“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
On July 30th, I’m flying to India to teach at a boarding school for children of the “untouchable" caste. The school is called Shanti Bhavan (www.shantibhavanonline.org) which means “Haven of Peace”, and that’s exactly what it is for these kids. Coming to the school at the age of 4, these children are given food, shelter, clothing, an education and the love and support all children need – but too often do not receive. Victims of social discrimination and prejudice, these “untouchable” children would have nothing were it not for the school. I’m going over with a partner organization, A.S.T.E.P (Artists Striving To End Poverty www.asteponline.org ), and will be teaching art classes – dance, music, theatre – in addition to public speaking and English Literature for the upper grades. These are two remarkable organizations and I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to be part of their important mission.
When I left New York in December and moved back to Arizona I felt not only artistically unfulfilled, but in need of a greater purpose. Here I was, a young woman who could move to the city to pursue a career doing what I love, yet so many in the world could never dream of such a luxury when survival is their main and only focus. What a vast inequity. There has to be a way to a middle ground between the two worlds. For me, this is the way I’m pursuing that balance between using my skills and talents and living what I love and not taking my lot in life for granted.
As Ghandi so simply put it – “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I hope in the four months I am in India these children and I will learn from each other and put that concept into practice. Perhaps they will learn a new talent they never realized they had, or discover a way to express themselves and investigate their feelings more fully. Maybe I will find artistic fulfillment once again in doing art for the sake of art and the healing effects creation and collaboration bring. Whatever may happen is yet to be seen, but I have no doubt that it will be an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
“Dream of a world
Only your heart can build.
Act with courage and love
And never ask why.”
-The George Foundation
