Author Kelsey Timmerman asks Centenary students, "Where Are You Wearing?"

SHREVEPORT, LA — Kelsey Timmerman presented "Common Threads: Searching for Community in our Globalized World" to a packed auditorium of Centenary students Monday, September 26.

Kelsey Timmerman

Timmerman began his talk by showing a pair of boxers to the students, and explaining how they led him to Bangladesh as an undercover underwear buyer. This journey and others like it lead him to write Where Am I Wearing? A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People that Make Our Clothes. According to him, only 3% of clothing is still made in the United States, and much of that work is done in sweatshops.

"We should not be ashamed that our clothes are made by children so much as ashamed that we live in a world where child labor is often necessary for survival," said Timmerman.

Timmerman asked students to be like Spiderman, and follow the wisdom that "with great power, comes great responsibility." He also encouraged the audience to be glocals (local and global citizens) by engaging with their education and the world around them. To begin the journey to being a glocal, Timmerman directed them to use the resources on campus, specifically the Office of Global Engagement.

As the students applauded, Timmerman left them with one final question: "What will your impact be?"

Timmerman's writing has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, Condé Nast Portfolio, World Vision Report, and Worldhum as well as airing on NPR. He has also given talks at high schools and college campuses around the country.

Student Development, Centenary Activities Board (CAB), the Office of Global Engagement, and First-Year Experience (FYE) Faculty sponsored this event.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.