On the days that I work, I am fortunate enough to get a ride from my co-worker. Every morning, he comments, "It is another beautiful day", whether there are clear blue skies, heavy clouds, or fog. This particular individual overcame a very difficult childhood by working hard to create the enjoyable life he has today.

When we look at issues of poverty, most of us can agree that it is a very negative experience. In countries like America, we are fortunate to have the chance to overcome poverty because of access to health and education. The infrastructure is in place so people who can not afford health can get supplemental programs like Medicaid or SCHIP. We have programs like financial aid so people can obtain an education to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, in developing countries like Honduras, poverty has a very different meaning. It means that you do not get access to healthcare. It means that you may not get an education. And even if you do get access to healthcare: it may take hours to get there on foot, it may mean that someone in your family does not get to go to school, or it may mean that everyone gets to eat less, a lot less. In rural communities in Honduras, poverty and unemployment rates are greater than 50% and 25% respectively. In these situations, people in poverty continue in a cycle of poverty with no means to exit the cycle.

As a student at CCSF and a member of Global Brigades, I understand the meaning of poverty first hand. Most of us go to CCSF to have affordable education. With the accreditation issues at CCSF looming on the horizon, it is important for students at CCSF to make a statement that they can achieve large goals, and that affordable education is important. People need access to the basic needs of life like health and food, before they can venture and enjoy technology, social media, or the more enjoyable facets of life like socializing. We know that these goals are possible in Honduras, but it will take time. It is not like America has always had social programs to help those in need.

We know that when people are given a chance to succeed and chase their dreams, they will. It is human nature. Hondurans need to be able to take care of themselves, before social media or technology become daily aspects of their life. Your donation or sponsorship will go a long way in aiding rural communities to have free access to health in Honduras. It not only provides health, but is invested in a system of education to teach Hondurans to educate themselves and provide a means for them to establish their own healthcare systems.

When I look back at my co-worker's comment, it is interesting how I only remember his 'beautiful day' comment with the beautiful clear blue skies. I forget the days that are cloudy or foggy. We need to take this optimistic approach in life to succeed and we know that people we help and aid remember the good things we do for them and never forget those who reached out and made a contribution to make it possible. Your donation and sponsorship is something these people will never forget.