My first week in London has been jam-packed with new, challenging, uncomfortable, fun, and breathtaking experiences. In an environment where English is heard less often than other languages, I feel I have peeked through the keyhole unlocking our world?s diversity. Comprehending how different my upbringing was from the majority of the population is a strange and new sensation. Subconsciously, I held and hold beliefs unique to my life’s experience that lacked consideration of people and cultures I never understood outside of TV or a history book, which often seem detached from reality. Being around volumes of representatives from these unique cultures have brought those beliefs to light and challenged their roots and reasoning. Armed with unlimited tube travel, a map, an open mind, and a desire to learn I have enjoyed every minute of this experience.
My responsibilities with Musequality are an absolute joy. The organization is a small nonprofit started by David Juritz, who busked around the world to raise money for music projects in struggling schools in developing countries. Musequality?s mission is to support communal music-making for disadvantaged boys and girls in developing countries, giving them the skills, confidence and experience they need to turn their lives around. Today, many schools are receiving the funding necessary to implement and execute basic music programs, and the fine skills that associated with both. The aim is not to produce professional musicians but to give marginalized children an opportunity to regain their self-respect, rebuild their confidence and develop life-skills that will lead to better futures for themselves and their communities. Many studies have shown that children who spend time learning to play an instrument show huge improvements in their academic and social skills. One of the first schools to be sponsored by Musequality saw drastic improvements in the test scores of their students, ranking 223rd out of over 5,000 schools.
Musequality puts on an annual event called the ?World Busk? to raise money for their music projects. ?Busking? occurs when a musician or artist performs in a public place to earn money. For one week, registered groups and individuals will donate the proceeds from their talents to Musequality. However, this year, a few unique opportunities have expanded the project. One June 11th at 6 PM BST, groups will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest busk at multiple venues. Also, Transport for London has offered many tube stations through which thousands of people pass each day as venues for the week.
Guinness, as you may expect, does not just hand out records. Extreme diligence in documenting each individual busk and each member of those busking groups is necessary to even have a chance at the record. My job includes full responsibility for organizing and overseeing several groups and marketing the event through social media, email, and distributing fliers to storeowners across the city. I have loved working with the small team on a project that every member is passionate about. Musequality?s work force of five makes for plenty of responsibility and flexibility for each member. There is no 9-5, only the tasks to be completed. Instead of a structured work schedule with basic tasks, I have the freedom to think creatively, present, and implement my ideas for the World Busk.
I am so thankful for an engaging work environment and incredible learning opportunities in London this summer.?I?m looking forward to posting more about the Guinness World Record attempt and new experiences in the UK!
MIND THE GAP: Favorite cultural difference of the week
-?Cheers?: A sentiment without American equivalent (that I can recollect) which can be used to say ?Thank you? or simply wish goodwill on the person to which you are speaking.
