What is your dream for the world?

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day last Monday, we asked our student ambassadors, “What is your dream for the world?”

Kate Colpetzer, Health Services Management student

When prompted to think “what would make the world a better place,” it is easy to want to jump to large, significant movements that would completely reshape society as we know it. For me, while I may have some ideal situations in my head, I believe that real, lasting change takes time.

One thing that would help make our world feel more whole again is common ground. I believe that ideas, opinions, and different lifestyles help humanity flourish. We are all entitled to our own experiences and ways of living. However, I wish there was more space for common ground, where people could come together and listen, appreciate, and learn from each other.

Lucy Khatib, Epidemiology student

As Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated this week, his message is still as strong as ever. Just this past weekend near a university in Indiana a student was attacked for being Asian. Dr. King’s dream still has yet to be fulfilled as many are still targeted and discriminated against.

Discrimination is an aspect that public health aims to combat as it works to help marginalized groups. As those working in public health, we must carry on Dr. King’s dream and work for a better future. I am hoping for a speedy recovery for the student that was harmed this week.

Jaida Speth, Health Services Management student

“Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.” In honor of Maritn Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, I wanted to talk about my own dream for the world.

My dream is that people stop existing and start living in this world. I am certain we have all heard the cliché a thousand times, but life is so very short and so very precious. Merely existing in life is like being on autopilot; eyes open yet not seeing anything, arms out and hands open, yet never really feeling or experiencing. Here are a couple of ways to start seeing, feeling, and experiencing:

* Don’t ignore your passions, potential, or purpose.
* Acknowledge your feelings.
* Learn to let go.
* Fall in love with who you are. Right now. In this very moment.
* And practice gratitude.

You were put on this earth to eat good food and drink great coffee and laugh with friends and discover new books and music and to go to new places and cry and dance and learn new things.

Even though you are facing the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I challenge you to start living.