Delta Love

Spring 2009.  This is when I was initiated into the most amazing sorority, Delta Delta Delta.  I am proudly a Tri Delt at Southeast Missouri State, Phi Mu 1404.  I have met some of my closest girlfriends since joining and have had the privilege to meet some amazing women that are inspiring role models (both within my collegiate peers and our amazing alumni!).  Over this past semester I have had the support of my sisters in regards to this trip and they recently were able to make a monetary donation for more supplies for the kids!  So exciting to be able to gather more things to take overseas.  I have been packing all day and it is so difficult!  I fail.... seriously I don't think this is quite my forte.  I cannot imagine how FUN it is going to be to lug an extra suitcase through the airport, but I know it will be worth it.  I have had such an amazing influx of help from both of my "homes" of Harrisburg and Cape Girardeau.  I am so thankful to my sorority for its help and I truly appreciate the moral support as well.  After all, we are built upon a perpetual bond of friendship.

In 1888, women were not permitted to vote, and few women were found in the workplace or at the formerly all-male universities. It was natural for women students to join together in small groups for friendship and support.

Although there were three women's groups represented at Boston University in 1888, Sarah Ida Shaw saw a need for a group which would be different from the others. She said to her friend, Eleanor Dorcas Pond, "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance."

THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA shall be to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.

IT SHALL ALSO BE THE PURPOSE OF DELTA DELTA DELTA to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between the Fraternity and the colleges and universities where the Fraternity has established chapters, to develop qualities of unselfish leadership among its members, and to encourage them to assume, with integrity and devotion to moral and democratic principles, the highest responsibilities of college women.        

Knowing that I have the support of my sisters is a really great feeling though.  Deltas around the country are responsible for helping to improve the lives of children through their work in varying organizations, philanthropy events, and of course, our intense and successful work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!  Deltas are known for their huge hearts and the drive to help others that is always noticeably visible through their work and volunteering.  I am so proud to be a Tri Delta, especially at SEMO-U! 

"....But the Greatest of These is Love."

Delta Love & All of Mine,

Mary Brittany
Phi Mu 1404  

Thanks to Phi Kappa Phi!

I am so very proud and honored to be a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Southeast Missouri State!  I was inducted this past spring (April 17, 2011). The primary objectives of this Society are to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education and to recognize outstanding achievement by students, faculty and others through election to membership, and through various awards for distinguished achievement.  As a second term junior, I had to rank within the top 7.5% of the class.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates nationwide as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Forty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.  This year, 442 qualified applicants were examined by the committee and out of the 45 students who were chosen, I made the cut!  I am now the proud winner of a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Study Abroad Grant worth $1,000!  I am so very excited about this!  


My personal info sheet & head shot (Post-Award) for their publications:

Name:                    Mary Brittany N. Gholson

School:                  Southeast Missouri State University

Major:                    Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Political   Science, Criminal Justice and Speech Communication

Classification:       Senior

Current Job(s):      1.   U.S. Attorney’s Office – Intern

                                2.   College of Education – Student Assistant to the Dean

                                3.   Buckner Brewing Company – Waitress

                                4.   Charlotte Russe – Sales Associate

Destination:              Rwanda

 

Travel Dates:             July 20, 2011 – Aug. 17, 2011

Purpose:                     Humanitarian Volunteer Mission and Research – While in country I will be working with genocide victims, at-risk women and children, and traditionally marginalized peoples. I will also be using this experience to conduct research for my University to fulfill a class project and Senior Honors Assignment research project.

Further Ed. Plans:     Upon graduation from Southeast, I will intern for a year and then proceed to law school where I will place a focus on criminal and international law with emphasis in the areas of human rights.

Career Objectives:     I would like to eventually be able to use my law degree to help at-risk women and children internationally.

Fantasy Career:         Promoting human rights is my passion and working internationally for the ICC would be amazing.  Working as a judge for an ICC Tribunal would be the most amazing thing I can imagine!

Role Model:                My family and the everyday heroes in my life are great inspirations, but of those famous I look to Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Madeleine Albright, among many others.

Comm. Service:         Working with, and eventually presiding as President for, the Dance Marathon Organization which raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network in the St. Louis area is the most rewarding cause I have been part of thus far.

Most Proud of Self:    During my college career I was able to attend a leadership academy solely for women in my state that focused on our ability to succeed in any field we chose.  For the first time, I truly believed that I could accomplish any and everything I wanted, and I fully plan to do this.  That self awakening was by far the proudest moment I have had because it has led me to exactly where I am now.

Traveler Necessities

Countdown: I leave in T-minus 12 days!

I have been doing a lot of research lately on traveling supplies and necessities and I am happy to say that it is paying off.  Granted, one of my "necessities" is a DSLR, but I digress.... I ordered some things and bought some things and am in the process of picking a few more things out.  I hope these ideas, suggestions, reviews, etc. come in handy for you as well if you find yourself traveling.  These are just my own personal opinions on a few products I have found so far.

1.  WATER: If you are worried much about the safety for the water that you will be drinking while abroad, consider buying one of these.  It was very tough to find actually since I wasn't sure what I was looking for, but a man I work for found this at cheaperthandirt.com and referred me to it.  It is a Katadyn MyBottle Purifier.  It holds 24 ounces of water (with the cartridge inside) and it is the only EPA registered bottle purification system on the market currently.  Katadyn's advanced 3-stage Virustat filtration system removes all viruses, bacteria, and cysts from water while the integral activated carbon filter removes chemicals and enhances taste.  AND NO.... I am not a spokeswoman for the company or anything!  I just want to pass along a great product that is difficult to find.  It is a little pricey.... approx. $50 plus S&H from Cheaperthandirt, but I got mine on Amazon cheaper with no S&H.  What makes this thing even better?  It comes in a few different colors (I just love blue) AND when you have safe drinking water available?  Just pop out the purifier cartridge and insert the long straw that comes with it and it will double as a regular top-notch water bottle!

2.  SHOES: What does the savvy, fashion-conscience lady do about shoe attire in a place like Rwanda, or Africa in general?  She buys TOMS (obviously).  Don't have any idea what that is?  Check it out.  Seriously they are sensible, awesome, and durable shoes that are fun, cute, and they help those in need.  One for One!  For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate one pair to a child in need.  How cool is that?  Go to YouTube and check out the drop they did in Rwanda in 2010.  They have helped so many people!  It took forever for me to break down and buy a pair, but I am so happy that I finally did it!  They should be arriving in the mail any day now... I chose the Classics, in Black & Red.  I couldn't choose between the two!! I also decided to get a cutesy little blue tie-dye pair of Tiny Toms for my best friend who is having a baby boy.  Guess what?  I have helped three in need.  Yay me!         

3.  CAMERA:  I did it.... I finally bought a camera!  I seriously have been researching for months and examining prices like it's my job.  I found a top of the line camera that had pretty great reviews and it is a very reputable brand.  I had seen the Nikon D3100 when I first began my search at $600.... I didn't realize that was a great deal until I saw it go back up to its original price of $700.  I kept searching and I tried out a few different ones while in stores shopping, but none had that right "feel" for me except the Nikon D3100.  Imagine how bummed I was when every single store was either $650 or $700!  I couldn't believe that I had missed my chance at saving between $50-$100!  I didn't give up though and eventually I found it again for $600.... but it was at a club store that I didn't have membership to.  Paying the temp. member fee would put me at the same price as the other stores so I kept looking.... then I got a great idea.  I have a Sears card (to help build credit... I don't believe in debt so I pay off what I put onto the card within 48 hours) and a rewards card that lets me get money back for each purchase I make.  I checked out their price match rules and found out that they could match it!  The sales associate was so incredibly helpful and I saved $100 (when they matched it) plus and extra 10% simply because they like to reward their customers when they price match.  I walked out of there with a $700 camera for only $594!  Plus, I get about $7.50 off of my next purchase at Sears.  Pretty great, right?  The camera is amazing by the way....    

4. MEDICINE:  Ugh.  Medicine and vaccines are the worst, but when you know they will help to save your life you deal with it.  Everyone knows the Yellow Fever vaccine is a requirement.  Other things are recommended, like the Hep A shot I got.  Also, malaria is a threat so preventative medicine is necessary.  Typhoid is recommended as well.... luckily for me the doctor said the pill vaccine tends to be more effective than the shot so I started with my first dose of that last night.  I hear it tends to make you sick, but so far I am doing well.  As far as malaria drugs go, check out the CDC website and check for what is needed.  Since I have had a couple seizures in my lifetime (stupid fear of needles) I was told that Mefloquine was out.  The only other choices that are effective in Rwanda are Doxy & Malarone.  I heard Doxy isn't always as effective, but it is cheaper.  However, I urge EVERYONE to call their insurance and find out prices and what is covered because I found out that Malarone (the better one) is covered and I only have a co-pay on it!  It was well worth the 20 minutes I spent on hold to find that out. 

5. LANGUAGE:  Before traveling, it is best to try and grasp at least a small portion of the language.  For a place like Rwanda, finding books that help you learn Kinyarwanda is tough.  However I have found two great resources to share:  Morgan in Africa is a pretty awesome blog that has a fairly extensive list of words and phrases for various daily activities.  I love it because it has pronunciations so I can tell if I am saying it correctly.  Also, this dictionary is very helpful!  No pronunciations really, but it covers quite a bit of ground. 

Muraho Rwanda!  Nitwa Mary Brittany.  Nkaforero Global Youth Connect.

Hello Rwanda!  My name is Mary Brittany.  I work for Global Youth Connect.

Leaving soon for RWANDA....

I leave for Rwanda in 14 days!!!  I cannot wait for this crazy and exciting adventure to begin!  I know that I will get as much out of this trip as I choose to put into it; this is going to be a life-changing experience....

Muraho Rwanda! 

With Love,

Mary Brittany 

Thank You to SEMO's International Department & Criminal Justice Department!

Quite awhile ago I began in a frantic, yet well-thought out, search for funding from my University.  I have encountered a lot of NO!'s, but have also gotten some "maybe's" that have kept me going.  I am so happy to say that two of the searches have paid off!  I mentioned them in previous posts but never wanted to get my hopes up until they were official.  I still have one "maybe" out there that I will keep to myself though.

Both the International Education & Services Department and the Criminal Justice and Sociology Department have agreed to put money towards reimbursement of my international airfare!  The total ticket for round trip flight was right under $1,900.  I will be doing research while in country and receiving class credit through the CJ Dept. for my research.  I am also using this research for my Senior Honors Project which will most likely also include a University event sometime next Spring. 

The International Department has donated $750 and the Criminal Justice Department is donating $200!

I am very excited to receive this and cannot believe just how close this trip is!  I leave July 20, which is a mere 15 days from today.  How crazy is that?!

Nasty, Yucky, Mean, & Overall Painful Vaccines!

Well today was the day that I had to face my fears and go to the doctor.  I am not good with shots.... to be honest I usually do very bad.  I have been known to pass out, have had two seizures, thrown up everywhere, etc.  So saying I "don't like shots" is like the understatement of the year.  I was so nervous that I honestly began second guessing this entire trip while waiting for the nurse to come in with the vaccines.

It took awhile to find a doctor that is allowed to give the Yellow Fever Vaccine AND is in my network.  I ended up having to travel to St. Louis.  I was so upset that we didn't get to drive by the arch.... that is my favorite part of the city!  Anyway, my travel doctor went through all of the "stuff" about Rwanda.  I honestly wonder if anyone goes in and is stunned when they are told that info?  I mean when you commit to going to a place like Rwanda (or Africa in general), it's advisable to have examined all of that info prior to three weeks before leaving.  For example, I know there is a malaria threat.... and I also understand that I have to be bit by a mosquito in order to get it.  Turns out I needed more stuff than I had planned for though.... I got the medicine for malaria as well as a preventative set of pills for typhoid.  The he said I needed three shots.  Obviously the Yellow Fever, but also Hep A and a booster for Polio.  He said the polio booster really wasn't as important since I had a vaccine already and it should last a lifetime.  I was at a high risk for Hep A though because of the developmental status of the country so he highly suggested that and Yellow Fever. 

I think the funniest part about the day though is when the doctor kept explaining how I could die.  Me: "What if I don't get the Hep A vaccine?"  Him: "Well you will get really sick...and die."  Me: "...and what happens regarding rabies if you get scratched/bit?"  Him: "The infected spot will begin to get numb.... and then you're dead.  Don't touch animals."  hahahaha I know it is serious and true but I think it was just the way it was said/presented.  At least it gave me a good laugh!

I got through the Yellow Fever ok until I sat up.  I got tunnel vision and then it went black.  Luckily I had enough sense to immediately lay down and didn't actually pass out.  I almost left without the Hep A.  Finally I said I'd wait and get it; I am now officially vaccinated against Yellow Fever AND Hep A.  YAAAAAY! No booster for me though.  Below is part of the Yellow Fever cert that I have to keep with my passport at all times.  Ironic that it is printed on yellow paper....  

 Luckily for me I had a wonderful escort to and from St. Louis so that I could sleep the entire way home!  Thanks Andy :)

Saying NO! in Today's Society

DISCLAIMER:  This post is the rantings of a girl who is completely tired of a world that looks at her (as a female) as inferior and ignorant and looks at the entire continent of Africa as a lost cause.  If you would like to bypass this post now.... feel free :)

Since I first found out about this trip to Rwanda, I have gotten many responses from people.  MOST are very supportive and I wholeheartedly thank you for that!  But for those of you who are not.... I am very disappointed.  I have heard many reasons for this type of behavior. 

"What if something happens to you? What's the point?  Where's Rwanda at anyway? Aren't you scared?  You're a girl.... what if something happens to you?  There are people in the U.S. that need more help than them.... don't you want to help them first?  You're going to get killed over there.  You don't have a life anymore Brittany...." 

I am not saying that some people's concerns are not well-founded.  After all, 17 years ago a genocide occurred in this small country that claimed almost 1,000,000 lives including men, women, children, the elderly, and the disabled.  However, regarding violence, the country is much safer now than it has been in the past.  Look up a security report before you open your mouth next time guys....

The country has made great strides in many areas, but some areas are still lacking and it is not ok to accept that so many people are still hurting.  Amazi (water) and Ibiryo (food) are necessities correct?  Yes, I understand that in America there are so many families that are also suffering in a variety of ways.  I am not devaluing their pain by traveling overseas.  I also see that this group is hurting in a way that is unfamiliar to most in America.  In the U.S. there are at least programs in place for those hurting to get help.... and before I say anything else let me say that I know many are very flawed and slow.  Many times in underdeveloped countries there are not even organizations or programs in place to help those in need.  Luckily for me, in Rwanda there are some that are available, although their resources are very limited. Because of this, it is very important to help them succeed so that Rwandans can eventually help themselves.  It is called a hand-up, not a hand-out. 

Some people are meant to work domestically and some internationally.  I choose both.  I do a lot domestically in the U.S. to help various organizations.  But I also have such a desire to work internationally because I view most things in a global perspective instead of just a United States perspective.  We are all humans.  God put each and every one of us on this earth for a reason and I do not believe for as second that "Africa doesn't matter."  I think that is one of the worst things for me to hear.  I don't know how this idea became so popular, but it is really annoying.  I have heard other things said as well in reference to other parts of the world (from the Middle East because of the wars to the Pacific Islands because of Global Warming).  It is pathetic.  Just because a lot of people think that there are no U.S. interests in the regions of Africa (no oil, etc.) then we shouldn't care about what happens there.  Maybe, just maybe, if we all started caring just a bit more about these other parts of the world and our fellow human beings then this world would be a lot better off.  MAYBE we would be a little closer to that altruistic mindset that contributes to an ideal Utopian society.  I'll get off my podium now and stop preaching about peace, but seriously.... just food for thought.

Finally, my favorite thing to hear, "You're a girl" and "You don't have a life anymore."  Really??!!  IT IS THE 21st CENTURY!  Again, no disrespect to those with legitimate fears.... those I understand.  Yes, the world is a little more dangerous for women in certain areas.  That is why precautions are taken and why safety is always foremost on my mind.  However, if I hear one more time how a girl cannot do a damn thing to change anything I may honestly explode.  Does that mean that in their mindset that a man could enact change?  If I am not mistaken.... men have primarily been the ones running many of these areas around the world with such problems and yet.... no change, only violence and oppression.  Surprised?  Maybe it is time for men to step back and let women try their hand at enacting change.  I am not saying that this is a men v. women scenario.  This is a global problem and it should be tackled with a unified front of both men and women.  Just please, even if you think it, do not tell me that going to Rwanda will be useless and that I will not help anything.  If I am able to successfully help even one person then all of this was worth it.  Also, for everyone who thinks I do not have a life anymore, I sincerely apologize.  I know that working 65+ hours a week (depending on my schedules) has caused a hamper in my social life.  I plan to get it back a little once school starts in Sept. since it is my senior year, but really?  Please do not be negative because you think it is more important to be out partying.  This is my future and my choice.  I want to devote my career to helping at-risk women and children both in the U.S. and internationally.  I want to study criminal and international law with a focus in human rights.  I want to make a difference.  I'm sorry if you don't like it or think I will fail.... just wait and see.  I cannot wait to prove you wrong :)          

I came across this amazing ad from Shell recently.  I could care less who made it (so I apologize if you don't like Shell!) but the idea and the message it portrays is great.  It really is time to stop telling people that they cannot make their dreams come true and instead start helping to turn them into reality.