Hope, Opportunity, and Pink Soup

There is no way to explain what we have been learning and feeling all day today. You just had to be in our shoes. I speak on behalf of all my peers when I say that after this breathtaking experience, we have consciously realized the need for social entrepreneurship. However, let’s talk about our day.

First of all, we presented our ideas for a social venture in class and gave feedback to each other’s idea. Then, we ranked them regarding our preferences so that next Monday we can start developing them. We cannot wait!

Once we had lunch, we left UTC and went to the Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga. This nonprofit organization has been around for 112 years and the told us they have been giving ‘hope and opportunity to young people’. We have seen how those young girls and boys have fun, learn, ask and care about themselves and us. They were pleasantly surprised by our ages, accents, and games! Moreover, we are amazed by all the positive energy transmitted and the natural synergy. Besides, in their questions and little gestures we appreciated curious, respectful and humble citizens that intuitively (and thanks to their mentors) seek for a better personal future that will lead to an overall improvement for their community. These young boys and girls showed us another perspective for the U.S. that we feel lucky to have encountered.

Once we were back home we met up to celebrate Lithuania’s Statehood Day with Saltibarciasi, or pink soup, which is a perfect cold plate for this hot hot weather here in Chattanooga. We loved to know more about Lithuania and we wish all the Lithuanians a happy day!