Just a Little Add-On

Yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life. Actually I could say that for about half the days I've been here, but yesterday was especially sad. Roxanne and Junior were fighting as usual, and as usual Roxanne runs crying to her mom to get Junior in trouble. But today she actually had a reason to be upset, as Junior ripped out all the pages in her coloring book just to be a douche. So she went crying to her mom, but instead of comforting her, she threw Roxanne on the bed and whacked her 5 times with a broom and told her not to come crying to her every second. She then took her nails and scratched Roxanne's leg and pushed her out of the room.

I was shocked. I was disgusted, I was so angry. Why would you do that to a 4 year old girl?! I told Roxanne to come to me and I put her on my lap and wrapped my arms around her. I pressed my cheek to hers and could feel her tears running down. In that moment I was no longer myself, and she was no longer Roxanne. We were much more than that. In my mind she represented all the little kids I had seen in the villages: starving, abused, ignored, left behind. And by holding her tight I felt like I was holding all of those little boys and girls. In my head if I held them tight enough to harm would befall them ever again. They would all be loved and cared for. I held her so tight I was surprised she didn't say anything to me. But I wasn't exactly aware of what was going on either. I was thinking back, remembering all the faces, the little innocent faces staring up at me. Images that will be burned in my mind forever.

This is my add-on. AIESEC could do so much to impact people's lives. And after a particular email I received yesterday, I am proud to call AIESEC-Madison home, once again. Let the games begin, and let the voices be heard.