Vermont Travel Award 2010 : Where to begin?

Submitted by ButterflyWings on 16 July 2010 - 8:39am

Where do I begin?  12 days of absolute bliss in the Green Mountain State, more commonly known to all as Vermont. As we began our “Mock Congress” on Day 1 of the programme, I knew it was going to be a remarkable and fascinating 12 days!

The local participants along with the other international guests were incredibly welcoming and open-minded. They were as much fun as they were intelligent and objective. I was inspired hugely by their advanced levels of maturity and capacity to argue an in-depth debate on Evolution vs. Creationism! Not only did they present their contradicting perspectives and rebuttals with intense passion, but they also maintained a significant level of respect and tolerance towards the opposing side.

This experience has opened my eyes to the world! The workshops on Human Trafficking and Global Warming have really thrown my world into perspective. From a HIV/AIDS Presentation to a UN Crisis Simulation on Darfur I have learnt the errors of the Western Worlds mindset. I have learnt the difference between sincere charity and society’s instilled moral obligation, the difference between empathy and sympathy and the cycle by which controversial issues are inter-connected. No longer will I worship the Cosmetic Industry and impenitently spend money on irrelevant possessions!