Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase

By Jordyn Bain

There are many things I hope to do during my summer experience. One thing I hope to do is conduct interviews with NGO workers and refugees. This is both a personal goal and something essential to moving my project. I’m genuinely passionate about uplifting marginalized voices, and speaking directly with those impacted by displacement in Prague will help humanize my research while deepening my understanding of refugee integration challenges. During this program I also plan on visiting historical sites like Auschwitz and the Jewish Quarter. These visits will both contribute to my historical understanding of human rights injustices and fuel my motivation to advocate against present-day injustices such as forced displacement and xenophobia. Another thing I hope to do is to fully immerse myself in Czech culture. From trying traditional foods to exploring local markets and neighborhoods, I want to gain a cultural literacy that goes beyond academic understanding.

Two of the main skills I intend to work on during my summer experience include communication and leadership. Both of these skills are essential if I intend to pursue a career in diplomacy and human rights advocacy. Additionally they are skills I value in my personal life and hope to continue to strengthen as I learn and grow. I have been able to practice communication by reaching out to NGOs such as Amity and the Prague Integration Center to schedule interviews and meetings. Furthermore, I intend to practice the skill of leadership through self direction and by managing my own project. 

One quote that sticks out to me is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” This quote resonates with me because stepping into a new culture and conducting field research for the first time can feel extremely uncertain and nerve racking. However, I know that by doing this I am working towards what I believe in and coming one step closer to the person I want to become. This summer is a leap of faith that I believe will lead to meaningful growth and impact.