Some thoughts on the past semester....

As a new member of XCEL this semester, I just wanted to mention how much fun I’ve had, and how much I’ve learned. It’s been a really great experience. I’ve truly enjoyed working with all of you.

We made really great progress with Leadership Lately. We learned a lot about putting together a bigger publication, and I’m ready to do it again next semester. This week, there was a new XLC (Justin, I believe his name was) who came in for shadowing and he was looking at the magazine. He mentioned that we should put some leadership crossword puzzles in it. I thought that was pretty funny since we discussed it, but never actually got to it. I guess it’s something we should consider for our next issue.

In news not necessarily pertaining to the Publications Team, everyone should keep an eye out for the new Public Speaking Program that is going to make its big debut early next semester. Ani has made some great ads for it, and I have some really funny “bad presentations” from Viktorija, Yann, and Yelena. So encourage anyone you know who wants to brush up on their public speaking skills to sign up for the program early next semester.

I hope everyone has a safe trip home, and a great holiday! See you next year :-)

-Emily

Social Entrepreneurship

A social entrepreneur is a person who recognizes the need for change in society and uses entrepreneurial principles to create a venture for social action. Social entrepreneurs differ from business entrepreneurs in that the former measure success by positive societal impact while the latter use profit and return to gauge their success. Social entrepreneurs have the ability to think in many dimensions - social, financial, spiritual, practical - and combine seeming opposites - business and humanitarian aid, imagination and structure - to create change in the world. A social entrepreneur combines business savvy with humanitarian pursuits; a social entrepreneur is in the industry of selflessness.

In the near future, social entrepreneurs will be called upon to step into major leadership positions. The values and needs of humankind are rapidly changing; the demand for those with a new vision and the courage to make their vision a reality is increasing. Groups like The Schwab Foundation and the Ashoka Organization are at the forefront of providing the world with the type of leader it needs to usher in better times for the human family.

So how will you contribute to the bettering of society? How will you leave your mark on the world?

"A Little Light Dispels Much Darkness."

Last week's terrorist attacks in Mumbai were another massive link in the chain of destruction terrorists are using to imprison the world in fear. Over 160 people were killed in the seige on Mumbai; Indians, Israelis, Americans, Japanese and Britains all are among the dead. Those left mourning for loved ones in all parts of the world are united by their grief, brothers and sisters in bereavement. The question on everyone's mind is, "Why?"

Why were a father and his teenage daughter killed as they pursued deeper spirituality? Why did a young rabbi beloved of non-Jews and Jews alike in the Mumbai community have to watch his wife die before he himself was executed? Why were hundreds of innocent tourists murdered on their vacations? Why were scores of innocent Indians murdered in their home city?

While "why?" is a legitimate question, I don't think it's the right question to be asking. Asking "why?" in the ugly face of terrorism leads to much painful speculation and no constructive action. If we want to do justice to those who have fallen, not just in the Mumbai attacks, but in every act of senseless violence throughout history, we must act. The question that leads to action is, "How?"

How do I make sure this can't happen again? How do I channel my fear and anger into action for a better world? How do I gather people together and empower them to heal themselves and others? How do I do my part in fixing our world?

In times of terror, in times of destruction, when the fat layers of complacency are stripped away from everyday life, this is when the darkness of our world is revealed. And the darkness is revealed in order that we bring our light to it. We have seen some black days here on Earth, but in the blackness is an opportunity for the best of ourselves to shine forth. And the best of ourselves is who we really are - wellsprings of strength, of healing, of change, of love. Don't let fear or, worse, complacency, tell you any differently. Do something. Change a mind. Change a life. Change the world.

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