Appreciation All Around

This past week the St. Mary's community was able to learn about the poverty that so much of the world suffers from and trying to make a change, while celebrating the blessings we have over Easter weekend. Last wednesday was Poverty Awareness day, a yearly event where approximately 200 dedicated and bright students host a day to promote awareness and solutions for global social and political problems. The theme this year was healthcare, and the many branches of issues that fall within that category. Students attended two sessions to learn about certain difficulties faced or programs of aid worldwide. I learned about the Atma Foundation where I was inspired by the influence of a single woman and her family. I was educated more about the Philippines relief, discussing natural disasters that have devastated several countries just in the past few years. As a school we then watched a documentary about the problem of fistulas for women in Ethiopia who cannot afford proper medical care, and a hospital facility that specializes in fistula repair without any financial charges. Additionally we heard a talk from a female medical care provider who traveled to countries like Tanzania for the sake of trying to improve their present healthcare status. By the end of the day money is raised for several foundations, and the whole school is educated on issues that some of us may not have even known existed. The emphasis on social justice at St. Mary's remains present especially for events like this one. 


Additionally this past week I celebrated Passover with my mother and father for the first time without my siblings or friends. I realized that no matter how many people are at the table I still enjoy the meaningful traditions. I ate matza several times a day for days, coming up with creative ways to incorporate it into my meals. While some friends hunted for Easter eggs, others looked for the afikomen. And overall, this festive week was one to remember.