Field Notes #1

Today, September 8th, 2008 I took several steps towards becoming involved in a group for our semester long project. After reading our class email, I decided upon joining Face Aids, as the crisis particularly concerning HIV/AIDS in Africa has long been an interest of mine. Eager to begin, I attended an informative session covering all topics such as how Face Aids got its start, its mission, founders, funding and much more. Most exciting, however, was seeing and hearing first hand from the organization’s president who told of his seven week journey through the poverty stricken area, rampant with refugees, and struggling to survive this relentless epidemic. It was not but a few moments into his recap that I found myself hooked on participating in this organization. Hearing his passion for this cause further inspired me as, I too, longed to make a difference. In addition to the president’s speech, I was moved by a pamphlet each attendee received. Reading over the group’s mission statement and plan of action further proved how this “student campaign to fight AIDS in Africa” which meets here on campus and at other schools around the nation, is affecting the lives of people a world away. Just counting the Austin chapter’s contributions as of last year, over $4,000 was raised. After leaving this informative meeting, I downloaded the group’s application and emailed it a counsel member. Furthermore, I plan to attend next week’s meeting, pay my dues, join a committee, and table as a means of achieving my goal of becoming involved in this organization as well as working “to mobilize and inspire students, to fight AIDS in Africa.”