power, or a position in government in order to change the world?

There are many examples of individuals changing the world that do not have money, power, or a government position. Some of these examples include Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, Bill Gates, or Mark Zuckerberg. All of these individuals saw a problem, a way to fix the problem, and then they made it their life’s mission to change peoples lives that were affected by that problem. 

It is easier and less risky to try and change the world if you already have money or power. Many government officials have the opportunity to positively change the world, but not all opportunities are through government power. I believe that if someone is passionate enough about fixing a problem, then they will find a way regardless of money or power. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

Botero Museum in Bogota. Fernando Botero created his own style of rounded figures in his paintings. He often redid very famous works like the Mona Lisa in his own signature style. Botero then donated all of his work to be put in this museum and be free to access by the public. 

[aninvolvedcitizen]

How does involved citizenship change the world?

Being an involved citizen means that you are conscious and aware of how your daily decisions affect your everyday life. The more well informed citizens we are, the better choices we can make for ourselves and society as a whole. Being an involved citizen shows that you care for others in your immediate community as well as other communities surrounding you. If you make decisions keeping others in mind, then you can make a positive impact on the world. Knowing and being aware of the results of your decisions is crucial when choosing between alternatives.

[aninvolvedcitizen]

The Colombian National Museum - first day in Bogota. Our tour guide shared information that with each new president, the information showcased by the museum is altered based on politics. An overall beautiful museum filled with art and historical artifacts.