As an organization dedicated to supporting students in being informed and engaged global citizens, we feel compelled to acknowledge the immense human suffering and loss that is happening in Palestine. While there are many conflicts happening around the globe that we don’t mean to look away from, Gaza, in particular, stands out to our staff as needing an acknowledgement, as our current students are organically sharing their thoughts and struggles on both the war and on ongoing demonstrations and anti-war protests at PSU. 

At Carpe Mundi we believe in a common humanity, that every life is precious, and that all humans deserve access to a full life. As a team, we are overwhelmed, disheartened, angry, and distressed at the current state of destruction, violence, death, displacement, and suffering. And we struggle with how we can make a difference and fight for peace. We imagine we’re not the only ones in our community feeling this way. 

In times of despair, it’s helpful to focus on what we can do. At Carpe Mundi, what we can do is lean into our mission of supporting more students to be globally minded individuals. We believe that international learning experiences open our eyes in a new way to what is happening in the world, both the beautiful and the tragic. Only by opening ourselves to new experiences and perspectives, can we be advocates for the world we want to cultivate. International experiences aren’t only meant for collecting memories, or seeing the most beautiful sites, they also serve as a way to learn more about the challenges and movements that are taking place throughout the world. In learning about global communities, it’s important to see nuance, acknowledge harm, hold space for hard conversations, and keep our minds open to seeing things in a different way. Right now, as a team, we are working on practicing these principles with each other and our current students, as we continue to educate ourselves and follow along with the crisis in Palestine and movements happening in the US. We are following social media accounts that share updates, are educating ourselves more deeply on the history of the region, and we are holding space for our current students to share their opinions, feelings, and frustrations with each other. We must seek to understand, engage in hard conversations, and find ways to take actions that resonate with us as individuals. 

In an effort to embody our mission with our community, we are sharing some resources below that we’ve found useful. We also invite others to share space and connect. If you’re struggling with what’s going on in the world, please reach out, you’re not alone. We’re always open to having conversations, listening, and sharing ideas. 

From Portland to Palestine, and everywhere in between, we believe all young people deserve dignity, justice, and the resources to reach their full potential. We stand with our students past, present, and future. Please stay safe. We love you. 

Resources: 

Rachel Anderholder