Christina
![image]()
| Name: |
Christina Bakker |
| I live: |
Australia's Grand Capital |
*Where did you grow up?*
In Tassie.
*A few words about me*
I have an ecclectic work history, often straying from my agricultural science background. A real high for me was nine months that I spent in Vietnam and more recently, three months in the country of extreme condradictions: India. I’m a cycling addict and also enjoy being outdoors, basketball, frisbee, fine arts, cooking, foreign films, novels...
*Where do you belong?*
In Australia. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE traveling. But I always sigh with relief when returning to Australian soil - it's just so nice to feel a part of the community.
*What really gets you going - what makes you act?*
Hearing about issues and then learning that very little is being done, or more help is required. As an example, I’m concerned about the lack of services available for refugees in Australia.
*When you care about an issue, what do you need in order to do something about it?*
If I care about an issue I like to get informed. After that, it usually relies on my initiative and a whole lot of web-searching/asking around/looking at ads in community spaces etc to find ways to get involved.
*What would you most like to change (for the better) about where you live?*
I’d like to know more of the people who live around me. It seems that we know less and less people in our street/suburb these days – barely our neighbours. In a previous place I lived we held street parties and it was a great way to get a sense of community and meet some fun and interesting people who live nearby.
*What is your first reaction when you hear something you don’t agree with?*
My first reaction is to want to find out more information on the subject so I can make an informed opinion.
*What’s the difference between caring about something and doing something about the things you care about?*
I think that being aware that you care about something is a really important first step. Once this is clear, to go ahead and act on these feelings and actually get out and do something is very self-empowering. You are making a conscious decision to help change the situation – be it great or small. And in doing so you are letting others know that you care and can impact on their behaviour.
*Who are your ‘action’ role models … people you have seen take action on anything that you have admired*
As of late I'm inspired by people who volunteer in the community rather than the big and famous names. People helping out at nursing homes, working with disadvantaged kids, providing food and a chat for homeless, helping run a no-gov group etc.
*What makes you laugh?*
Friends and family, playing basketball, watching people take life far too seriously, kids and animals doing anything, bargaining,...
*Life motto*
The only person that can make you do or feel anything is you!
