Join Girls in Transforming the World

Join women and girls as they bring voice to barriers and solutions to accessing education and celebrate inspiring mothers and mentors.

Learn How to Participate »

Read Other Submissions »

Watch the World Pulse Video

The Power of the Written Word

by noreens | September 21, 2010 at 9:29 PM

noreens

Welcome to My World

Tags:

2010 VOF Week 1

When I was a little girl growing up in Nigeria where my father worked, almost every week my mother would take me to the university bookshop. I felt such joy as I walked between the shelves of brand-new books, quickly scanning their titles, as I filled my hands with the most interesting.

At home, I would drop into the most comfortable chair, and soon be absorbed in the world of my story book, becoming one with the characters, eager to see where they would take me.

And, thus began my initiation into the beauty, creativity and power of the written word.

My obsession with books is almost as old as I am. I love to hold them, to feel the paper between my fingers, and to soak up the stories and information that they hold.

However, much has changed since I was a child, and the internet brings the treasures and problems of the world into one’s home.

To be honest, computers used to scare me! But a fifteen minute crash course on internet use was enough to conquer my fears and get me hooked.

Doors of knowledge opened. With the click of a mouse, I was able to read about things that I had not ever thought about, or knew existed. I was transported to foreign countries and their delicious kitchens, to cinemas and sports activities, and to religious and political events…….the world awaited me, just with the click of the mouse.

I realized that the world really is small. Not only could I talk to friends and family online, I could also make new friends from all over the globe. I set up a Facebook account, but once again my fears overcame me. Not one to bear my soul to strangers, I felt very exposed – as if my deepest thoughts showed. I cancelled the account.

One day I accidently stumbled upon World Pulse. How refreshing to see a site where women can talk freely about their lives!! I have read some amazing stories by ordinary women doing extraordinary things to better their communities, and to bring human rights and women’s rights to the forefront. Through their words, I recognize the strength and resillience that women carry within them, and I believe that once they release it, working together, they can do wonderful things. I have a deep admiration for each of them for they speak from their hearts, and without fear.

My love of books developed into the gift of writing. It’s how I express myself best, and it is what I have to offer. I have met some incredible people who have honored me by letting me tell their stories. But I am just a middle (wo)man. A community like World Pulse allows people to tell their own stories and their truths – without being edited. Here, they are not limited by what readers or editors want to hear.

I am proud to be a part of this inspirational, courageous community. I want my voice to be heard.

Comments

Dear Noreen,
Thank you for the wonderful presentation words you used for your assignment. While reading through it, I discovered some parallels in our history and some common ground. It was fascinating and amazing at the same time. I am really proud and happy to have the chance of meeting you and I wish we can do a part of this wonderful and interesting, as well as enlighting process together.
Peace and friendship to you and your family
Eliana

Eliana

Hi Eliana,

That is so sweet of you to say! I have got to get a cup of coffee now but I will be in touch later today.

Have a good day!

Noreen

HI Noreen
Thank you for your prompt reply. I go get a cup of coffee too so that I get the day starting and moving. Good to read from you.
Have a peaceful day
Eliana

Eliana

this is so nice my dear Noreen , iam sure we all can hear your voice

best,
ALia

Thanks Alia! I was a bit hesitant to hit the "submit button" so I am happy to hear such nice comments. I have not had a chance to read through the submissions of the other members but I will, and I am looking forward to reading yours also. as far as hearing my voice goes.........you will, i have a lot to say about things here!

Thanks!

Noreen

iam waiting to hear your voice when you comment on my assignment too ;)

have a nice day
Alia

we women have so many things in common and you mentioned so many in your writing
congratulations, you did a great job

everly

Solvitur ambulando
(it is solved by walking)

glad you read it, and thanks!

You described the seductive quality of reading and personal connection beautifully. Thank you for sharing your very personal experience.

JT Long

telling stories; creating communities

Hi JT,

Thanks so much for your comment! I just read your profile, and I said in my mind, "Wow! She (a journalist) said that about ME!!!" How you describe your love of writiing is the same way I describe mine...........making a living doing what you love which is telling people's stories. It's great, isn't it?

Noreen

Dear Noreen, great post! I enjoyed reading it as I recognized myself when you talked about your passion for reading. It's wonderful to have you here in this community and share stories! Keep going!
Ivana

Noreen,
As a fellow bibliophile, I was enchanted by your descriptive post. Books were my solace and playground as a child - and they still are today. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Terri

Thanks so much for the compliments! I will be following both of your posts too!
Noreen

Noreen,

Your first assignment was gorgeously written. My fingers could feel the pages of a book between them and smell the mustiness of an old bookstore. It brings up many memories.

You have a gift for the written word. For this assignment, though, I longed to read more specifics about, "What solutions you think Web 2.0 brings to the global women's empowerment movement." Just something to chew on as you move to the next assignment...

I look forward to reading more of your writing.

Warmly,
Jennifer

Jennifer Ruwart
Founder and CEO
Moyo Jasiri

Hi Jennifer,

I'm so happy that my article was so well accepted. It makes me eager to get started on the second assignment.

You're right - other then briefly mentioning that women can feel free to write their truths without being edited, and can do great things if they work together, I guess I didn't say much about Web 2.0 and the women empowerment movement. Had I expanded on that point, I would have said that by writing their stories honestly, without thinking about pleasing readers or editors, women are able to break the barriers that are caused by stereotyping. By reading each others stories, stereotypes based on color, religion, nationality, and gender, will be dropped as an understanding of each other develops. People will be treated as individuals, rather then as a group. I also think that hate, fear and misunderstandings have been created in the world today due to the political situation, and individual stories through Web 2.0, might help to lessen the fear and bring about understanding and acceptance. Through education comes empowerment.

Noreen

Hi Noreen,

I agree with what you said about facebook. Sometimes the internet can be overwhelming because there are no limits. I also don't like exposing myself through a profile in that way, but am too learning the comforts of World Pulse while I'm reading posts like yours and others. It's nice to know that we all come here with similar interests from around the world and can share in that together.

Thanks for your entry!
carly

Hi Carly,

When I first signed on with World Pulse, I wrote only a few sentences about myself, but as I got more comfortable I added more information. As you said, the internet can be overwhelming, not to mention dangerous. I'm not quite sure why it's easier to feel more comfortable here then on other similar sites, but for me, it may be because i realized that people are writing about very serious subjects - it's not just a place to talk about just anything. i think there was also more of a comfort level because most of the members are women. I like it!

Noreen

Noreen,

An amazing reflection.

I, too, grew up loving books. We were very poor growing up, but my mother always ensured that we had books first, toys second. She would always take me to the public library where I was a regular and where I won several reading contests!!

Claudia

Thanks Claudia. As much as I love the internet, still there is nothing like holding a book. I never listened to books on cassette or read an e-book. They just are not as personal.

Noreen