Tuesday, January 13, 2009

You Are Here

Today, I ran into my sewing instructor, Professor Graulich, on campus. She just returned from Africa, where she spends her summers, and sometimes winters, apparently, helping run a branch of Malawi Children's Village. She informed me that she wants to start an internship program with the School of Study Abroad at Marymount this summer, so that students can come with her to Africa for a few months and help the cause. In April of 2008, I helped Professor Graulich make purses and totes from African import fabric to help her with an MCV fundraiser, but I never imagined that would lead to an invitation to Africa! "I think you would be just right for the program," she told me today.


Why would a fashion design student be interested in joining the MCV cause? I predict that if the launch of this program is successful, many students interested in sociology or political science will be petitioning Professor Graulich to take them on as interns. However, the reason she approached me and Huyen, my fellow design student, with the idea is that she runs a portion of MCV that employs children of poor or parentless families in textiles and garment assembly so these little ones can provide for themselves and their siblings. A huge part of the program would be engaging with the children; fashion knowledge will be secular to the job to be done. I cannot imagine the wonders this kind of opportunity would do for my resume, but what is even more drawing about the Malawi program is the feeling I know I'll get while I'm there and when it's done. I don't know exactly what it will be like, but that's what I want to find out!!!

6 comments:

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Peggy said...

I'm so happy for you, Lindsey, and proud, too. What a wonderful opportunity. :-)

Bright Spirit said...

It sounds like you have made up your mind about this grand opportunity, Lindsey. You have so much to give and share. "Paying it forward" is the best investment you could ever make in yourself and those whose lives you touch. You may never really know how much you impact another's life. Planting the seeds of empowerment and change is such a gift to all concerned. Love you, Linds. OGWO

Raph G. Neckmann said...

How inspiring! Sounds like it will be a wonderful experience for all concerned.

Your fashion designs are beautiful. Good luck!

Joanne said...

Hi Lindsey, I clicked over from The Johnstone Journal. Congrats on such an accomplishment. It seems that to spend time at the Malawi Children's Village in Africa will also expose you to so much of humanity and society, and that experience can only serve to inform your future designs in a beautiful way. It's very inspiring to read about how you are living your dream. Design on!

Lindsey said...

Thanks so very much to those who click over from mom's johnstone journal blog to look at my inconsistent postings! I appreciate you rkind comments and support so much, and I hope to get back into the world of blog after I graduate in a few weeks. My last semester has been completely overwhelming!