Another Post About Japan

Social media can be a very valuable thing, especially in times of crisis. It never fails to amaze me when I realize how connected our world has become.  Social networks have been buzzing since the 11th of ways to take action, find loved ones, or just raise awareness. Facebook alone counted 4.5 million status updates from 3.8 million users across the world on March 11 that mentioned “Japan,” “earthquake” or “tsunami.” The  animated graphic below reflects this in 10 different points in time.. (You may have to click on the image to see the animated version or go here)

I am glad that the Internet exists, how else could a girl across the planet have any hope of  helping the victims overseas or receive accurate up-to-date information? The tsunami and earthquake may have passed but the recovery has just begun. (Not to mention, the situation could become worse depending on what happens at the Fukushima nuclear power plant...)

Social media makes donating to relief efforts such as the American Red Cross or Save the Children easy. If you aren't very good with the Internet and taking advantage of social media (I was one of them...twitter still confuses me.) There is a web page that explains how in seven simple easy ways. Click here to view the page.

Too often I hear people whining and griping about the "evils technology have brought to our society," but look at how the social media has been used in this crisis. In fact, Monica Diaz of the Red Cross Los Angeles chapter said that "the best way anyone can help is by going online."


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Source:
How Facebook Users Reacted...

Major Pangs

I love the art program I am in, I truly do. They don't accept that many people and I worked too hard to be accepted into my program to change my major now. Even so, every now and again I find myself worrying if I chose the right major. If I should instead be studying in the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. I love learning about life in other countries and I want to travel to A LOT of places.

Even if I am not an "international relations" student, I still take the classes they offer and participate in their forums and events. Through that program I have been able to meet, listen, and on some occasions have lunch with, an ambassador from almost every country. Not to mention listen to some other rad people such as Greg Mortenson, Condoleezza Rice, and Paul Rusesabagina.

This past week I was able to listen to Ambassador Hem Heng of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Even though the room he spoke in was filled with mostly Caucasian students, almost everyone in it spoke the Khmer language...I felt a little out of place. When the Ambassador spoke he discussed his country's past and present and the history of the U.S.'s relation with them. It would seem that our two countries which are now allies have had a rather rocky past together.

I am glad Ambassador Hem Heng and his wife were able to visit Provo. It was great learning about Cambodia. My knowledge of the country was basic and left much for wanting beforehand. Unfortunately, this time I couldn't meet Ambassador Hem Heng. After he spoke I had to run and finish a project. I look forward to next week's visitor, the Ukrainian Ambassador Olexander Motsyk. If you live in Provo or near it you should come!