Having a vision and seeing it through are definitely in line
with Maslow's theory of reaching the pinnacle of self development or self-actualization.
My friend, Hilda Pang Fu, started a non-profit called Luminari with the idea of
making Pittsburgh a better place by fostering “activities that broaden minds,
inspire innovation, and promote community engagement.” Wow what a creative altruistic
vision, girlfriend! Today’s new
experience, was to witness the results
of one of the Luminari’s teen camps by
attending the closing ceremonies of the camp -I want to be an Ambassador.
Refection
I witnessed a vision (Luminari’s vision) giving birth to a youth camp that produced such inspiring
results in teens. This camp encompassed an introduction
of different languages and writing systems, foods, religions,
public speaking, conflict resolution, negotiation and visits to the mayor’s office and in DC, The Greek Embassy, US Delegation of European Union and US Department of State.
public speaking, conflict resolution, negotiation and visits to the mayor’s office and in DC, The Greek Embassy, US Delegation of European Union and US Department of State.
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| "I want to be an Ambassador" campers |
I listened to thirteen (13) students from eight (8) different
Pittsburgh schools, and from at least seven (7) different ethnic backgrounds, give
short summaries of what the camp meant to them. How about that for diversity and their perspective on the camp was equally as different! As diverse as they were I heard a recurrent typical
teen theme, “am I going to fit in and
make friends” but I heard an even better
recurrent story of finding acceptance, friendship, multicultural enrichment and self-confidence.
Wow, every kid should go to this camp or for that matter, how
about adults-sign me up! One 14 year old girl said it best, “ I learned
to look at changing situations differently and not give up- just find a way
through it or to solve it.”
Hilda, you sure have something great here with this non-profit, Luminari (an Italian word for being an expert in a
field). Luminari also offers two other
teen camps: Camp Delicious and Teen Writer and who know what’s next!
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| Gina Catanzarite, Camp Director & Hilda Pang Fu, President |
Spiritual reflection
Deceit fills hearts
that are plotting evil ; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Proverbs
13:20
Other Sources:
Ambassador Camp- http://www.luminari.org/I_Want_to_be_an_Ambassador!.html
Camp Delicious- http://www.luminari.org/Camp_Delicious!.html
Teen Writer- http://www.luminari.org/Camp_Delicious!.html
Luminari face book- https://www.facebook.com/Luminari.Inspire
Maslow Hierarchy of Needs http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
Maslow Hierarchy of Needs http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html