It was exactly one week ago when I started my third and last reading for the next tutorial of one of my courses. The topic? Bystanders. The reading? Why and how do we as individuals morally disengage from the atrocities, pain, and suffering in the world, not even lifting a finger to help aside from commenting the praying emoji on a friend's Instagram profile? Needless to say, the reading didn't make me feel too good about myself.
Instead of reading the paper, my mind then started to wander. What could I do to be a better person for the world and the community I live in? I quickly glanced at my purse but almost immediately redirected my attention - money isn't the solution I'm looking for. I had to find my solution by thinking out-of-the-box. And so, I googled two words: vrijwilligerswerk Maastricht (Volunteer work Maastricht).
Not even 24 hours later, I jumped on my bike and drove to the organization Moetiara Maloekoe to pick up 30 Christmas cards. The plan? Organize a nice, cozy evening with my housemates, write and decorate a few cards and then bring them back to the organization that would distribute them among lonely elderly and people working in the health sector in Maastricht.
Through a small mix-up, 30 cards turned into 300. A cozy night of writing, laughter, and stories turned into a cozy night of concentrated writing as well as cozy breakfasts, study breaks, lunches, more study breaks, and dinners of writing. Our little house has turned into a happiness factory, bringing joy one card at a time.
300 Christmas cards to 300 lonely elderly and health workers all thanks to one reading. Who said that Uni isn't practical enough?
Jesler van Houdt