Product Description
by Susan Straight (Author)
Faced with having to create a new life for herself after a devastating personal loss, the author takes a leap of faith and follows a vision she has had of working with young people in a province of China near the border with Southeast Asia. She has no idea what she will do or how she will do it, but goes with friends on a six month quest and ends up staying nearly 8 years. The book takes us on a poignant journey of discovery and connection leading to deep understanding of the Chinese culture and great love for the young people and minority villagers she comes in contact with. This is a book which challenges our notions of aging, of healing and of possibility in a time of great upheaval throughout the world. It poses the question of how one person can make a difference in bringing more love to the planet, in the face of fear.
Author Biography
Susan Straight has been a leader in the service learning movement in the US since 1994 and has promoted volunteerism internationally since 200 in Japan, Thailand, Argentina, Australia, and then for seven years in China. Her passion is to inspire and empower young people to take an active role in solving many of the world's problems, assuming a deeper responsibility. Susan has trained teachers, developed student projects, promoted service learning at the NM Legislature and in Washington, DC, and created a structure for university students volunteering in Yunnan Province, China. In addition, she has created cross-cultural programs between the United States and China, bringing university students together to assist in alleviating poverty in Yunnan Province's minority villages. The Center for Intercultural Education, which Ms. Straight leads, supports students in running their own projects, learning project, volunteer, and financial management, marketing, and promotion and grant writing. All of the Chinese programs have been student run.
