This activity really effectively demonstrated how much we take for granted light. As we tried to squint enough to be able to read the tiny print on our quizzes we all felt our eyes getting tired and our focus being strained, as it was really difficult to think clearly when having to give so much energy to just reading. We moved much more slowly and less efficiently, and really the pace of the classroom was slowed down. Though the LED lanterns added some light, they were still not adequate enough to let us think or move at the usual pace we are accustomed to.
Throughout much of this class––but especially during this experience––I have been reminded of living in Guatemala for four months. For part of my time I traveled to a school in mountains near a city called Xela and slept in the school but joined a Guatemalan family in a small village near the school in their home for meals. This family didn't have electricity and their house consisted of sheet metal siding and a dirt floor, and the light that they had came when they opened the door. They seemed to be "getting by" and still able to cook and clean, but I was never there after the sun went down and I don't think I even thought about how they would be affected by the lack of lighting. I am still figuring out how to process the difficulties posed to a life without electricity, and I'm really grateful we did this activity, as it has made me reflect even more on my past experiences (and the life I was born into and continue to be fortunate enough to live in).
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