tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377563139382579165.post6306534451042791657..comments2013-04-14T19:05:54.812-07:00Comments on Meg Westley: Engineers Without Borders: Outside Looking InMeg Westleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17833335433314444710noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377563139382579165.post-16514096508885262802013-04-14T19:05:54.812-07:002013-04-14T19:05:54.812-07:00Dear Meg,
My name is Sarah Anne Didora and I am ...Dear Meg, <br /><br />My name is Sarah Anne Didora and I am a former member of EWB-UT. For approximately 5 years I too struggled bringing my mom into the fold with regards to the work we were doing! I probably failed with articulating the differing projects etc but just like Daniel, I was forbidden from traveling abroad and being more active in the change I believed I could assist in.<br /><br />The team is absolutely inspirational and integral. I have personally put into practice the life skills I learned with the organization and parlayed that into being very active in the political sphere of Ontario, Canada.<br /><br /> I've also read your books and I applaud you and all your positive efforts to make sure that this country is better than ever for the sake of our children! :-)<br /><br />You are a true leader! <br />Also, congrats on having such a wonderful son in Michael.<br /><br />Now if only we could cure my MS lol.<br /><br />Sincerely, <br /><br />SarahD <3<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377563139382579165.post-14740199322786792582010-10-11T10:21:07.645-07:002010-10-11T10:21:07.645-07:00Hi Daniel,
Thanks for commenting. I was not parti...Hi Daniel,<br /><br />Thanks for commenting. I was not particularly interested in - or at least focused on - Africa before Mike joined EWB. The impact of EWB on Mike - even before he went to Zambia - was huge. When he suddenly become so passionate about change and Africa and EWB, I was intrigued - I'd never seen him so enthusiastic about anything before.<br /><br />But certainly he was keen to share his passion and his learning with us - and when he went away, following his blog and experiences helped us keep in touch. <br /><br />Recently I've met several of his friends and have realized it's not just Mike, but an awful lot of EWBers who seem to be inspired by the organization's approach/goals - and this made me even more interested. I suppose there must be some people who've been involved with EWB who have had negative experiences/lost interest - I just haven't met any.<br /><br />Sorry to hear your parents didn't get the bug. From where I sit, I can't see what is NOT appealing about EWB!<br /><br />What are you up to now?Meg Westleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17833335433314444710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377563139382579165.post-85551751803139843532010-10-10T12:04:36.022-07:002010-10-10T12:04:36.022-07:00"The experience is profound and individual - ..."The experience is profound and individual - and dramatically changes the way the volunteers think about Africa."<br /><br />Dear Meg, <br /><br />As a fellow EWBer, I can easily relate to that sentence. I did dramatically change during my time with EWB, even if I did not to Africa. The changes I felt were mainly with regards to my friends, family and colleages, and to realize how difficult yet possible it is to empower them to understand the impacts of engineering in development, and to embody the values of global engineering in their future professional life. EWB has changes not only how I think about Africa, but also how I think about Canada.<br /><br />I'm curious to know, how did Mike approach the topic with you, or how did discussions about development arise in your household? Where you interested about Africa before his involvement in EWB, or did he spark your interest through conversations and stories?<br /><br />I ask because I don't think my parents never "got" EWB, nor why I was so passionate about it. I wonder if this is because I didn't communicate our work effectively, or simply because development in Africa was not there cup of tea.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Dan<br />Past president<br />McGill UniversityDaniel Edenhttp://www.danieleden.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2377563139382579165.post-32806355068547864462010-10-08T14:01:23.605-07:002010-10-08T14:01:23.605-07:00Your worry was understandable, Meg. You've sin...Your worry was understandable, Meg. You've since seen the impact and have changed your attitude accordingly. I can relate. Meanwhile, what a wonderful job you've done with your son. He learned something valuable from you and you must be so proud. Kudos for instilling such admirable qualities.Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.com