By Evelyn Le. BS ’16
“It’s so quiet! We have never been this quiet in class before.” Sitting next to me on my left, Grace was busily jotting her thoughts down as if that was the moment she had been waiting for so long. Looking across the room, I saw many pens were moving constantly as if the thinkers were hunting for reflection and did not want to leave any thoughts behind. Some friends gazed at their paper for too long that they seemed to be lost in their own world of contemplation. I thought to myself “today (Thursday 4/21/16), we have a lot of serious work to do” just like how Dr. Hogue usually began the class. But that day was different from any other day. It was a thoughtful discussion class time when we each reflected and collectively contributed to the discussion about what we have learned about the organizations, a vibrant community and a capability as well as an incapability of philanthropy.
Waco has become more and more of a vibrant community because of countless of needs, activities, ministries and leaderships that many servant leaders willingly pour out their heart and passion to serve the community. This Philanthropy Lab has opened my eyes about the needs in Waco. How to prioritize those needs is a challenging question that we as a class tried to decipher. Even though our limited resources only allowed us to support 9 organizations, every organization is very important to Waco. Their existence and availability allow people in need to find help. From community development to culture, arts and the environment, from health and wellness to hunger and homelessness, from children, youth, and education, to human services and civil rights, these organizations enrich Waco in a way that they collaborate and potentially attract the young professionals, opening up more opportunities to move the whole community forward together.
Understanding that philanthropy has its limitations, it can change life and enhance an awareness in order to restore many virtues of humanity. Philanthropy cannot solve the problem of war, natural disasters, addiction, etc. However, its goal is not to fix, but to improve the wellbeing of humankind. Some people may argue that they support the rehab center but people keep having relapse, so what is the purpose of giving. That is not wrong, but not correct either. The power of one over many applies to this instance. If we can change one’s life with commitment, care and diligence, the fruit would multiply to his or her family and to the community. Like the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:7, Jesus said “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
This class has taught me so much in the way of wisdom and skills by doing. I am very hopeful when seeing many young people in the class step up and advocate as a spokesperson for what they believe in the mission and vision of the organization. One day, I will miss this quiet time.