There is more to this world than your own backyard

One of the many issues that The Vision Lab will tackle is the lack of students' local and global explorations. I have often wondered why as African Americans we do not travel as much as those in other cultural groups. I have heard that it is lack of finances, the fear of the unknown, lack of understanding of the importance of traveling outside of your comfort zone, and the list goes on...

I believe the biggest obstacle is fear. I also believe that we are allowing this fear to prevent our youth from developing a global perspective. Individuals from other cultural groups have studied us more than we have studied ourselves which keeps us at a disadvantage. I wonder if this resistance to study thyself is also a fear of unveiling the truths about ourselves that we don't want to acknowledge. That's another topic....Just let it marinate.

We must first understand who we are in order for us to understand how we relate to others. One of the best ways to relate to others is to travel and see the world. Dare to go outside of your own backyard. Get over the silly myths about other countries and cultural groups, and go visit for yourself. Stop preventing your children from exploring, because you are afraid.

Getting a passport is costly, but it is well worth it. Even when funds are limited people always seem to find the money to purchase what they want. Make the passport a priority, if not for yourself, for your children. Travel around the United States until you get that passport. You will find that there is so much more to learn. If you really want to experience economic empowerment get out and explore this world. Get over your fear of flying because you can't drive everywhere. Whatever your fear may be, stop allowing it to control your so that you can receive what the world has to offer you beyond your backyard.