Be All You Can Be In Tunisia!

The youth of Tunisia that I've had the pleasure of meeting have been some of the most promising youth I've ever been around! It seems everyone we meet is studying to be a doctor, or a PhD candidate in biotechnology, or already have a Masters Degree in Information Technology, and a number of other higher education students! We've spent our time here with people of great character and of even greater potential! Tunisia's government did a true service to its country when it made higher education free to students smart enough to pursue such a path in life - and indeed it will pay off in the future!

We met with 15 students from Insat University in Tunis to have a discussion about goals, stereotypes, and cultural understanding. These students all belong to at least one of four extra curricular groups: Biotechnology Club, Chemistry Club, Radio Club, and Theater Club. They organized a delicious traditional Tunisian lunch for us, while we hung out, conversed, and bonded for nearly five hours!

Our discussion began with having them introduce themselves and tell about their values and life/career goals. It was quite clear that these kids were shooting for the stars - and I have every bit of confidence in them that they'll make it! Many of their goals were focused on social responsibility, such as creating associations for proper nutrition, biotechnological advancements, and cultural education through theater - and one young man has already started an organization called Ecologically Engaged as a platform to do environmental education for youth in his community! Other goals focused around culture and idea exchanges, traveling and discovery, marriage, and normal goals typical of any college kid: to succeed.

It was inspiring to hear about their ambitions in life and I'm excited for them that their government is giving them the opportunities necessary to further themselves, and in the long run to further their country.

Our discussion moved more toward stereotypes as obstacles in their lives. Some of our participants had at one time or another been negatively affected in some way by a stereotype. And some had been blown away by experiences and people who had broken their previously held stereotypes! They all seemed to agree that stereotypes came from and are propagated by media, conflicts, religion, and a lack of information.

Wrapping everything up, we talked about how to correct stereotypes, and dispel these prejudices and prejudgments. Travel, discussions, and meetings were among the ideas presented to educate people about our differences and similarities. I used good ole Gandhi’s quote, "Be the change that you want to see in the world." to inspire them into knowing that they each have the power to dispel stereotypes by representing the truth about themselves, as this is a practice I hold in quite high esteem.

My favorite comment of the day was in relation to the fact that we are all connected: "If we want to build bridges, we will do it. If we want to cut them - we can too." It is all our responsibilities to recognize stereotypes for what they are, and to look beyond them and see an individual as representing the truth about themselves and no one else!

The meeting was a huge success and gave these kids the opportunity to speak about important issues. In fact, on one tangent, they got into a debate on Islamic principles governing public behavior. Tunisia is not nearly as conservative as Morocco with respect to religion, but still, a healthy, mature debate on a topic like this shows great insight into their culture and is great positive development for them!

My best to you guys and all your future endeavors! Thanks for all your hospitality and participation!