Letters
1038 words by samanthahicks
The persons that I sent letters to are:
Rev. David L. Roberson, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Dr. Norman Francis, President of Xavier University
Delores Winfield, Acting Principal of Benjamin Franklin High School
New Orleans Public Schools School Board
Dr. Michael Horn, Principal of Southfield Public Schools
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Samantha Hicks and I am a transfer student currently attending Xavier University in New Orleans. I am originally a student from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Moving from Ann Arbor to New Orleans was a major step in my life, but it hasn’t changed my perspective on life. The minute my father and I exited the freeway we were welcomed by the signs of persons asking for work in exchange for food. Being a loan burdened college student, I felt that improving the general welfare of society should be the responsibility of financially stable adults, not me. I now know that I am wrong. Through self reflection, I have realized that I am in fact no longer numb to this situation. I am deeply disturbed by it. Gone are the days where I felt that I could not do enough to help others in need or that I was not responsible in any way. Everyone plays a part in the world, therefore we share responsibility when it comes to helping out our fellow mankind.
In response to my epiphany regarding personal responsibility I, along with my mother have implemented a program that holds its foundation in her high school economics’ classroom. Originally, this idea was intended to teach her students about the importance of philanthropy and how it plays a part in our economic system. It then merged into a program to raise money for the needy by soliciting funds from local corporations, an idea that was influenced by an episode of Oprah. I rarely watch Oprah, but truly believe that divine intervention moved my heart to tune in and hear about the different stories from audience members who took the challenge from Oprah to “pay it forward” to someone in need. I am a person who “wants” but am definitely in no dire need , so I feel as though it’s time that I pay it forward.
In an effort to seek help regarding widespread problem of the lack of community generosity and compassion, I think that the focus should be geared towards our education system. It should be mandatory to teach children about philanthropy at a young age and expose them to different resources that may contribute to their own passions to help out society. Children are not taught the importance of helping someone out. Sadly this concept is only introduced during adulthood when selfishness has already been mastered.
Children can be taught simple things to incorporate into their lives that will expose them to the world of philanthropy. At the middle school of high school level in organization dues should donate a portion to local charities and also encourage the students to help out with the charities so they can see how others live.
I challenge you to make this world a better place, by teaching youth the importance of a helping hand and encouraging them to believe that they can make a difference.
Samantha Hicks
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I chose to write to the pastor of my church, Dr. Norman Francis, Delores Winfield, and the New Orleans School Board, because I feel that each can make a major contribution to my cause. The contribution that I speak of is not financial. Their roles in society give the direct contact with youth and different programs and organizations that influence the perception of youth. We grow up in a society where we don’t maximize our full potential, because in our hearts we feel that our efforts will go to waste. What we fail o realize is that change has to start somewhere. Instead of society having a downward spiral of productivity we have to influence a upward spiral. But we can only do this by educating our youth. As cliché as it may be, the youth are our future and a seed must be planted with urgency. The leaders that I have written hold the power to make
change.
I chose to write to my old principal, because I do have a vested interest in those that are coming from where I came from. I was a fighter and only seek the best for the futures of others that have to fight. I want my teachers and fellow students to take it upon themselves to care about the world. No one knows the day or the hour. This is why we must prepare the world, but doing His will. His will wants us to appreceiate this world that he has lent to us. we don’t deserve his mercy, but he still offers it!
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African American criticism is a useful tool to Bible scholars, because it shows how authors of the Bible viewed African Americans. According to Bible dudes African American we given high esteem, when referred to in the Bible. The Africans named were royalty and were very wise. Inquiring a bout the idea of race in antiquity reveals the concept of race not being present. Race is a recent ideal that was not used in antiquity. What tribe you represented and wealth were far more important than the shade of your skin.
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AN UPDATE: Sadly, no one has responded to my letters. (All the letters we derivatives of the one posted above, just modified to fit who the letter was addressed to.) I do respect that these are important people and they are busy, but could a secretary or someone respond! lol I will talk with my pastor when I go home for break. I actually prefer to discuss business in person. True progress can only be made when you look in someone’s eyes and attempt to seek the truth in their souls and true drive for their actions and life.