The Rewards of Displacement

We, as a class, defined displacement as "not belonging". In this state we have no "power, choice, or control" (class discussion). There are a lot of reasons why displacement can be seen as a scary idea because it is a state completely out of our own element. For instance, moving away from home, making new friends, starting a new job, joining a new group, adjusting to new economic or cultural standards, are all common examples of displacement seen in our country. Effectively, displacement involves a change in something or some aspect of everyday life. While displacement can drive fear and anxiety into people's hearts, it can also make for a great learning experience. I believe that in any change comes a chance to find out something new about ourselves. For example, moving away from home can give us the opportunity to find out in what ways we need to gain independence in order to support ourselves. It can also give us the chance to find out which things are of most value in our lives that we may take for granted. Sometimes, it takes change for us to realize our goals or to find out who we truly are as people. Since moving away from home, I have learned qualities about myself that I didn't know I had. Displacement has given me the opportunity to figure out what I want for myself, the kind of person I want to be, and how I can best use my gifts to serve the world. Cheesy, but true. It's also important to recognize that this theme of displacement has been changing lives throughout history, such as in the battle for civil rights and through immigration, and it will continue to change lives in the future. It is a timeless state. Although displacement can be tough on us initially, there are many benefits that can result from it and within it comes a chance to learn and grow.