Micro lending in America

Should we bring micro-lending to American, and would I work?! I would probably be a first to say that I would have some doubts in bring the system that we worked with in Belize to the United States. The program that BEST has along with Yunus’s ideas and program, it would be hard to see something like these succeed in the US.
In Belize we saw a lot of families working for themselves, producing income for their families to live on. In the US, how many families own their own business today?! Not many. I am not going to be a critic and put down the US and say that something like micro-lending would never happen, because according to our books it has happened. I just think that America would need to reassess their attitudes and goals in life.
There are a lot of poor people in America, and micro-lending would help a great number of these people. It would required Americans to look inside them and find a talent that is hidden, something that would take away from the lifestyle we are all accustomed too. I also feel that if this program were brought to the US, it would need FULL government back up and support for every part of the process.
For a program to work in a supposed “rich” country, Americans need to get off their high horses and accept help in this form. I believe in the hearts and minds of America, but for so long things have just been given to them. If someone is on Welfare, they don’t have to work hard to keep having the money come in, and if you want a job just go work for the multiple business owned by corporations down the street. Bringing a Micro-Lending program to the US, you entail a lot of patience, and willingness to wait for a response. Once one person has a great idea in the community many more are to follow, they just need a leader to start.
It would be interesting to see and follow a loaning bank like this. At first it would be hard for the people to grasp, since loans in America are so difficult to get. But after awhile I believe people would really benefit from a program like micro-lending in the poor communities in our country.
Being in Belize really opened my eyes to the types of business and the difference between there and home. In Belize, there are so many family operated and owned, people out working just to help support their families and put food on the tables. I am not saying that Americans don’t work hard, it is just been awhile since I have seen a family run business in a city, and most people don’t want to risk it with the economy that we have. It was interesting to put an idea like micro lending in America out there and contemplate and read about it. It would definitely bring about a different United States of America.

Cultural Difference is huge in nursing

I have included some of my favorite pictures!! Take a look! It is only a small view of the amazing week I spent in the country of Belize!!! Thinking back over the week spent in Belize, it is really hard to put in to words the experiences gained from the trip. First things first, the over all trip completely exceeded my expectations! It was so great to see us come together and share laughs and get work done!
This week we were asked to compare our observations and experiences to our personal majors and career aspirations. At first I was struggling with this, as we did service and such but really nothing to do with nursing. After pondering on the topic for awhile, I realized that, yes our trip dealt with a business aspect, but it had a component of nursing in it.
My total compassion for others is what lead me to nursing. Helping people become better and live a better life. This is exactly what we did in Belize. I would consider it a community nursing atmosphere. As a group we were able to help a family in need, prepare a better life and expand a business. It also helped in many ways to communicate to someone who does not speak the same language as my self. I am going to encounter so many different cultures while being a nurse that it is always good getting experience, and become more comfortable in this situation. Going on to my career aspirations, I want to be the kind of nurse that is competent in every aspect of my nursing degree, to deliver kind, compassionate care to every single person I come in contact with and to always deliver my care with a smile and a warm heart.
There are numerous things each of us can learn by immersing into a different culture. And even though I only received a small sample of the Belizean way of life, it was enough to embrace the culture at hand and take the experience in to my practice as a nurse after I graduate. I am very grateful for the opportunity to broaden my horizons!! :-)