By Chaslyn Sheppard | Contributor
As I left the second floor of Breuninger Hall last week, I witnessed a student taking an item out of the "Donations for Syrian Refugees" box. For you, this may seem like a "no biggie" or "whatever" situation. For me, however, this was a huge slap in the face.
As a representative on the Social Work Student Organization Cabinet, I organize various events and fundraisers, along with three other students. Our cabinet president, senior Laura Logan, used her passion for advocacy to start the "Donations for Refugees" project on Taylor's campus. We have placed boxes in every residence hall on campus, hoping and praying that the students of Taylor would donate umbrellas and plastic food storage containers. These items will then be given to Bethany Christian Services to be distributed.
Watching a fellow student steal from a donation box is difficult enough; watching a student steal from refugees is even more disheartening. At Kmart, a 30-piece food storage container set costs a little more than $8. That is the same amount as two Starbucks drinks. I wonder if that student stopped to think, "Should I skip Starbucks this week and spend my $8 on 30 new containers instead of stealing this used one?" Probably not.
Syrian refugees are flooding other countries, seeking asylum from their war-torn country. They arrive packed into lifeboats, shaking from the cold journey across the ocean. People regularly drown on their way toward safety. When the survivors land in places like Turkey and Greece, volunteers from organizations such as Samaritan's Purse welcome them.
These are the people for whom we are collecting these items. These people would be thrilled to receive basic items such as food storage containers and umbrellas-items that will make their journey a little easier.
As students on this campus, we are held to high expectations. As worldly people, however, we act entitled and individualistic, needy and selfish. We-including myself-are driven by what we receive and not by what we give. I understand that not all of us would steal a container, but most of us have acted in other selfish ways. After all, we are only human. But when we act in these ways, do we really gain anything? Do we gain satisfaction? Popularity? Esteem? Do we really need that container more than a refugee does?
My challenge for you is to stop and think more often. Think of how each small action will affect the bigger picture. I encourage you to look beyond the walls of your own privilege and into the world around you.
