Experiencing the 'other' Mexico

Catholic New Times, May 18, 2003 by Melanie Gaudet

CCIDD taught me some very valuable lessons. The first was to not take anything for granted. I must cherish every aspect of my life, from being able to flush toilet paper, to knowing that at six o,clock there will be a full dinner on the table. The second was not to underestimate the value of the poor. The people I ,net in Mexico were some of the most beautiful, strong and wise people that I have ever encountered in my life. The third, and in my opinion, the most important lesson was that our most powerful tool is our voice. Before, I wondered what I could do to help people. I eventually learned that by making others aware, I am helping to end the poverty cycle.

CCIDD gave me the gift of knowledge which is one of the most important gifts I've ever received. Gerardo Thjissen, an economist whom we had the privilege of hearing at CCIDD, once said that life and the world economy is like a game. There are players and there are spectators. More of us need to leave the sidelines and join the game. CCIDD has given me the power to become a player in the game of life. I will never forget my time at CCIDD or the valuable lessons I learned.

Melanie Gaudet is a grade 12 student at Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.