On Thursday, February 20, 2020, an author named Roger Thurow came to visit Global Citizenship students. For about two months, Global Citizenship students have read a book written by Thurow called, The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children-And the World. To summarize this book, Thurow wrote about how the first 1,000 days from when a baby is conceived to their 2nd birthday is crucial for the mother and fetus and eventual baby to be healthy. In different countries, access to healthy foods and sanitation can be very difficult which can lead to difficulties when having a baby. Thurow goes to different countries such as India, Chicago and Guatemala to interview different mothers on their processes of child bearing to child birth.

 Janice Cen,’20, said, “I really enjoyed reading this book. Just learning about how different factors can drastically change a child’s growth really interested me.” Sophia Ott, ‘21, agreed with her as well. “I really think everyone should read this book. No one seems to really bring attention to maternal and infant mortality. This book really opened my eyes.” They are not the only ones to agree. When Thurow came to visit the students, so many hands rose up to ask questions to the point where initially he did not have time to complete his presentation. He elongated his presentation (originally just supposed to be during 2nd period) all the way to mid 3rd period. 

Faith Townsell, ‘23, said, “This book was so interesting to read. It really inspired me to do more research on the topic of pregnancy and how crucial it is during the first 1,000 days for the mother and child. It makes me wish that I could do more to help mothers in other countries to gain opportunities to create a better life for their child.” If you went to the presentation, did you enjoy it? I recommend this book to everyone, even if they’re not interested in pregnancies. Try asking Mrs. Boyle to borrow the book!