Invisible Children not so INVISIBLE anymore...

I feel as if there always has been some type of issue in Africa. Either crime and war, or famine, or education. Invisible Children highlights the child army of Joseph Kony and the many lives that have been lost. In total, there have been 966 civilian deaths and 1814 abductions. It's so hard to see those large numbers because we know that this would never happen in America. This year, at DHS, we have been introduced to Invisible Children and have chosen to support and raise money to help the cause, ending Joseph Kony's child army. After watching both videos, hearing Jed Jenkins speak, and exploring the site, I have come to a whole new understanding regarding Invisible Children.

The first video we saw at the School Chest presentation was informative and very motivating. To see that this organization has only grown because of teens and young adults is an insane idea. It was three college boys that shared their story to their friends and family. And it was they who spread it around the world, all now helping Uganda and the invisible Children. Now it is Deerfield's turn to spread the word.

The movie in class was also very informative, for it showed us what it was really like in Uganda. It began with the three boys fooling around, but then shifted to the incredibly powerful story of the invisible children. The name "Invisible Children" struck me because these children do seem invisible because no one was listening to Uganada's cries for help to stop Joseph Kony. The childrens' stories were very powerful. They described how they were afraid to stay in their home, afraid of being abducted, afraid of everything. Yet, they were so strong and made new families with other invisible children. And together they fought, and together they ran, and together they cried.

The site was very helpful and advocates what their mission is. It clearly informs readers of the history behind this cruelty, what is happening today, and how the audience can help. On the home page, near the bottom, different events happening are available. I saw that there were several events per month, showing that this organization is active and always striving to be heard and raise more awareness. I noticed while browsing that there was a link to donate and one of the choices was to donate to the legacy fund which helps send children to school and/or college and rebuild schools and curriculum. I found this really interesting and heart-warming because they took it a step further. Not only is this organization helping save the children from the Joseph Kony army, but they are also trying to re-create their lives and send them to school to be educated. Their protection plan also seems well planned, but a little like wishful thinking. Yes, it would be great to accomplish all of the goals, but it definitely won't happen too quickly unless the number of supporters increases immensely. The protection plan included: protection of communities with the LRA tracker, encouragement of LRA defection with the FM radio soon to be built, the providing of rehabilitation and family reunification, post-conflict recovery, and the promotion of the arrest of Joseph Kony and other LRA leaders. These are high goals that can be achieved some day if the support is still there, but without it nothing can be achieved. I find the LRA tracker to be very effective because it lowers the amount of abductions if people are able to flee from them in time, saving lives. The FM radio also seems very effective because they will be sending out "come home" messages directly to LRA members. This is ultimately what DHS is raising money for and it excites me that we can directly save these childrens' lives. The $15 I donated saved a life. That is so powerful, also contributing to the protection plan. The rehabilitation is necessary because many children have mentally, emotionally, and physically suffered. Rehabilitation is necessary to help them reunite with the community and family. The post-conflict recovery deals with educational purposes, which ensures that these children will have a bright future. Lastly, they promote the arrest of Kony and LRA leaders. If this plan is executed, the children will be protected and saved from the cruelty they should never have to endure.

Invisible Children has inspired and has caused me to reflect. I want to go out into the world just like the three teenage boys who founded this organization. I want to make a difference in the world and help those who need help. And by having School Chest support Invisible Children, I can easily start here in Deerfield by donating my money. I hope to some day explore the world and make an impact on others' lives.
http://invisiblechildren.com/

It is up to our generation to help end the war and build hope for these forgotten children. 
We make a difference.

Money and College

Lately I feel as if my life has revolved around college, and I'm not even in college! During my free time I am always pushed to write that college essay for that last college application, when I know it won't be the last. Or I check every schools' application status. Or I explore each college's site for extra scholarships. Or even look for days to visit. It never ends... Now that I have finished all my applications, I am waiting for responses. But in the mean time, I am looking to apply for scholarships and honors progams. And for many, a specific essay is required. So there I go, writing essays again. And once that is done, housing and financial aid begins. Again, it never ends...

So far, I have heard from half of my schools and narrowing down where I want to go has been very stressful. Money has become a large factor in my college choice and I find it very sad that students are unable to go to dream colleges because of money restrictions. I have applied to schools that I know will get into and recieve money, but what about that $40,000 prestigious school I have always dreamed about? What about dorming? And what about that great out-of-state school? I feel as if I have been limited with my college search, but there is nothing I can do. Almost all of the universities I have applied to are in-state, due to money. Most are private, putting more stress on me and my family. Both of my parents, my brother, and I all have jobs. We try to work as much as we can to help each other.

I hope to recieve as much money possible, in order for me to easily choose which university will fit me best. I will stay focused and determined in school, as well as at work. I wish college was free...

Abortion

Both websites are very ineffective and not very organized. They both provide facts, but not in an effective way. The Naral website, the pro-choice website, spends most of the time trying to prove why pro-life isn't the best decision. Instead of focusing on their own argument, the site is just attacking the other side of the debate. This makes the site seem unreliable and childish. It is very opinionated and emotional, rather than factual. But  the pro-life site is even more disappointing to me because they focus largely on the emotional aspect. They do not prove that abortion is not the right path well. They can easily use pictures and scientific research to prove their points, especially regarding how one may see a fetus as an unborn child, but they do not do so. Instead, the focus of  the site is on the laws to restrict abortions. I have browsed many different sites, and these two sites do not seem to promote their beliefs well.

As a teen, we feel the need to be independent and make our own decisions. We are entering college soon and making life-long decisions. Often, parents are right along beside the teen helping with these decisions. Regarding abortion, I believe a parental consent should be required. An abortion is too emotional for the minor to make a decision upon and will use their emotions to act. An adult however, will look at the situation differently and logically choose what is best for the minor. It is a parent's duty to look after the minor, no matter the circumstance. Abortion is such a serious issue and can be a life-changing decision. The operation is very dangerous and can hurt the minor both before and after emotionally, mentally, and physically. Thus, the right decision needs to be made carefully after weighing all the advantages and disadvantages, and the parent is there to do so. It is a proven fact that adults do make the better decisions than adolescents because their brain is fully developed. They can use logic, taken from the frontal lobe of the brain, where the adolescents will make decisions more abruptly from their gut and emotions. Adults will make a more responsible decision than the minor, and the parental consent should be required.

I do not support that the father of the child should be a part of the decision making regarding abortion. It is the female's body and he should not have to consent. It would be more respectful to let the father know what the decision is, but it is not required. A father consent is also impossible if the female was raped. If the father is in the picture or life of the mother of the child, they should discuss it and come to a decision together, but an agreement should not be necessary to follow through with an abortion.

Illinois is a very liberal state regarding abortion. The state law does not require parent notification or consent for an abortion operation. NARAL also has identified specific laws that have not been enforced. There are not a vast of specific restrictions on abortion in Illinois. I believe health insurance should pay for all abortions because if one is paying for coverage, operations or services related to abortion shouldn't be denied. It is their money and it should not be wasted.