Though we started with only 13 people in our class, we ended up with hundreds of people acknowledging the issue and making an impact with their donations. It is never too late to make a change. All you need is to have the courage to speak for it. 

Throughout my high school career, I’ve seen more and more aspects of China that were not apparent to me before. Living in China, one would think that you would know about the issues that were rampant. However, because we live in Beijing, we truly know almost nothing about the hardships experienced by the children in Yunnan subject to domestic abuse and drug abuse, the human trafficking of women and children, or the deprivation of healthcare, food, and water in rural areas, hidden away from a city-dweller’s eyes.

This is by far the most real-life related project that I’ve done in this school and I’ve been here for more than 5 years now. While I always felt that the economic and social differences in our world are detestable, I never knew how to solve this problem. Since I thought it was an issue that only adults in the top 1 percent could solve, I didn’t even bother in looking at ways I could help. That is until this year when we started the Economic Inequality project in AP Macroeconomics our most ambitious project yet

The most important thing that I learned from this experience was that there is no impossible in this world as long as one is willing to dedicate oneself and take actions. 

Economic inequality is a serious issue, but not the only one. As citizens of this globe, I believe every one of us owns the right to know about the fact. Every effort we devote would eventually turn to be the treasure of all human being.

My service experience allowed me not only to become a better leader, but also gain more knowledge on the society. People are generally kind and supportive, however they need a reason to donate. A small difference can mean a huge change for those going through devastating poverty in china. 

This service learning project on economic inequality has planted a seed in my heart of compassion. I am all the more certain that I want to continue this work as a change-maker in society and live to positively influence those around me and others in need of help. 

Elijah- The world did not seem so large and majestic after this project. To me, poverty and inequality had always been perceived as an “adult” issue, that I can be responsible in later years, when I turn 30, 40, or even 50. But now that I see I can make changes, I have a slight sense of responsibility over me, which definitely will push me forward to endeavoring for greater changes, showcasing my future responsibilities. My identity as a student cannot limit myself, or in any means, draw a hard border to distinguish what is my responsibility and what is not. Rather, it showcased me what can be my responsibility, but not defining my abilities and potentials to contribute to this world. 

 I’ve said so much things about this project, how I’ve contacted the organization, how I’ve made the tournament and how I’ve been the host for the little mermaid show. All of these things made me grow, ability-wise, making me a more capable and kinder person. It’s project that I’m proud of the most during my high school life. It development my love for poor, for family, for strangers, classmates, and most importantly, for my community. 

One thing that surprised me and also learned is that people in our community aren’t that careless to the things around us, it’s just that they need to find a way to support the society. People in the society should be more active about the issues around the world so that there will be more improvements made to the society. All the issues in the society will also be improved faster when everyone puts in a small effort or do their best. Being an active citizen means that we should pay more attention to the issues and to try out best to change the world around us even if the effort is really small. 

I began to see that people all around me were living vastly different lives just because of their birth, and that my classmates and I were the lucky ones. 

As it all came to a close, I found myself judging all of it in a different light. I’d seen clearly just how powerful an impact a small group, even just me individually, could have on a large issue. I’d seen just how supportive and generous a community could be toward a good cause. Most importantly, I’d learned that you should never put a cap on others’ kindness. 

I’m no longer content with being complacent and accepting there’s nothing I can do about global issues, because I have seen that with effort and time, I can. It might just be a small local change or a donation, but as long as I’m passionate enough, I can make a change.