Don O’Neill, Teacher, Science and Development Studies, Molefi Secondary School, Mochudi, 1970–722/18/2019 Many of us, I expect, have been challenged to answer the often-asked question, "Why did you go?" My answer was often a vague combination of a recognition and appreciation of my life in the "North", a sense of responsibility to share my "wealth", and a recognition of belonging to a community much larger than the farm, town, or province(s) that I had experienced up to that time. Throughout my school years, I delved into various clubs with enthusiasm – the "altar boys" club, high school student council, Newman Club on campus, the University Credit Union board, etc. Perhaps that sense of involvement combined with a legacy of my grandfather’s and, in turn, my father's active participation in forming and sustaining prairie co-operatives, school boards, snow plow clubs, and other community organizations laid a foundation for "Why not CUSO?" and, yes, half-way around the globe.
Of course, the time of my service was very formative – the first time for many new things. Growth and new horizons galore! Little did I think or know that I would gain as much as I "spent" in the "sacrifice" of volunteering!
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June 2019
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