A Magical Moment of Clarity
Becky Marks, 17
Illinois
Seventeen-year-old Becky Marks had no idea what she'd experience when she traveled to her community service project in Ecuador. The eye-opening trip heightened her desire to volunteer her time to help change the world.
Lugging rocks in and out of cattle trucks and hauling wood and cinder blocks through fields, all while covered in dirt and bleeding bug bites was not how I imagined receiving my magical moment of clarity. On my community service program in Ecuador, the work was exhausting, but my metamorphosis occurred as a result of intellectual and emotional growth.
As a National Model United Nations' delegate*, I had read about numerous crises in developing countries. While I felt sympathy for these situations, it was easy to believe them solved when my mock resolution was passed and the committee session ended. I now know that a plan is not a solution. Actually sweating shoulder to shoulder with the people whose house I was building elicited emotions in me like I have never experienced.
Pucara, Yunguilla, and Apuela are villages I lived in while in Ecuador. Their people and culture were as unknown to me as was the country itself. Yet, by the time I returned home, my friendships with Don Marrocho, Margot Isaih, and others and the knowledge that I had helped their lives, changed mine. Arriving in Pucara, I was still mourning my broken iPOD, but this angst quickly turned to embarrassment. I was to build and provide homes for these people, and all the while my mind had been occupied with something as trivial as an iPOD. I was shaken from my sheltered world after being exposed to real problems. I loved when the smiling children would excitedly greet me in the street, but as I spoke to them I would sorrowfully notice their brothers and sisters, behind them, sleeping in their town square's dust. I no longer felt pride in my possessions and my family's financial success. I felt guilty for all that I had after seeing all that they lacked.
In Highland Park, donating to charity is often a result of coercion and public pressure. In Ecuador, people joyously shared their food with me even though they barely had enough for themselves. I now wonder why this large disparity exists. Why are those without so happy to share while those with extravagant amounts hoard?
I had believed a higher standard of living leads to a greater level of happiness. I discovered that I was wrong. Originally, I thought the Ecuadorian lifestyle pitiable. After returning home, I realized that their attitude was one I should aspire to emulate. I had conceitedly expected the Ecuadorians to learn from me. I soon realized all I could learn from them.
I am incredibly excited that my summer's experiences have brought me to a realization about my life. I know that the real work still lies ahead in striving to identify, understand, and achieve my new goals. I cannot wait to translate my wish to help others into action. This year I am mentoring and tutoring local children. Continuing to take steps to accomplish my newfound life goal is incredibly exciting. I do not know what avenues I will follow to help others when I become an adult. I am confident that I will gain direction by staying open to new opportunities.
*National Model United Nations: Each year 3,200 students from around the world attend a gathering at the United Nations in New York and simulate the work of the organization.
Ecuador
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Global Works
Started in 1990, the Global Works initiative is an international community service program for high schoolers that combines
language learning and travel with charitable works. During the summer, students who participate in the program may take part
in service activities in areas of central and South America, as well as Spain, Fiji, New Zealand, Ireland, and France.
Created with the intent of helping high school students to learn about the environment and other cultures while also
expanding their horizons through a broadened sense of sharing resources, Global Works has helped many students to become
more aware of the world around them. To find out more about this program, or to fill out an application,
visit
www.globalworksinc.com
Interesting Facts about the Country of Ecuador:
• Ecuador is located on the northwestern coast of South America, just above Peru, and includes the Galapagos Islands.
• The capital of Ecuador is Quito.
• The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.
• The population of Ecuador is around 10,500,000.
• Ecuador is about 94 percent Roman Catholic.
• Pop singer Christina Aguilera was born in Ecuador.
Are you a teen activist or do you know any teen activists? Contact
Teen Voices and share your story.
Don't Just Imagine
Marina Tharathattel, 16,
New York
Suppose everything
you dreamed of
came true.
Just suppose
for a split second
that you can have
things your way,
The right way.
Just suppose
you had the power
to change
places and
conflicts,
the power to make
a difference.
Now,
don't just suppose
anymore.
Take action!
Past Activists
of the Month
November 2005:
Stephanie Nyombaire
December 2005:
Kaley Rosinski
January 2006:
Kyla Carpenter & Erika Chase
March 2006:
Shelby Knox
April 2006:
Cisnell Baez & Ashley Cotton
May 2006:
Makalay Tarawally
June 2006:
Becky Marks
July 2006:
Geneva Johnson
August 2006:
Rachel Powell
September 2006:
Liz Funk
October 2006:
May Lan Dong
November 2006:
Karoline Evin McMullen
December 2006:
Maggie Astor
January 2007:
E. Jane Handel
February 2007:
Ana Slavin
March 2007:
Shaina Patel
April 2007:
Amity Paye
May 2007:
Evelyn Eng-Nol
June 2007:
Ava Lowery
July 2007:
Chela Élan Counts
August 2007:
Alexandra Pates
September 2007:
Alexandra Abend
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