With the Fall Semester coming to a close, we now have more time than ever to catch up on things in the media. During the holiday season, it is important to remember how fortunate we are and how important it is to give back. Here are three videos that will help you rethink during your break (and maybe even give back!).
#FirstWorldProblems are not problems
This video was created for Water For Life, which is a non-profit organization that raises awareness to provide clean drinking water for those in countries that do not have it. Water is definitely something that we take for granted. It’s important to realize that there are people around the world, even during the holidays, who will not have clean water to drink.
The video features people from third-world countries reciting typical “first-world problems” that many of us have used at some point. It’s amazing how ridiculous our so-called-problems seem when they’re being told in that perspective!
So, how can you help? Give a donation as a Christmas present this season–giving someone the ability to have clean drinking water is the perfect gift. Share the video and organization’s purpose to people on your social media to spread the word. And, stop using #firstworldproblems because there are some people in the world who would love to have the chance to experience one of our “problems.”
West Jet Christmas Miracle
If this video doesn’t get you in the giving spirit, nothing will. A Canadian airline, West Jet, granted a flight their Christmas wishes from yours truly, Santa! Parents and children both were wide-eyed and even tearing up as they saw what they wished for arriving on the baggage claim.
The airline said that they wanted to show what giving looked like and they nailed it. Not only did 250 people get amazing presents, but it truly brought back the spirit of Christmas to everyone.
Remember over the holidays, it’s not all about receiving gifts. Embrace the gift of giving and see how you feel when you put others before you!
Because who is perfect?
Pro Infirmis, a Swiss charity, made an impact on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. They took measurements of people who have disabilities, such as malformed spine or missing a limb. They then created mannequins that were the exact measurements and portrayed the individual and placed them in a storefront. It’s intentions? To “provoke reflection on the acceptance of people with disabilities.” In today’s world, we are quick to judge and this video is a great way to show how people are people, regardless of appearance or disability.
No one is perfect–that’s something that we can all agree on. Throughout the holidays, remember that and try to improve yourself by being more accepting of others. You never know what someone is going through or how they feel inside, so smile and make someone’s day instead of being quick to judge!
So, as you have time over break, be sure rethink! Give back, realize how good you have it and try not to judge others that you come across. You won’t regret it!