Olive Tree Initiative: Middle East - Introduction

I have just returned from my trip with UCI's Olive Tree Initiative to the Middle East, specifically Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. I have decided to start my blog now that I have returned as a way to process everything that happened for each day. The upcoming posts for the next month will highlight a specific day on the trip, including the speakers, what they said, whether or not I believed them, and ultimately what I learned. Consider this as my contribution and a thank you for the UCI supporters and critics. This is also a thank you to those who paid for half of the trip. So that you see your investment making a positive impact. Long term goal: for you to fund students like me to attend a trip next summer. Full rides perhaps? Just kidding. I want to clarify that this trip was in part funded from the collective fundraising of all the members in our organization. Without the help from many of our supporters and from previous trip participants with OTI, this experience would not have been possible. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for this learning opportunity.

I also want to make a disclaimer, that these blogs are only of my own thoughts and opinions, and the opinions expressed are not necessarily represented to those of the University faculty, staff, administration, students, supporters, etc. Also, I do not wish to criticize or or critique the organization Olive Tree Initiative. I am completely supportive of their concept of educational experiential learning. Sure, there are always improvements to make, and there has been a lot of criticism from the public and my own friends, but right now I am speaking from the mindset as a participant and supporter of the organization. Because I can. But I am in no way closed off criticism or suggestions from others. All I ask is that it be an engaging dialogue, constructive in a very minimal way, and always an open-ended conversation. Heck, I am still learning as I hope you are too.

With all that said, anyone who wishes to find out more about the organization themselves, be my guest:
http://www.olivetreeinitiative.org/

I am sure you can find many other articles on the organization yourself, and there definitely are many so... thats all I have to say about that.

Now its my turn. :)