Blue Sweater Post 3

This book has changed my entire perspective on third world countries and different organizations involvement in contributing to their development. I was unaware of the lack of implemented political systems and negligence with resources and infrastructure. Most organizations focus on donating money to causes such as creating houses for stability, wells for water, food for cattle, etc; however, they fail to realize the physical labor needed in order to establish sufficient and functioning systems. We are merely centralizing our efforts on solutions that are only temporary because people do not have the knowledge to evaluate where they should spend their money. It is a lot more self fulfilling to spend 1000 dollars on buying a well or a cow for a family, then donating 1000 dollars to a contractor or plumber in order to pay for the essential labor that will keep these systems functions. The tangible items are more aesthetically pleasing for donors and they do not have the proper education on baseline infrastructure issues that need to be addressed. Africa lacks a proficient political system and therefore does not have proper leadership that can establish requirements for infrastructure and new developments needed in order to benefit society and solve the root of the problems. The developmental agencies created like Novogratz' are intended to solve this issues; however, the corruption within the government uses their resources for needs that are not pertinent or immediate and instead focus on more convenient and beneficial for themselves. Essentially they exploit their resources and do not contribute to social efforts. I love that the book does not beat around the bush and directly acknowledges the tougher issues that are normally dissolved and pushed behind the scenes. Even though the leaders tend to be dissipative with their resources and it furthers corruption office, it is inspiring to read Novogratz' experience in developing countries and her amazing contributions to their success.

The Blue Sweater Post 2

Reading this part of the book, helped me make connections between Novogratz' experience in Africa and her lifestyle back in the US. My favorite part of the section was reading about her and her friends' journey to climb Mount Nyiragongo. The endeavors they went through before the climb, and the challenges on the climb, parallel the life endured in Africa and the obstacles you face without warning. "The sky at dawn was nothing like it had been the day before.Heavy clouds portended storms, and the air was thick with moisture. We were exhausted, lacked proper gear and clothing for a climb, and couldn't find anything for breakfast because it was so early Sunday morning." This quote appealed to me because it represented the strength and realized needed in order to overcome a feat and a challenge that may seem unfeasible. The conditions were not good, they did not have everything they needed to continue, and were malnourished, and yet they still decided to take a leap of faith and see what they were made of. The thought process before climbing the mountain is very similar to what one would think of when considering a missionary trip to Africa and the projects ahead while there. It is impossible to predict what the future holds, but regardless of the tough trials you endure, you know the reward will be worth it. When climbing the mountain, the reward was the feeling of success, the test of strength and determination, and the amazing view. When doing work in Africa, the reward for Novogratz was the ignition of hope among the people, the utilization of knowledge for the people, and the act of philanthropy. Although there are many ways to establish one's worth in life, one's greatest value is the altruistic effort they put forth in helping others and instilling value upon them.

The Blue Sweater Post 1

 The moment I opened up this book, I felt attached to it. I have always had a huge heart for people in developing countries and want to pursue a nonprofit to help the underprivileged at some point in my life. Opening this book inspired me. I wanted to know what the importance was of the blue sweater and how it could hold so much value to give it the title of a book that had so much substance and depth. "In our neighborhood in Virginia in the 1970s, new clothing was a once or twice a year event." This simple statement made me realize the value of that blue sweater. The people here, they grow attached to the things close to them because they have so little. Everyday, the middle and upperclass Americans walk around with their wallets and typically will buy something they are interested in without hesitation in regards to money. To the people in Africa, shopping is more than a privilege, it is a means of warmth and survival. That blue sweater provided comfort and stability to Novogratz. It was more than just a piece of clothing. Furthermore, when she fast forwards to her 25 year old self, she reunites with that blue sweater on a young boy and says: "the abandoned, but beloved blue sweater." This blue sweater represents the journey of living in Africa. It is a symbol of the abandonment, the hardships, the poverty, and the pain endured throughout an ungoverned, underprivileged life, and yet the connection and bond one feels with their culture and where they came from. These little things we don't really think about is why this book is so powerful. The book traces her occupations and endeavors in different parts of Africa, how she was treated, how she grew, and how she impacted others' lives along the way. The beginning of the book focuses on the socioeconomic gap and the difference in lifestyle and character between the two. Reading this book has provided me knowledge and a clearer outlook on quality of life in Africa from a first-hand prospective. I cannot wait to read more about the challenges and successes of her hard work. I am looking forward to tracing her steps and watching her change her perspective about her surroundings and the way the world works beyond her underlying comfort in the states.

The Weekender

Every year, the USC football team plays another local California team and the majority of our school drives up for the weekend to support them. It is a huge celebration between California rivalries and the experience is unreal. This year, me and a few of my best friends drove up to UCBerkeley to watch the game and stay at Nina's place and the time would had together was priceless. Even though we went for the game and delicious home cooked meals, we got so much more out of the trip than you would expect. Typically, students get drunk out of the minds and pre game and party until they forget the night, but the memories we made, I want to remember every second. What started off as being an innocent, carefree college trip, turned into a bonding, unforgettable, best friend experience. To be honest, the car rides to NorCal and back could have very well been the best part of the trip. I opened up in ways I never thought I could after things I went through. In my life, so many things have changed and so many people have walked in and out that sometimes it is hard to process and appreciate all of the things and people around you. I dont take them for granted, but I think that sometimes I dont let myself feel everything I know I am feeling because I am afraid of losing people close to me. This weekend was a game changer and was revolutionary for me. For once, I felt safe again. And loved. I felt understood and genuinely cared for. I guess what I am trying to say is that I couldnt be more thankful for the people I have in my life now. Everything with my best friends, Nina and Hayley, just happens so naturally and effortless. I discovered that no matter what I did or said, I was supported. And I could feel myself caring for them and allowing myself to emotionally invest parts of me I didnt even know I had access to. When we went out to party friday night, all I wanted to do was be with them. There were so many people around drunk and dancing and hooking up, and yet they had all of my interest. Sometimes it is hard to even process how much you care about someone until you evaluate your actions and look at things from the outside...This weekend, I took everything in. We sat and ate meals together and it felt like family. I finally felt like I was where I belonged which is a feeling I have been craving my whole life. We finally have a healthy balance of dependency. They know how much they mean to me and how much I need them, but we know how to support one another and keep the independent parts of ourselves that make us so easy to love. At first, I was hesitant about going on the trip, but now I am so happy I went and never looked back. These are memories I will hold with me for life and I am incredibly thankful that I found the people I wanna spend it with. The weekender was by far one of the best weekends and most unforgettable experiences I have ever had. We have all grown so much together and I couldnt be more excited to discover what is to come.