Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

Over spring break, I was fortunate to participate in an Georgetown University Alternative Breaks Program trip (ABP) which explored immigration issues on the Arizona-Mexico border. During that week, we crossed into Mexico, served meals to migrants, visited a detention center, spoke with the U.S. Border Patrol, listened to federal court hearings, and participated in several other adventures, making our trip both emotionally draining and stimulating. One of the most impactful experiences, however, did not require a long car ride to a significant landmark. I was most impacted by a simple conversation with Rev. John Fife, or as my leader liked to call him, "the last known cowboy."

Over the last two weeks, the world watched with anticipation as countries competed for gold in the Winter Olympics which were held in South Korea. This great event unites countries and cultures, while cultivating a common spirit of competition. However, as we approached this year's games, a nuclear fog hung over the Korean Peninsula. Over the past few months we have seen a rekindling of existing tensions, as North Korea attempted to test its new nuclear capacities and display them to the world. The Olympics brought renewed tension to one of the most critical issues of our time.