By Colter Hettich, Features Editor

Opheera McDoom, Reuters’ correspondent in Sudan, “was one of the first foreign correspondents to begin covering the Darfur conflict in 2003,” according to reuters.com.

After five years, the Darfur region seems as hopeless as ever, and McDoom feels a little hopeless herself. In a story published on Feb. 25, McDoom expressed her frustration over four and a half years’ worth of writing and seemingly nothing to show for it.

In her story, she describes a Darfuri woman who, standing in front of the remains of her burned house, asked McDoom how she was supposed to eat the seeds she held in her hand.

“More than ever, I am wondering how much difference my reporting can make,” Mc- Doom wrote. “Despite the largest aid operation and global media attention, people are still dying, foreign peacekeepers have not been fully deployed and the woman in my nightmares cannot eat.”

I can’t help but empathize with McDoom the best I can and ask myself, “Is her reporting making a difference?”

Before discussing the matter, a clear distinction needs to be made: McDoom makes no reference to any kind of moral dilemma or peace of mind.

I do not know this woman nor can I read her mind; I can only read what she wrote for me to read. I see a person who wants to know if she has wasted four and a half years of her life.

I look first to the men and women who have had the biggest impact on the world. Sometimes the biggest change comes about long after its instigator passes away.

The historical figures whom the world exalts stood for more than outcome. The colonial men and founding fathers whom our country holds in highest esteem lived and fought for principles, not results.

Understand that I am not referring to moral principles, but principles in general.

Were we to live for results, most of us would lead incredibly disappointing and depressing lives. Instead, we decide on a principle to follow, such as “It is important to work hard” or “It is important to be kind,” and follow it.

If success were to depend on increasing monetary rewards for hard work or continual compliments and thanks for our kindness, one would fail within a week. Instead, we continue to work hard or be kind because we decided it is important enough to not let a lack of relatively immediate results bring us down.

This does not just apply to humanitarian efforts; just ask any athlete, teacher or law enforcement officer.

So, has McDoom’s writing made a difference? Has she wasted her time?

I strongly believe she has made a difference and has not wasted her time. But in all reality, my thoughts on the subject mean nothing until she can see the value of the priceless time she has invested in millions of Darfuri lives.