Samuel Henry Jordan
McCallum High School
Class of 2007
Making a Difference in My Community: The World
The top meteorologist in Texas, Bob Rose, works with my father at the Lower Colorado River Authority in Austin, Texas. He is not only a great scientist, but he is willing to teach – even young, curious rambunctious boys such as myself. I have spent many hours with Mr. Rose and have come to appreciate that meteorologists do much more than just reporting the weather on television. He inspired me to do more in life than just have a “job”. Natural sciences have always been fascinating to me. Climate change and the effect of global warming on long-term water supply planning are of particular interest. Finding a way, through a college education, to merge my natural sciences interest with my wish to make a difference in the world was made clearer through a recent experience that took place far away from the safe confines of the River Operations Center in Austin, Texas. I discovered how I could use my college education not only to improve our environment, but also bridge gaps between cultures that are currently in conflict.
As a part of a high school student visit to Israel sponsored by the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), I participated in a round-table discussion with Israeli and Palestinian students. The topic was political problems and issues in the Middle East. At the beginning of the discussion, to my surprise, a Palestinian student got in my face and shouted anti-American slogans. He screamed angrily that I knew nothing about what life was like as a Palestinian and had no ability to ever understand. I will admit I was frightened at this outburst. However, I did not get angry or respond in kind. As a member of a minority culture that has undergone discrimination, expulsion, and hardship throughout our history, I could empathize with this person. Once I demonstrated the ability to listen and respect his opinion, he began to talk with me, rather than scream at me. Although there remained significant disagreement, I felt that the problems we discussed may not be insurmountable if there is enough dialogue based on honesty and respect.
Many culture and nations have reduced conflict by working on common problems. In the 1970s, for example, the United States and the Soviet Union decided to pool their resources and work cooperatively through space exploration. Working together in space helped reduce Cold War tensions back on Earth. This effort has frown into today’s International Space Station where Russia, Japan, Europe, and the United States have become partners in space exploration and planetary science. Back on Earth, the Kyoto Accords has launched a new multi-national effort to reduce global warming.
The Middle East also faces common problems for which regional cooperation will be needed. One of these is water supply. Rivers and aquifers do not recognize national borders. If there is going to be enough water to meet future needs, the countries in the Middle East will need to work together. They will also need educated and trained people working together on these problems. However, some of these countries are not fortunate enough to have a trained workforce necessary to tackle this alone. I hope to be one of those who can help, both scientifically and culturally.
With my education and training from college, I hope to be a part of the process in developing water supply strategies to meet future needs in the Middle East. Working on common problems to the benefit of everyone in the region may just be the catalyst that helps open the dialogue to address wider political issues. With this dialogue, understanding and respect may follow to help create a safer, more tolerant and peaceful world.
I believe it is important to be accountable to help bring a better understanding between people of different backgrounds. My mom was raised in the Air Force and interacted with a very diverse group, learning many traditions that were different from her own. Based on her experience, she has taught me the importance of respecting others and being responsible for our own actions. To her, the sharing of cultures helped her to appreciate and respect diversity.
As an active member of the Jewish community, I am aware of the importance of a diverse, tolerant and inclusive community. This awareness has also provided me insight and an appreciation of the challenges faced by other minority cultures. Being different from the majority of students at my school has also brought additional attention. This is why I strive to represent myself, my family and my community with honor, honesty, integrity and accountability in my interaction with others. An excellent college education will truly help me make a difference in the world community of which we are all connected.