2008 Woodie Awards
To Those who Choose to Stay Behind
Sarah Rinko
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Opinion
As friends chatter about their plans to study abroad, those who choose to stay behind wonder if anyone else will be left. While friends swoon over the vibrant colors of faraway lands, the mysterious music in foreign voices, the thick texture of new traditions and the rich fabric of other cultures, those who choose to stay behind find their lives lackluster. Those who choose to stay behind wonder why the dazzle of traveling, which captivates their friends, fails to attract them in the same way. They ask: what's wrong with where we are?
Our location, circumstances, and culture connect us to our country, but our humanity binds us to the entire earth. As globalization shrinks our world, the definition of "neighbor" broadens. Whether we wish it or not, we are caught up in the affairs of the earth. Our actions carry worldwide consequences. Cries from across all continents challenge us to live as global Christians, not just American Christians. If we ignore the contributions of our international neighbors or neglect the needs of the nations, we unnecessarily blind ourselves. It would be arrogant to assume that only our lives or our national agenda matter. It is not only arrogant, but also ignorant, irresponsible, and dangerous. Responsible living on such a connected globe requires cultural sensitivity and a widened worldview. It is no longer enough to consider relevant only the United States or our own state or hometown.
To Messiah students, this message should not sound new. The college encourages students, all students, to experience the world, whether through a semester abroad, a cross-cultural term, or a summer missions trip. Opportunities abound. According to the EpiCenter's website, a survey conducted in 2007 ranks "Messiah College 11th in the nation" as "one of the top bachelor's institutions sending students abroad." No surprise there; the EpiCenter boasts a wealth of programs and connections. If you've got a country in mind, they've most likely got a program for you. The promise is this: the experience abroad enriches your life. But whether or not it's the intent, a second message also comes across: a person who studies abroad becomes a better person. People who don't, don't.
Our location, circumstances, and culture connect us to our country, but our humanity binds us to the entire earth. As globalization shrinks our world, the definition of "neighbor" broadens. Whether we wish it or not, we are caught up in the affairs of the earth. Our actions carry worldwide consequences. Cries from across all continents challenge us to live as global Christians, not just American Christians. If we ignore the contributions of our international neighbors or neglect the needs of the nations, we unnecessarily blind ourselves. It would be arrogant to assume that only our lives or our national agenda matter. It is not only arrogant, but also ignorant, irresponsible, and dangerous. Responsible living on such a connected globe requires cultural sensitivity and a widened worldview. It is no longer enough to consider relevant only the United States or our own state or hometown.
To Messiah students, this message should not sound new. The college encourages students, all students, to experience the world, whether through a semester abroad, a cross-cultural term, or a summer missions trip. Opportunities abound. According to the EpiCenter's website, a survey conducted in 2007 ranks "Messiah College 11th in the nation" as "one of the top bachelor's institutions sending students abroad." No surprise there; the EpiCenter boasts a wealth of programs and connections. If you've got a country in mind, they've most likely got a program for you. The promise is this: the experience abroad enriches your life. But whether or not it's the intent, a second message also comes across: a person who studies abroad becomes a better person. People who don't, don't.
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