When I was young, I was always asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. Sometimes, I would say doctor, other times I'd say lawyer...each time, however, I gave an answer that was completely within my reach. My dreams were always within grab as long as I worked hard for it. Working hard wasn't hard, however, given I had all the resources to do so readily available to me. This isn't a reality that all children get.

Growing up, I was always a good student. I got good grades and I was active in extracurriculars. The school was a fun place where I could further my education and grow as a person. I had plenty of friends and amazing teachers that I still hold close to my heart today. Not all students, however, are lucky enough to receive a quality education and because of this, the countries in which they live are held back from full development.

The United States has always been the first to intervene when a worldly issue was taking place. Whether it was in the war or other issues, we have always stepped up to the plate in order to ensure fair opportunities. While this hasn't been as common of a gesture here recently, it is still a sentiment that I believe should continue, specifically in the example of furthering education in developing countries.

How is it we live in a world where over 67 million children are denied access to education due to their economic status? Have we not come far enough to understand the importance of education and development? We as a country are constantly pushing economic growth and can verbally admit that other countries should be pushing the same thing but how can a country grow economically when 40% of their people are illiterate? In less developed countries such as Africa, children are dying every day due to totally preventable causes. Malaria kills over 1.2 million annually and could easily be fixed with irrigation systems. However, they lack the education it takes to know that. It has been proven that children born to a mother with an education are less vulnerable to HIV/Aids and are less likely to fall victim to sex trafficking. These are death causing issues that are preventable simply due to education.

We are constantly pushing for more jobs in our country which is a great thing. However, how can other countries create more jobs for themselves when they are lacking in education? Countries that have higher test scores have a direct correlation with economic growth. It isn't that other countries are performing as well, it is just that they don't have the opportunity to do so. This to me is much more than a personal issue for them, but more so a humanitarian issue for us all. We have the resources and we have the manpower to make a difference and I believe that difference can be made.

I encourage everyone to look into mission trips and to find a way to get involved.

You can be the change.