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How many people get the chance to travel and explore the world?
Not that many if you actually think about it.
Being able to go see and experience new places is a privilege. That doesn't necessarily mean that whoever doesn't travel can't afford it; many people are capable of traveling who never do. But then again, there are those who simply can't afford to travel elsewhere; some who can't pay for essential things such as running water or electricity in their homes.
Count up the number countries you've visited throughout your lifetime. I did so myself; I counted up 19 countries without counting two of which were just layovers at the airport. I've traveled to more places in the world than the number of years I've been in it. Only then did I start thinking of where I lived, and how others live around me. Yes, Perú is a growing country and poverty is diminishing little by little. But when you actually come to think about it, around 28% of Perú's population is poor, and probably will remain poor for a long time until the government starts to put order in the country and people start to pay more taxes.
In class the other day, it was mentioned that we are capable of traveling to see the amazon river, the beaches of northern Perú, the mountains, the pyramids of Egypt, the great wall of China; all these places which we can see in person. Meanwhile, others can only see it through a plastic screen dreaming and imagining what it would be like to step foot out of the bubble they live in and step foot into the warm sand where the waves would be crashing upon their feet.
Even though the wealth gap is still considered immense in Perú, progress is being made; it's slowly shrinking. Even though it's shrinking, it seems as if a dent hasn't even been made in the impoverished class; it seems to be remaining the same, and students aren't being given opportunities to excel. They aren't being given the technology they need or the resources they need to go above and beyond.
With the world as it is today, you are either born well off, or born into poverty. Sad to admit, but it's reality. Not everyone is given the same opportunities from day one; some people struggle to get a great education, while others are already assured their entrance into a good school. Colleges are more and more out of reach for those who can't afford them; prices are rising and so are their expectations.
So, I ask myself, what happens to those who can't afford to travel, those who can't afford to go to school, those who can't afford electricity or running water, those who can't afford a home, and those who can't afford to feed their families?
So, I ask myself, what happens to those who can't afford to travel, those who can't afford to go to school, those who can't afford electricity or running water, those who can't afford a home, and those who can't afford to feed their families?
Then, I ask myself, why are there some people who have it all, or all that they need, and some who have nothing? It's inhumane for us not to share what we have--that doesn't mean share money--but sharing our time will make a difference to an individual who needs attention or help.
Having grown up in a "third world country" where you turn a corner and see some of the poorest areas of Lima, you see children beg at your car window for some cash, you see poor living, dirty areas, mountains which seem to be multicolored for all the houses built right next to each other. I grew up around poverty, I grew up knowing what it was like to see poverty daily and understand what it was and what it meant. I grew up helping others, serving them whether it was donating clothes and toys or it was visiting them for a day to spend time with them and have fun with them. I grew to be knowledgeable of what was around me, making me think less about myself.
I've traveled around the world while others haven't even been to the beach which is 20 minutes from their home. My dream vacation is Greece, theirs may be different. Everyone lives their lives in different ways. I am not one who will go and end poverty; that simply can not be done on an individual level. Fortunately, the amount of poverty is shrinking little by little, but we have to help it happen. The wealth gap won't shrink on its own. Things have to be done for it to happen, for everyone to have their dreams come true, for everyone to have an opportunity to study and have the life they want to have.
If we want human capital to grow, then we have to invest in the people.
If we want human capital to grow, then we have to invest in the people.