How I learned from not knowing

I never thought that my ignorance would teach me.

When I applied to spend three weeks with international students I was hoping to gain more knowledge about world issues; but what I've learned the most so far is that I, and my country, have a lot to learn.

In high school I was considered above average because I read the world news daily and wrote international legislation for debate rounds. The international students I met at Wake Forest are considered above average because they speak three to six languages or have toured multiple countries . Until I met them my global experience was a mixture of news trivia and second hand emotion -- none of it was backed up with personal experience.

Living with students from thirty-two different countries has let me learn about their cultures, governments and religions through their stories. In order to learn from each other all of the students have to sieze the opportunities to communicate, and to communicate without fear.

Just after two days I have realized that countless global concerns are virtually undiscussed among American teens. In her blog, Tamar writes about The Rose Revolution, one of the single most influencial events in recent Georgian history. Embarassingly, I didn't know about the conflict before I spoke to her. Should my ignorance be accepted? Is it okay for teens to avoid or ignore the news? Is it excusable for any person to be unaware or complacent about an issue that is jeapordizing the peace and security of any global neighbor?

Recognizing my own lack of knowledge helped me understand the larger epidemeic of ignorance. In a time when tabloid-esque media drives our nation I'm left wondering if our society is incapable of digesting all of the hard news or if they simply choose not to.

After living with this interesting group of teens I will come home with a mixture of their thirty-two accents. More importantly, I will return with an understanding that wouldn't have been possible without honest and direct communication.

-Kiersten