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The Importance of the “Average Person”: How to Make a Difference in the World by Shopping!

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Andrea Kemp Student Contributor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
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Amber Strazzo Student Contributor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Millersville chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

How do we effectively change our world? I am hopeful that there are more people than I allow myself to believe asking this very same question. Human beings (more specifically women, if we’re all being honest…) have this tendency to overcomplicate things. We can take something incredibly simple and turn it into one big giant mess of confusion that no one in their right mind would even consider tackling.

The reality is that our world is in fact very malleable (Bono said this), it can be hammered into shape, and this is how…
When the “average person” chooses to take small and practical steps to be conscious of the world around them.
When the “average person” takes a few minutes to raise their own awareness about one of the many injustices in the world, thus raising the awareness of others.
When the “average person” ultimately decides that their life is more than just your life; your life is a legacy, and each one of us is destined to be more than just “average.” 

So how do we change the world? At the local level all it takes is kindness. It is so simple! A smile, a quick compliment, an opened door… all of these things add up. Little things equal big change. 

At the global level it is important to realize that the choices we make that are incredibly insignificant to us make a huge impact on the rest of the world. Whether it’s where we get our clothing or where we purchase our groceries – your little decisions equal very big impact. As a college student I realize the importance of convenience as well as cost efficiency, but it’s in the little things that we find the biggest change… 

So here are some ways you can change our world that are easy, practical, and financially doable. And did I mention they’re fashionable and cute,  too? 


Sevenly
 is an organization that partners with a different non-profit every week, creating a unique and one of a kind t-shirt designed specifically for their cause. $7.00 of each purchased tee goes directly to the non-profit! They’ve raised $266,455 as of today. $22.00 to change the world – doable? I think yes!


KrochetKids
 is an incredible organization started by a few guys that learned how to crochet and decided to use this simple hobby to empower and encourage women in Uganda. Each hat is handmade by a woman on their team, signed by her, and shipped to YOU: the consumer. When you buy one of these hats, you are positively changing the life of another woman across the globe –  who very conveniently (and awesomely) you are able to virtually meet on the organization’s website! How cool is that? 


And now for the jewelry-loving collegiette, 31bits is an organization that also benefits women in Uganda. One of the things they’re known for are these beautiful pieces of paper-bead jewelry. I can’t even explain to you the process to make one of these fabulous accessories! But let me tell you – these women have such a gift, and you give them the opportunity to keep pursuing that gift AND be trendy/cute doing it! I have one of these necklaces and I love it. I’m 100% convinced you will too. And every time you wear it, you will be reminded of how much hope you are bringing into a woman’s life!

Changing our world is simple, so let’s do it. Little things equal big change.

Photo Sources:
www.sevenly.org
www.krochetkids.org
www.31bits.com

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Amber Strazzo

Millersville

Amber Strazzo was born in Queens, NY, but raised in Lancaster, PA. She is currently a Senior at Millersville University, studying Public Relations and Journalism. Amber is the Vice President of Programs of the Xi Tau chapter of Delta Zeta, and is very active in Greek life on her campus. She's a self-proclaimed social media junkie, and loves shopping, her Nook and catching up episodes of Pretty Little Liars. After college, Amber plans to head south for grad school for student affairs.