How It’s Going
“This is a time that all people should stand together to support each other…to bring peace and compassion and kindness to this world.” That is what the Venerable Monk, Bhikku Pannakara, strongly proclaimed in an interview with WBTV News in Charlotte. He and 17 other monks have been on a journey to cross the U.S. on foot in the name of world peace. They began their trek at Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 27, 2,300 miles away from their goal, Washington, D.C. As of early February 2026, they have arrived in Richmond, Virginia, placing them roughly 100 miles away from their goal.
Misfortune and Triumph
However, success in this challenging journey came at a cost. In November of 2025, what could have been a fatal car crash led to two monks and their dog companion, Aloka, being injured. One of the monks even had to amputate their leg. What was once 19 monks became 17 through terrible fortune. They also had to brave through harsh, snowy, icy conditions, having few ways to warm themselves as they traveled. They rise at 5:00 AM and walk until dusk, leaving them little to no time to rest. They use the cities they arrive in as rest stops, though they also give speeches. 
The Community
For over 100 days, they have been walking, stopping at each city and empowering its citizens with their speeches. They are usually happily hosted by an institution, which shelters them and allows them to take refuge. For example, in Raleigh, North Carolina, they were provided shelter by the Grace Lutheran Church. Seeing how their beliefs differ, yet the Church was still more than happy to host them, shows the community’s and humanity’s embrace of peace and equality.
The Persistence and Success
Despite the hardships they have faced, the monks have persevered, keeping their heads high and spreading their message of goodwill and peace for all. To think that just 17 people, entirely driven by a desire for world peace, can traverse halfway across the U.S. is inspiring, to say the least.
How We Can Apply This
Hearing this impactful tale, how can we at Santiago High School embark on similar ventures? We can start by treating everyone as one and treating them the same, regardless of their beliefs or ideologies. According to the American Enterprise Institute, about 60% of high school students report feeling unable to express their opinions on a subject, highlighting the lack of safe, peaceful environments where students can speak up. To create these peaceful spaces, we can encourage our peers to open their minds and be considerate. If someone speaks their mind, assuming it is in good faith, we should adhere out of respect. If someone looks different from you, whether in their appearance or their identity, we should respect and embrace one another.
In the end, we are all human and live on the same planet. We bleed the same, we cry the same, we love the same. Let us respect, love, and care for one another.
