MISSION THREE: LEARN

In light of recent events here in the Philippines, I chose to follow Red Cross Philippines. The recent typhoons that hit our country has caused yet again a horrendous devastation to those less fortunate. I have always believed in simple acts that imminently lead to great help to those in need and Red Cross allows for me to do such. As a student with no means of income, I am able to help in my own way to somehow alleviate these people who were affected by the typhoons. Through my simple donations of old clothes, materials, canned goods and the like that my allowance will let me, I am able to give light to a rather dark situation. My donations may not be much, but I truly believe that a little goes a long way. One must start from something small in order to attain something much bigger. A small step can go a long way and in some situations earn you a smile from a stranger.

Red Cross had been a tremendous help throughout the years and has remained a great source of shelter for those in need. Red Cross is an international organization and this is because its causes are internationally recognized, this is also a reason why I chose this organization.

For more information on how YOU can help and bring a smile to someone in need, visit Red Cross Philippines here: http://www.redcross.org.ph/

Remember: A little goes a long way.

MISSION TWO: IMAGINE

Explore alternative ways to manage international relations.

Who says that managing international relations cannot be fun? This proposal is far fetched, but I wonder why countries or their representatives rather do not come together for a sort of retreat, a bonding experience. Yes, this may or actually will cause controversy in terms of budget and all that, but it has not been tried. Just like us students are for lack of a better term, forced to go on retreats, why not do so in the international arena? Representatives of countries may or may not grow ties, but at least it was given a shot.

JUST A THOUGHT.

MISSION TWO: ACT

http://www.facebook.com/HikeForHeroes.org?sk=app_11007063052

Here is a link to the Facebook page of Hike for our Heroes. Kindly like the page and support:)

Thank you. By simply liking the page, they earn $1. A little goes a long way!

The age belongs to an Iraq-war veteran who hiked 7000miles across america to raise money for struggling veterans and their families through wish upon a hero foundation.

I chose to like this page and show my support for the cause because i found it heart-warming how close these veterans are to each other even though it is possible that they may have never met. They see themselves as all belonging to one family and that is something to be admired apart from the fact that they have once, twice or countless times risked their lives for the sake of their country.

http://www.facebook.com/HikeForHeroes.org?sk=videos

---This is the link to his videos. You guys have to watch them even just a few to see how dedicated this man is to his cause.

Finally, I intended to try and contact him because all I know is that his name is Troy from hike for heroes, but it seems that he is adamant about keeping anonymous (only my observation so far).

THANK YOU AND PLEASE PLEASE LIKE THE PAGE!!

MISSION TWO: LEARN

What are the similarities and/or differences between the wars of the past and the wars that are being waged today?

One cannot deny that wars of the present differ in a number of ways than that of the past. Past wars were epitomized by great wars much like World War I and World War II. These wars were wars fought among numerous countries and were volatile ones; however, wars of today are more organized in the sense that it is usually between two countries and the amount of armed aggression is definitely lesser than that of before. This is so because it has become a trend in the international society that war not be an option until necessary. Wars of today are as I see it, are more waged against states that are believed to go against international law and are disturbing the peace that is aimed to be attained. On the other hand, in the past it was more for gain of power and one state usually aims to rise as the best of the best; not that that is not the case of today. Today, the states are more cautious in the way that they try to attain power. There is greater focus on economic means of gaining international power. For their similarities, I believe it all boils down to the basics such as: wars are fought with weapons still(bigger better and more destructive ones for the present), it is of course between states and finally, one state always comes out the winner even in a situation where a truce has been made(this all boils down to good negotiating skills).

OBJECTIVE:IMAGINE- 2021

I decided to illustrate how the world would be if we do not become more environmentally conscious. The blazing sun represents global warming at its peak. All trees will be dead and have no more leaves because of the misuse of paper products. There is garbage present all around and other planets are much closer.

***The photo was initially a drawing that I scanned and enhanced using photoshop

OBJECTIVE: LEARN

What is the Global North and the Global South?

Basically, the Global North consists of the developed countries of the world and the Global South are the lesser developed ones. It is not a surprise that a greater majority of the world is under the Global South Bracket. One must take into account however, that the divide of north and south is not geographically based. Development is always associated with being part of the north and lack thereof means part of the south. It all boils down to having and not having.

Personally, I find it a shame that we must provide these labels; however, at the same time it is what is reality. The world is divided and steps must be taken in order to bridge the so called division. There are numerous countless programs out there that allow for aid to those in need. A number of these programs are quite successful, but reality is that it will take time and I believe that it is even possible that equality will never be attained. With that said however, there is no harm in trying to bring the gap closer. I believe that the best solution to this divide is education. Education has always been and will always be the key. People must grow to be aware of the world and the environment they live in. It is essential that we all work together in order to bring betterment to the whole world. There definitely is strength in numbers and when more heads join in to brainstorm ideas to help out those in need, there is a better chance of coming up with an ideal solution. The world excites me. It may be a frenzied one today, but it is the only world I will be living in, why not make the most out of it and sustain it by working together with others?

OBJECTIVE: ACT

In order to act and bridge the gap, I decided to finally get a move on with my old clothes that have been pilling up into these three bins for the past year or so.

First, i segregated them into categories such as bottoms, tops and accessories e.g. bags, scarves and belts.

Next, I had my helpers go through them and see if there were anything they were interested in and that they could give to their children.

When all that was done, the remaining clothes I gave to my mum to give to the guards and janitors in her office who all have children of their own.

The experience was not entirely new to me, but it has been a while since i have found the time to do such because of my busy school and football schedule. It feels amazing to have gotten rid of all of that and now I have more space to fill up again with new things that are my old treasures, but are potential new ones for others :)

---I know this was an example given, but it is something that I am fond of doing and I found that it best suit the mission.