A Calming Feeling
September 12, 2006:
In every trip there comes a time where you have to get your stuff together and become inveloped in the culture of your environment. Although I still feel that I have light years to go in terms of being comfortable with the stares and the heightened fear of having my stuff stolen from me, I really think that I have begun to relax and be myself.
I am sure everyone knows that feeling of being alone, even though you are surrounded by millions (literally) of people. While it has been tough to know that I stick out like a sore thumb I have finally started to learn of ways to cope with my emotions. When people stare, I simply smile and wave. Most times this puts a smile on their face and a sense of relief rushes over me. Yesterday afternoon I made myself sit outside in the university campus and look people in the eye as they passed by. This helped me immensely. In order to over come ones fear, one must face that fear head on and concentrate until the fear disappears. In no way shape or form am I afraid of the people around me. The ones whom I have talked to have always been extremely friendly and helpful in making sure i got off at the right stops, had somehting to eat or needed someting from the store. It is the people I haven't talked to which I am afraid of, its the unknown factor of the millions of people around me that has me nervous. And even as I write these words I am starting to see the folly in my concern. No matter where you go there is danger of the unknown. Sadly I was presented with many stories which influenced my behavior and made me afraid of everyone. With every day that passes where I am safe, every mintue I can walk around and not be robbed or hassled is like a little bit of comfort.
Today I had the opportunity to sit down with a man by the name of Walter. Walter is an AIESEC Alumni of AIESEC in Nairobi and was a part of the executive team during the 1980's. Walter is a political play writer whose wealth of knowledge surrounding Kenyan politics is vast and his ideas surrounding the changes needed to improve society are spectacular. In just hearing him talk about the way he sees Kenya you would know he has had a taste of the world outside of the Kenayn boarders, that he has a wealth of experience influenced by knowledge he has gained through his travels. Walter is a leader. His plays have earned him national and international awards for social justice and socio-politcal commentary. Walter believes that the only way the people of Kenya will ever experience freedom from the corruption and beauracy of the current government is for the leaders of tomorrow to rise up and take power away from those who seek only their own monetary and political gains. Kenya needs people with values and initiative. Kenya needs AIESECers. When asked if he believed that AIESEC has made a difference in the lives of the people of Africa, a change for the better he did not say a word. A simple nod of his head was all the answers I needed to hear. Walter believes in Kenya, believes in youth and most of all believes in AIESEC.
That is what this organization is all about. People like Walter who have been educated and influenced through their experience in AIESEC and have risen up in their community to seek out sustainable development. Change Agents - as some would call them.
In a land where so much is unknown to me I realize one thing now. That being hear has a purpose. My purpose is to create the new age of Walters.
Devan
In every trip there comes a time where you have to get your stuff together and become inveloped in the culture of your environment. Although I still feel that I have light years to go in terms of being comfortable with the stares and the heightened fear of having my stuff stolen from me, I really think that I have begun to relax and be myself.
I am sure everyone knows that feeling of being alone, even though you are surrounded by millions (literally) of people. While it has been tough to know that I stick out like a sore thumb I have finally started to learn of ways to cope with my emotions. When people stare, I simply smile and wave. Most times this puts a smile on their face and a sense of relief rushes over me. Yesterday afternoon I made myself sit outside in the university campus and look people in the eye as they passed by. This helped me immensely. In order to over come ones fear, one must face that fear head on and concentrate until the fear disappears. In no way shape or form am I afraid of the people around me. The ones whom I have talked to have always been extremely friendly and helpful in making sure i got off at the right stops, had somehting to eat or needed someting from the store. It is the people I haven't talked to which I am afraid of, its the unknown factor of the millions of people around me that has me nervous. And even as I write these words I am starting to see the folly in my concern. No matter where you go there is danger of the unknown. Sadly I was presented with many stories which influenced my behavior and made me afraid of everyone. With every day that passes where I am safe, every mintue I can walk around and not be robbed or hassled is like a little bit of comfort.
Today I had the opportunity to sit down with a man by the name of Walter. Walter is an AIESEC Alumni of AIESEC in Nairobi and was a part of the executive team during the 1980's. Walter is a political play writer whose wealth of knowledge surrounding Kenyan politics is vast and his ideas surrounding the changes needed to improve society are spectacular. In just hearing him talk about the way he sees Kenya you would know he has had a taste of the world outside of the Kenayn boarders, that he has a wealth of experience influenced by knowledge he has gained through his travels. Walter is a leader. His plays have earned him national and international awards for social justice and socio-politcal commentary. Walter believes that the only way the people of Kenya will ever experience freedom from the corruption and beauracy of the current government is for the leaders of tomorrow to rise up and take power away from those who seek only their own monetary and political gains. Kenya needs people with values and initiative. Kenya needs AIESECers. When asked if he believed that AIESEC has made a difference in the lives of the people of Africa, a change for the better he did not say a word. A simple nod of his head was all the answers I needed to hear. Walter believes in Kenya, believes in youth and most of all believes in AIESEC.
That is what this organization is all about. People like Walter who have been educated and influenced through their experience in AIESEC and have risen up in their community to seek out sustainable development. Change Agents - as some would call them.
In a land where so much is unknown to me I realize one thing now. That being hear has a purpose. My purpose is to create the new age of Walters.
Devan
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