We always hear about Haiti and the destruction caused by the earthquake. We do not necessarily always hear about the individuals, family members and entrepreneurs who are actually trying to make a change in their day to day life. These videos are a huge eye opener to the lives of those who are trying to turn catastrophe into something beautiful and functional. I was most interested in the videos about the fashion designers and business men who are taking old scraps of the horror, and turning them into something tangible for all to use. I think that this process of growth in Haiti is slowly but surely turning out profit that could help them in the future. This can only happen if more word is spread to our generation and our thriving country of America. Just by taking Soc. 119, i have already felt my heart going out to these individuals, not too far from my home. My father is an architect and does a lot of his business in Bahamas. I have grown to love the island and feel overcome with love and affection for the people there. I know that Haiti is in some way close to the bahamas, and similar in geography and culture. The hurricane could have easily hit the bahamas instead of Haiti, which would be just as dangerous. I don't know what i would do if my friends over there were in the same shape as those in Haiti. It makes me feel extremely lucky to have the life i lead. I am inspired by these videos and by the hard work of all the people over there. I think this cause is necessary in order to shed light on the true issues that go on behind the scenes. We don't always hear about the stories in the news that touch our hearts, and bring tears to our eyes. I believe this project will do so, and if it can effect me and a few other penn state students, then maybe we can ignite the fire to the rest of the country. They clearly need our help, and i am more than ready to devote my time and energy into this wonderful cause.

I am writing as a daughter of a greek orthodox father, born in Athens Greece, and a mother born in New York of the jewish faith. I am America. I have lived here my entire life and hold true to all of the ideas of modern american life. My father came from over sees to attend college, hoping to gain all the knowledge and expertise he would need to be a great architect. My mother attended college as well, hoping to follow her "america dream" as a fashion designer. It was here that they met, and here where I was made.
The two different life styles, points of views and ideas that my parents held are the true foundation of what makes me who i am. I feel very proud of my background, and make sure to tell everyone and anyone about it. I believe that this is the reason America is the country that it is. If we were all the same, then we might as well be living in communist China. It is the principle of diversity that opens up the doors for innovation, technology, art and culture. If everyone brings a small piece of their own culture to the table, we are able to expand our mind past preconceived notions.
There is clearly a trend of people leaving their homes(like my father) and moving to this country they call "the melting pot". Hate on it all you want, but without diversity, there would be no drive to set ones self from the rest. If there was no drive, there would be no creativity, and without creativity, we would all be extremely un-enlightened.
There is no disrespect for "american culture" because in reality, there is no such thing as the perfect american. We all have a small percentage within us that traces back to roots elsewhere. We are all a part of this organized chaos of culture, trying to find our way in the world.