There are several types of work in the geographical field that entice me, however one sector in particular is the most alluring. This sector is work within the nonprofit division. The nonprofit sector is appealing for several reasons. The faction allots an individual the ability to travel depending on the non-governmental organization they are affiliated with. I love to travel and see what the world has to offer and this sector can provide that. Additionally, many nonprofits will cover the cost of travel for work, which is another perk of this division. Moreover, helping people and making a difference in the world are core values that I was raised with. There are incalcubale tribulations globally, and I aim to make a difference in some of them.
After traveling abroad in the fall of 2012 on Semester at Sea, I became more aware of the lack of infrastructure in many developing countries and peripheral states around the world and the amount of assistance some of these places and people need. There is a deficiency of clean drinking water, food, shelter, and basic everyday supplies that many of us here in America take for granted. For example, when I debarked the ship in Accra, Ghana in October of 2012, many African venders had set up shop and attempted to sell us paintings, authentic drums, bracelets etc. outside of the ship. There was one occasion in which I did not have money and a vendor offered to exchange his merchandise for malaria medicine or a toothbrush. This was deeply upsetting as these men and women lacked an item that I take for granted on a daily basis. It would be feasible to begin a nonprofit in a country such as Ghana or Togo and hand out free mouthwash bottles or dental floss. It was very rewarding helping out these vendors by simply going into the convenient shop on the ship and purchasing $1 bottles of hand sanitizer or a tube of Neosporin and giving them to the merchants. I grew up in predominately affluent Boulder, Colorado and have never had to worry about finding food, shelter, or finding a reputable doctor to give me a check-up. However, traveling to these developing countries and witnessing the impoverished lifestyle many of these people live in was eye opening. Travel facilitated a desire to aid people in other areas of the world that was not as evident prior to visiting.
Another benefit of nonprofit organizations is the ease at finding work on any issue that is interesting to the given individual. Employment in the nonprofit sector is centered on a wide array of diverse issues. The World Wildlife fund is the world’s largest conservation organization that supports over 1,300 conservation and environmental projects in over 100 countries. It would be a struggle to not find a project that is appealing. Unfortunately, there is a sizeable drawback in the nonprofit sector that turns people away. This snag is pinpointed in the general lack of salary associated with these jobs. Despite the low salary in this sector, there are many incentives involved aside from money. These ammenities include free travel, health benefits, oftentimes free food and shelter, and the satisfactory feeling of making a difference for those less fortunate. Another con of this field is evident in the depressing nature of certain environments that an individual may be stationed in. It can be tiresome witnessing despondent situations on an everyday basis. This sector requires a strong and stable individual to work within the field.
Within the nonprofit field, the animal segment is of particular interest. I have grown up with animals in my household throughout my life, which sparked my interest in the subject. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia highlighted a specific problem that I would like to get involved in with my sister. There are many stray dogs in Sochi that do not have food, shelter, water, or an owner. Prior to the Olympics, it was reported that city officials were euthanizing these stray dogs to improve the city’s image. I found this news unacceptable and sickening, as well as something completely avoidable. I want to start a foundation to protect these dogs and bring them home to America. Ideally, they could be transferred to the Humane Society or a new shelter could be commenced.
The nonprofit sector has many opportunities for geographers in search of work or are looking to utilize their education in real world contexts. For example, the analytical framework that I have developed as a geographer here at the University of Oregon has enabled me to understand a variety of regional environmental concerns. Some of these concerns include climate change, biodiversity conservation, and air and water quality issues. Additionally, geography has fashioned broadly transferrable skills such as communication abilities, basic mapping knacks, and a proficiency in GIS.
My life story may seem commonplace from the outside looking in as I grew up in predominantly white Boulder, Colorado and attend college in predominately white Eugene, Oregon. However, it is because of the lack of diversity I have experienced growing up that generated the desire to study ethnically. I declared an ethnic studies major with focuses in geography and music as my minors. I decided that I wanted to see the world to further my ethnic education so I applied for Semester at Sea to maximize the cultures and regions I could experience. My travels have made me a well-rounded person and acclimated me to the outside world more so than I thought possible. Additionally, my travels have broadened my geographical knowledge. The Westernized view has a powerful impact on other states in the world and globalization is happening faster as the years pass. I want to continue to explore the path less traveled and absorb as much culture as possible. With supranational organizations and conglomerate corporations challenging the contemporary state organization, it may not be long before the entire world view is westernized.
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