Kristen
7th Grade

Hello, my name is Kristen Day. I attend Dana Middle School in Hawthorn, and I am in the 7th Grade. I have no pets, though I've always wanted a cat. I would really like to visit Kenya to meet people and to speak with them. I feel it would be a great honor to be chosen as one of the six going to Kenya. It is a once in a lifetime chance, both going to Kenya and representing our country in the battle against Measles.

There are many differences and similarities between our life and life in Kenya. In both places are people who just want to be allowed to live their lives free from fear, pain, and hunger. In the U.S., most of us take this kind of life for granted. In Kenya, problems like drought and disease make life more difficult. Another similarity between the countries is that they both rely on the Red Cross to help when things like natural disasters occur or diseases break out.

I don't know that there is anything I can do about measles, although I will try my best to help out in any way I can. There are many things that can be done to help. For example, I could talk to children and make them aware of measles, comfort them when getting vaccinations, or just plain chat. I know I am sometimes nervous when getting shots, and talking to someone when you are afraid can help.

Everyone here in United States of America should feel pretty lucky. We have no idea of the seriousness of diseases like measles in Africa. When you realize that it is not just measles, but also infections that set in when you are weak form measles, you start to see how serious the problem is. Most people are very 'self-centered' and very ignorant of tragedies in any other country besides the USA. When ten people die in a bus crash in LA, people mourn and cry. But when 450,000 kids die of measles in Africa every year, most people don't notice very much. Disasters seem more real the closer they are to home they are.

If I could put the vaccine into any junk food, it would probably have to be Starburst candies. Starburst would be a good choice because it is very strong flavored and might hide the taste better than other candies. Another choice might be something like a Three Musketeers bar since that also might be good at hiding the flavor. I would also choose these candies because they are generally well liked and readily available. I wouldn't put them in something like coconut candies or black licorice because many people don't' like those candies.

Going to Kenya would be an amazing experience. I would like to meet the people and help in any way I can. Just writing this essay has made me more aware of diseases in Africa. It is an honor to be chosen as a candidate for the Kids to Kenya project. It would be a privilege to represent my school and our country on this project. Thank you!