Reflection

Reflection

I wanted to use this year's theme to write about my home country, Bangladesh. In April of this year, intense heat waves began occurring in the country, with temperatures exceeding 108 degrees Fahrenheit. 33 million students were forced out of schools for the time being. Living in Michigan, and quite frankly, American alone, we are not the most direct recipients of the climate crisis. Developing nations like Bangladesh are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Through my poem, I aimed to contrast my life in America with the daily life my grandparents, along with other Bangladeshi citizens, have had to suffer through for the past couple of months. For one, I have a set night routine each day, which is a blessing in itself. In Bangladesh, however, extreme weather events such as heat waves and cyclones can and have been occurring without warning. I also aimed to emphasize the difference in access to resources. While my family and I thankfully have constant access to air conditioning, my grandparents only have it available in one specific room. Yet despite all their shortcomings, individuals in developing countries are admirably optimistic and strong. They hang on to the slightest sliver of hope, even if it is not visible to the naked eye. As citizens of a developed nation, it is our responsibility to propel their voices, their hopes, and their dreams of leading a life uncontrolled by the climate crisis. Being able to make a difference by simply altering parts of our lifestyle- whether that be as small as recycling or reducing water consumption- is a privilege that we must exercise.