Building a Better World

04/05/2012 · 7:39 pm

Sara Stewart – 2007 Global Awareness Award Recipient

from Sara Stewart’s winning essay…

“Knowing how much it means to be given another chance, I make it my goal to help others. It is important that I help everyone become aware of varying cultures and the diversity that makes the world great. Diversity brings about the new ideas and opportunities to be found within the world and the minds of each unique person. I know that many people in the world are seeking the help that I long ago had needed when I was in Korea. So many parents struggle with shame and the need for medical attention for their children. When I look around the world, I see warfare, starvation, widespread disease, urgent medical emergencies, daily man-made and natural disasters, and long term needs for assistance…

I have a hunger to learn as much as I can while also helping the world find the crucial needed peace that so many desire. I have always wanted to become a doctor so that I would be able to help others. My ultimate goal is to save lives and to help the world become a better place. Through my aspirations and much thorough research I have come to find that the career I most long to hold is that of a plastic surgeon so that I may one day join “Doctors Without Borders.”

Comments Off on Sara Stewart – 2007 Global Awareness Award Recipient

Filed under Building A Better World Scholarship

· 7:13 pm

Jordan Holter – 2007 Global Awareness Award Recipient

from Jordan Holter’s winning essay…

“If everyone could understand that people have different cultures or situations, there would be noticeably less judging, hate, wars, and negativity around the world. It would be a better place for children to grow up. If they grew up to be understanding of all people, think of the things that could be accomplished world-wide…

I want to be able to leave the world a better place than I found it. I want to help people and help make their lives better. I believe that by going into the medical field and joining Doctors Without Borders I can make a difference in someone’s life. I want to be able to look back at my life when I am old and know that I helped to make a difference in someone’s life. If I am able to do this, I know that I will have lived a truly fulfilled life.”

Jordan donates to and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Building A Better World Scholarship. She evaluates essays and helps to select winning recipients. In 2010 she along with Amber Hoagland announced the winners at the Oakridge High School Awards assembly.

Comments Off on Jordan Holter – 2007 Global Awareness Award Recipient

Filed under Building A Better World Scholarship

· 2:42 pm

Margarita Contreras – 2008 Independent Travel Award Recipient

From Margarita’s winning essay…

“As a young adult, I believe that younger people should get out of their communities, hometowns and experience new things. Traveling opens your mind and the way you think about and view the world. Traveling is an experience of a lifetime that give people an opportunity to experience the way different cultures and ethnic groups live around the world. I have traveled to Mexico and California by car. It’s a fun experience going to other states. On the other hand going to another country is better. Mexico is very different than the United States. People are different and the way of living there is unique from ours.”

In the summer of 2008 Margarita spent a week with Rebecca Houseman in Portland, Oregon.

Comments Off on Margarita Contreras – 2008 Independent Travel Award Recipient

Filed under Building A Better World Scholarship, Uncategorized

· 1:59 pm

Dani Patton – 2008 Global Awareness / Travel Award Recipient

From Dani Patton’s winning essay…

“I’ve always believed in the idea that traveling opens your eyes to the world. Ever since my first traveling experience at the age of five, the need to travel has been in my blood. I’ve traveled all across this country for years and I have seen first hand this is the best way to learn about other cultures. Travel’s imperative if you want to better understand about other people and their cultures because only so much insight can be gained by learning about cultures in school.”

Special note: Dani originally wrote her essay, planning a study abroad trip to Finland. Her plans have changed some – she will be studying Art for one month in Austria in May 2012 with Northern Michigan University. We held her scholarship for her and the money covered her flight. Have fun Dani!

Comments Off on Dani Patton – 2008 Global Awareness / Travel Award Recipient

Filed under Building A Better World Scholarship, Uncategorized

· 1:44 pm

Rebecca Houseman – 2008 Global Awareness Scholarship Recipient

From Rebecca’s winning essay…

“I believe whole heartedly in what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has said about becoming globally aware, because how else can we expect to live peacefully among our brothers and sisters. In order to get along and become one with each other we have to learn about each other and accept each others differences. If you can’t do this, you won’t be very successful when it comes to unification. You won’t completely know the joys of living until you can actually get out and experience these things for yourself and learn about the way others live around you.”