HH(which stands for His Holiness),the 14th Dalai Lama (and my favorite, to date) once said, "The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
I am not sure where I heard or read that, most likely in a liturgy at Temple or any one of a thousand (hyperbole) books on HH, but I think about that particular notion quite a bit. It goes along the same lines as that age-old query, "Why am I here?" I suppose, but when I think of my contributions to the world and what I can do to be a part of the sum total of beauty and prosperity, only two things ever come to mind. One, of course, is you. Collectively.
I teach. That's something I can do because in so doing, I am afforded the opportunity to, hopefully, broaden minds and open hearts. It is my hope, that this will, in turn, allow you to do the same things with whomever is lucky enough to come in contact with you as you dance through your time on Earth. I don't know if this actually qualifies as a legacy, because that seems like a pretty bold statement, but it's really all I have.
There is that second thing, but it seems silly and I am not sure I want to talk about it and risk being mocked!
So, I ask...what do you do? What will you do? Do you believe in HH's idea about contribution? Does it make sense but seem impossible? Does it seem like a bunch of nonsense? What has been your greatest contribution so far? Don't say nothing or start wailing, "I'm only a teenager--I haven't done anything yet!" because that is a total cop-out. Think about all the people you have known, both superficially and deeply, and imagine how many more you have impacted in ways you might not even know yet. What will your legacy be? And more importantly, what do you WANT it to be?
(450-500 words/75pts)
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ReplyDeleteI often find myself thinking about this topic. What am I here for? What am I meant to do? I believe that everyone and everything, even insects and animals, have a purpose, a reason for being here. Going through high school seems like a waste of time sometimes. I feel impatient to get out into the real world, build a life for myself and my family, and find this purpose, this reason for being here. I crave to fulfill this life long goal, to give back to this world, and to obtain a higher amount of enlightenment once my purpose has been reached.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I try to help those around me. It seems to be the only way I can keep myself in the present. I teach children with anger problems, ADD, ADHD, and health problems (such a smaller heart than normal) karate so they have confidence in themselves and so they can have a feeling of accomplishment each time they achieve one of their goals. I like to help other people as well. Not only by building confidence or instructing karate, but by giving them a reliable friend, someone to count on. Because I am a very emotional, sensitive person, I am a caring person whose emotions lie right on my sleeve, hard to believe because I appear so sarcastic and tough.
However, in the future, I plan to become a nurse, even an obstetrician one day. I want to help people. I want to make them better or save their lives. I want to welcome new lives into this world. I want to be a person who brightens someone else’s day even when my day is horrible. I want my smile to become contagious and spread throughout the lives of people who need a good giggle or compliment.
Right now, I find it hard to accomplish much. Even though Bunje asked me not to say it, I am only a teenager and my mind cannot really wrap around the fact I have impacted someone’s life already. I may have saved a few of my friends from a horrible, early end and even helped many people open up and discuss their problems before they turned to drugs and alcohol to hide their pain, but none of those seem like good accomplishments to brag about. When I think about these things, I can honestly say I have already saved lives, like a nurse or doctor. I have taken someone who was hurt, torn, or near death and turned them in a direction in which they will stay on earth longer than previously expected. When I step back and think of it like that, that is indeed a great thing to do.
I do believe what the Dalai Lama stated when he said everything on this earth has a purpose. I believe it in its entirety. Although, sometimes it seems like a bite too big to chew or something far too hot to handle, everyone does have a purpose. They have a reason for being here, whether their impact is good or bad—the earth will be a better place having had them here. This I believe?
Across the desert sand and under the scorching sun, she walks to meet her destination. She sees the oasis that could assuage her thirst for complete satisfaction. She sees it, defines it, and completely knows it. She can't touch it, and though she truly prays she does, she doesn't know if she can even reach it. The problem is she yearns too, and with all the struggles colliding her way, she aches for a nap. A nap with sweet dreams, but if she enjoys the dreams, she might never wake up and reach her destination of serenity... She is Me.
ReplyDeleteI know what I want to do, and I do know what I'm doing. I want to help people listen! To listen to each and every side, and walk a mile or two in the next person's shoe! I want to show people that with consideration and a mind that is less about YOU and more about others, that the world would be a better place. I want to make people genuinely smile and follow their hearts... -sounds like a lifetime movie?- I want people to realize that sometimes you just need to be spiritual, or just go with feelings. That PANG! that HERKS your hearts and TWISTS your gut. That what's logical to society isn't always the answer to your logic. That it's okay to think differently. I'm not sure what to exactly call my personal legacy because I'm not sure what it is overall. All I know is that it's truly what I believe in, and what I always wanted to do. Just help the people around me and even help the upcoming generations!
How would I be able to reach this personal legacy is the problem. I wish, in a creepy Avatar kind of way, that with a single hand touch I could make someone know and understand exactly what I mean and how I feel towards this goal. Sadly, we are not blue nor do we have long braids that have some tentacles things to transport feelings and such. So what else do I love? Writing and Art! I want to talk to people, but in a bigger and sometimes more effective way. Writing to an audience would be the way to go! Showing and demonstrating through art and the art of writing... Therefore to reach my personal legacy, I need to learn how to write...and improve my writing. I need to learn how to make my art speak without words. I need to learn how to pick words that describe the slightest of my feelings and believes. Then I will be able to free write as I please. I will be able to raise a family. I will be an effective teacher that doesn't just teach you how to put a sentence together, but go that extra mile of provoking thoughts out of the students.
What would be my greatest contribution yet? I think I'm truly and genuinely a good friend. I listen, and will help at any cost. I'm generous and I share. Not "the sharing is caring" that's mostly "Oh, dammit he asked for a piece of gum." No, if I saw something that made me think of you, I share it. If I think that you will like something, I bring it to you ( if I could afford it). I listen to your troubles, and offer a shoulder to lean on when you just don't want to hear words. I stay up until 4 o'clock in the morning on a school night on the phone if a friend is in a real life crisis. I share information to let people know and think of another perspective. I never ever let the cat out of the bag, even if we are no longer friends. It's not much, but all I have to offer in my current years is my mind and personality to try to make you smile and feel good about yourself yet realize your mistakes at the end of the day. If others see that my ways are for the greater good, maybe it will effect someone to maybe be nicer or more considerate?
ReplyDeleteYes, I very much do believe in HH's quote. I always have and can confidently say always will. I also believe that not only does every creature, but every object, action, and all that exists is for a reason. Wether bad or good, in the end of the day it will effect another thing in a chain reaction that will have a good outcome. It makes complete sense to me that though everything might not seem good, it's for a better route in the end. I don't have faith that the human race could ever be perfect. I do have faith that we could be better and at least attempt to be. I want to see the news and witness accomplishments, not all negatives news. Though at hard times and when my troubling mind's storms possess me and urge me to take a nap that will lead me to live in another apocryphal "reality" that I fabricate, at the end of the day I try to wake up and move closer to my oasis.
Right now, my ability to do a lot of good in the world is limited to my available time to work on it. I'm busy with school and taking care of my family, so what I can do to make a positive difference in the world is to observe common courtesy and do small things to make peoples' lives easier. However, when I manage to gain some mobility in the world, I will do great things: I want to make permanent contributions to the world in the form of science and philanthropy.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone has something to contribute to the world, although their contribution, while necessary, may be negative on the surface. To use Taylor's example, serial killers, their actions violate fundamental (natural) laws of human rights, and therefore could be considered wholly negative - but in the grand scheme of things, some good will come of their crimes against humanity. They may move the earth with their actions, and cause great things to happen that may otherwise never have come to fruition. They may be the lesser of two evils, and motivate other people to attack the greater evil. One of the serial killer's victims may have contributed to a much larger problem in the future and inhibited the prosperity of the world in some way (consider population control - murder is a defense mechanism inherent in human nature that prevents overcrowding).
It may be difficult to believe his words without faith - faith in the fact that there is good in everything; faith in the ability of the future to right all wrongs; faith in reality. The phrasing of the Dalai Lama's words is very specific: he says 'a kind of beauty', because a person could easily say that there is only one kind of beauty. Is there not beauty in the destructive force of lightning and fire? By understanding beauty, one can understand that there is inherent good in the world, and that there are no accidents. That is a beautiful concept, foreign though it may be to many people. I believe that the Dalai Lama is right in this regard, and that this idea that all things contribute to the beauty and prosperity of the world is very logical, even as it seems paradoxical. Good and evil are subjective - they are the same in the end. Every good deed is done at another's expense, and every evil has a light within it.
I want my legacy to be a history of contributions to the happiness and prosperity of the world (not just the human world). I have a vision of what can be done, and I want to realize it, even if I become a hero unsung. A recorded legacy is only necessary for the vain.
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ReplyDeleteWho we are is based on what we do. If all you do is fart, I’m going to call you a fart. (And there’s where this whole response goes towards an immature and gross route. Haha) That’s what I do though! I’m immature, a baby, a big fat pile of giggles. I want to make you happy, make you laugh, even though I may even be crying inside myself. I’m a clown, that is what I am. What I do is nonsense, but I live for your smile. I live to hear your own special laugh. Right about now I may seem like so freaky monster who like…feeds off of laughter, but it actually is my energy. Your laughter gets me through the day. Your smile makes me want to wake up in the morning. Knowing that me, dumb little and insignificant Katie G, gave a little twinkle in your eye, caused your mouth to widen and your teeth to show…it gives me the best feeling. A feeling that is indescribable, a feeling that lets me know at least I’m doing one thing right. Living to make people laugh may seem like nonsense. Some will think that I should study hard and become a doctor, try to save lives instead of making someone smile for a split second. I don’t believe that. I believe that taking the time to try to cheer someone up, showing them that you care, is giving to the world.
ReplyDeleteI used to think that I could inspire no one because I didn’t even know myself. That was before I met Crystal and became her friend. I wasn’t a wallflower before meeting her, I was popular in middle school, and everyone knew my name. I wasn’t invisible, but no one could see who I really was until I befriended Crystal. The more we were together, the more we delved into each other’s problems, and tried to help. Still, eighth grade year was where I saw her at her worse, and I did the only thing I knew how to do, cheer her up, make her laugh. I read goofy comics to her and told her to be strong like “The Incredible Hulk”. While in Germany, she emails often and it gave me the greatest feeling in the world when she emailed and told me at the beginning of the year that the things I did to help her in the past, ultimately shaped who she is today. I felt like a superhero, stronger and better than Hulk. I felt that in my own immature and goofy way, I saved the world; her world.
I want to go out and do that for others. Maybe when I truly figure out every part of myself, I can use my experiences and personality and go and help. That’s why I chose a career in the category of entertainment. I want to create visual masterpieces that make people laugh and feel good. That is why I often listen to “Hamburg Song” by Keane, and often relate it to myself. (Even though millions of other people probably do the same.)
“I don't wanna be adored
Don't wanna be first in line
Or make myself heard
I'd like to bring a little light
To shine a light on your life
To make you feel loved”
“Muaha! I, the AP Calculus exam, will soon begin my reign of enmity as kids across the nation succumb to the pointlessness of my existence!” AP Calculus throws his hands into the air manically, glistening from the sweat of his own evil. Suddenly, something brushes his right shoulder. As he glances down, his eyes swell with terror as his detached arm lay thrashing on the floor. “Egad!” AP Calculus swings around frantically, trying to find the source of the unforeseeable attack. His eyes fall on the one thing more powerful than destiny: Kale Nagasaki.
ReplyDeleteHe struggles to breathe. “What?…Nagasaki?! How could--”
“Hiya!” In one swift movement, Kale Nagasaki lunges into the air, twists her body, and kicks AP Calculus’ head right off of his shoulders. As the ugly head rolls toward her, she stomps on it, does a short victory dance on the makeshift grave, and saunters on. She is unstoppable, she is beautiful, she is Kale Nagasaki -- the Juggernaut.
^_^” … at least, that’s what I want to be known as. Before I take on any obstacle, I literally create a situation like the one above. I separate the scenario into a dichotomy; Right vs. Wrong, Good vs. Evil, Me vs. Whatever Stands in my Way. Then, I put myself as the superhero Kale Nagasaki in a Dragon Ball Z styled world and picture myself physically defeating, trashing, obliterating the obstacle. Once I visualize myself do it, I have the confidence and patience to attack it pragmatically in real life…by studying…
Anyway though, this is what I want to be known for. When someone thinks of Kale Nagasaki, I want them to think, “Wow, that was the juggernaut who demolished whatever challenged her, who chewed the world up and spit it out. She’s the reason why we are mortal, because if she lived forever life wouldn’t be able to take it and the universe would implode and explode simultaneously.” I want there to be Kale Nagasaki facts, like Chuck Norris ones. I want to be considered on the same level as Bruce Lee and Vegeta. I want, when some villain gets killed in a crazy manner, people to say “Yo that dude just got Nagasaki-ed!” I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause. I will travel across the land, searching far and wide, each Pokemon, to understand the power that’s inside!
What do I do? I live up to what I want. Everyday, I become more of what I want to be; actually, I feel like I am exactly what I described above. I take on the world, break it down, and feel victorious, even in defeat (when that rare thing ever happens :P). There’s a bigger point to this, though. I do believe in the idea of each and every thing on this earth contributing to the beauty of life. I do. What I want to become, what I’m trying to become, I think, is beautiful. This ties in with my ‘This I Believe.’ In becoming this superhero of my fantasies, I’m becoming a better person every day. I’m, to quote myself, “making the world a better place just by being a better person.” That’s my contribution. I take the hard path and strive to succeed in the hopes that I inspire others to do the same. Yes, I hate Calculus, but I don’t stop trying because I don’t want the kids who already stopped to think it is the right thing to do.
Basically, I’m contributing to the world by providing an example, a benchmark. I get my standards from other people -- my Grandmom, Maxxilimian VonKalkman. Just in case I happen to be that role model for someone else, I want to be so great as to inspire that person to do great. Anyone can be a superhero.
I’m a shy person. Some people wouldn’t believe this because I try to step out of my comfort zone to meet new people and experience new things. However the reality is I’m shy. I’m not the talkative, outgoing one. I’m a listener. I’d much rather sit, listen, and observe in almost any situation. Whenever you need to get something off your chest, come to me. I’ll listen. Vent to me. Cry on my shoulder. Tell me your deepest darkest secret; I’ll keep it. My ears are always open for whenever they’re needed. I think this is what I do best. Nothing is more rewarding than when someone, especially someone I really care about, thanks me for being there, for listening. I like that people know that they can depend on me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the listeners are usually the ones that are forgotten. I don’t see being “the listener” as much of a legacy. I want to do more than listen. I want to be able to offer advice. I want to form opinions that I am passionate about. I want to be more outspoken. I want to be known. I think, and hope, that the more knowledge and life experience I gain will allow me to become this person, someone not only capable of listening, but giving feedback. I’m halfway there.
I think being a listener shows that I think everyone has something to offer in some way. By listening to everyone, I learn more each day. They contribute to my knowledge whether they have something insightful to say or that they expose to me the fact that some are uneducated. The more you listen, the more you learn. Learning will allow me to become the person I want to be, to leave the legacy I want to leave.
The more knowledge I possess, the greater my ability will become to create opinions, the more confidence I will have to voice these opinions, and the more understanding I will have to offer advice. I often turn to people to receive advice. I struggle with decision making and ask for the suggestions of others when it comes to most decisions, even simple ones. By becoming an officer, I’m beginning to force myself to take the step to take control. I’m forced to make decisions on the spot, to create my own opinions and voice them. By taking my listening skills and pairing them with the new skills I’m forcing myself to develop, I’m becoming the well rounded person I’ve been striving to be. In a recent interview I had, the interviewer told me that I was a good speaker. This made me feel good; it made me feel accomplished. I’m finally beginning to create the legacy for myself that I always wanted, to be a leader.
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ReplyDeleteTaylor: I always love your cute, quirky metaphors. I think “I want to be the geek squad for the human condition,” was the winner in this blog. I know I said this before, but I wanted to compliment you again on how well written your blogs always are. Your voice is clearly heard.
ReplyDeleteKatie G: I know what you mean when you speak about the great feeling you’re overcome with when a close friend tells you how much you mean and what a difference you’ve made. This makes it not matter to me if I’m forgotten if that what I can do for them. For that instant, to know I’ve made an impact is all that matters.
Deanna: I love the strength your blog exudes. With strength like that, you will make a difference. You will leave a legacy. Also, I love how you said “I want there to be Kale Nagasaki facts, like Chuck Norris ones.” That would be pretty awesome!
I look out the window from my computer desk and see a world of green and brown. A graceful hemlock waves its wispy boughs in the breeze, lily of the valley blossoms feed flying insects, a majestic oak sprouting delicate leaves provides a home for a bird family. In the front yard, most likely, a hummingbird—one of the first of the season— is sitting at our feeder. He keeps the insect population down in his spare time. Every member of the flora and fauna communities on my 101 acre patch of Lower Bank land contributes. Plants feed and shelter fauna, fauna feed other fauna, dead organisms replenish their world, and all come together to form a thriving, harmonious, beautiful scene. The world on the road at the end of my drive, and wherever urban or suburban it may lead, is less only slightly less lovely. It hums with a different, yet sibling, life and purpose. The humans who form our world may not always act conscientiously, and may be driven more strongly by selfish wants than their animal brethren, but every member of society has something to contribute. One woman might offer her warm smile to her suffering contemporaries; a boy may share a piece of his peanut butter sandwich with a hungry stranger. Most probably do not recognize their contributions, but even the smallest actions add up to, ultimately, add to Earth’s luster. Even the most “evil” among us somehow improve the world, if through nothing else, via the lessons they teach us. So yes, I absolutely stand behind HH.
ReplyDeleteWhere do I fall in this scene? I’m somewhere off in the distance, living on the fringe of society, seated atop a gleaming chestnut thoroughbred. I ride. Or, perhaps, society has vacuumed me into its clutches, maybe via a yellow school bus. If that’s the case, I listen, I help. See, I’m a bad talker, really. I’m boring, bland, not often having much of interest to say. It’s my chief flaw, and, I cringe as I type this, my fatal one. But that’s a topic for another day… or to elucidate in a 10-page+ (really) OP. What I can do is provide a helping hand, and an open ear. Super excited about your latest success? I’ll listen. Need to spill your guts? I’ll listen. Frustrated/need help with chem problems? I’ll listen… and I’ll do my best to help. I like to feel like I’m making a difference, like something I do for you will brighten your day, take a load off your chest, or give you the boost you need to unfold your wings and fly. I might be stuck on the ground, for now, but if I can help you out that’s enough for me for the time being.
As of now, my greatest contribution has probably come from my work at ARCH (Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped). ARCH helps both mentally and physically disabled people of all ages improve their confidence and mental/.physical abilities. Though I haven’t been able to volunteer at ARCH as often as I would like, largely because I’m loaded with work and without a car or permit (it’s about an hour from my house, and I have to get a ride), I feel like I’ve significantly impacted the riders who I have had the opportunity to help. Once, I was a “sidewalker”—someone who walks alongside the disabled rider and, depending on the particular rider, does anything from help them stay balanced to keep them focused—for a mentally challenged child. On that particular day, riders were being evaluated so that the instructors could gauge their progress. Riders had to complete a sort of obstacle course, completing tasks along the way, such as moving a ring from one cone to another to backing the horse out of a “chute” made of jump poles. With my guidance, the rider I was helping completed the evaluation with flying colors. I was so proud of him, and thrilled to have been a part of his success. Watching someone like him succeed, and knowing that I helped along the way, is a wonderful feeling.
ReplyDeleteMy legacy, though, is a little less philanthropic… sort of. I hope for a hubby, I want a good job, but I won’t be complete without my horses. I don’t really want any kiddos, just some foals would be fine. I need to ride through life, and reach the pinnacle of equestrian competition. I’m still finding my discipline—hunters, jumpers, dressage, I don’t know—and I’m still getting my feet wet so to speak. But I want to go somewhere. I want to make waves in equestrian sports. To be the next Beezie Madden, or George Morris, or Steffen Peters. I want to ride, own, train, and show, myself, the next Ravel or Authentic or Teddy O’Connor… or Sonny Dee Bar. But on the other hand… I’m not going to say I don’t want to win big, I absolutely do, but I want to do more than bring home money and metals. I want to learn enough, to gain enough knowledge and experience, to be able to effectively pass on what I know to a new generation of riders after I’ve had my fun in the show world. I’m not an especially effective teacher now; I lack confidence and experience. But, one day, I think, I will be. I’ve become a new rider since meeting my trainer, and I want to be like her and show people not simply how to sit pretty but how to connect with their horses. So many riders don’t understand how to influence a horse. Sure, you can get a response by using exceptionally harsh bits or employing tack that forces the horse’s head into a certain position. What you won’t get is a connection. It’s sad to see riders abuse their horses, intentionally or not, and to watch riders who have poor guidance struggle endlessly to try to coerce their mount to do something it wishes not to. There are more tactful approaches, ways to make jumping that fence or wowing that dressage judge or getting that western headset easy and fun for both horse and rider. I want to learn all there is to know, then show the world. I also want to give discarded horses a chance to shine. Once I risen to whatever level I’m destined to rise to, or when I have the funds to do so, I’m going to become more immersed in the horse training field. Though I want to breed my own prospects and work with predestined “show horses”, I also hope to train and give purpose to horses who are “jobless” and ill-fated as a result, such as the waste foals that the nursemare and PMU industries constantly dispose of, often to slaughter buyers. However, I’m particularly partial to thoroughbreds. Rusty has won my heart with his gentle temperament and bottomless heart. Though he can be a handful—a mount not for the faint of heart!—he always tries, which is typical of many thoroughbreds. Some horses sort of shut off or become grumpy when you ask them to try something new, but Rusty is very “teachable” and willing to learn. He’s a kind soul in a giant thoroughbred body. Thing is, he is really just a byproduct of the racing industry; he didn’t run fast enough, so he’s no good to a race horse owner. However, he is, as other thoroughbreds are, built to perform. He’s equally at home in the dressage ring or over a jump course as he was one the racetrack, probably even more so. I love thoroughbreds; I love their strong builds, classy features, and their great hearts. I hope to, when I am able, give ex-racers who seem like good sporthorse prospects a shot at a second career.
ReplyDeleteDeanna: You are a superhero! A super chem genius, amazing writer, day brightener, accomplish whatever you set your mind to type superhero. I love, love, love your calculus crushing intro; so funny! I’m sure that you’ll be able to achieve any goal you set, and inspire others to try the same; you already have. ^_^
ReplyDeleteSo I’m lost. Completely and utterly lost. I have no map, no GPS, nobody around to ask for directions. And just wait, here’s the best part…I have no sense of direction. I know where I want to be but the problem is getting there. I’m just wandering around hoping that something will hit me; it’s not the best idea but it is what I had been clinging to until recently. If you didn’t catch what I’m trying to say here’s what I actually mean: I know what I want to contribute, I just don’t know how to go about it. I want to inspire people to follow what they believe and to have some hope when things seem bad. I want to give others the opportunity to laugh in the face of whatever fear is holding them back. I want to change a few thought patterns and make sure that this world is not full of negativity. I know reality at some point walks straight up to us and slaps us in the face. Well guess what, I slap back. Two wrongs don’t make a right, I know but hey I think there’s one exception here. I don’t think people should give up on dreams just because they lose faith in them when they enter the “real” world. I think dreams can still happen, we just have to work a little harder than we initially anticipated as children. What can I say I’m a cheesy person, I believe that some of the values we hold at a young age are the most important. I don’t believe in giving up on dreams just because some form of reality knocks us down. So I want to help people and give them the courage to stand back up. And not just people near by but people all over, in other sates, in other countries, wherever I end up during my life. I don’t want anyone to give up on their aspirations just because they believe it’s too late or they’re not good enough. Because that’s just a load of crap. The only thing I can say I’ve done so far is listen to friends, family, or anyone who has needed to talk. I’m honest with these people and I tell them exactly how I see things. I try to see things from their view and help in any way that I can. I try to put anything that they have to say ahead of anything on my mind. I try to focus on what others have to say before trying to say anything. I do believe in HH’s idea about contribution. I think everyone has something to offer and what they offer can add beauty and prosperity to the world. But it’s all determined by that person. Not everything contributed is wonderful; it all depends on how the person decides to live their life. An individual could grow up and decide that they want to destroy nature or people or just anything resembling happiness which would contribute to hurting the world. That same person could grow up and decide that they want to cure disease or help people everywhere and would therefore contribute to helping the world. In the end it all depends on the person and who they want to be.
ReplyDeleteKaitlin:
ReplyDelete“I think, and hope, that the more knowledge and life experience I gain will allow me to become this person, someone not only capable of listening, but giving feedback. I’m halfway there.”
I’m a listener, too, and I agree that it’s important to gain knowledge and experience so that I too can give feedback and make a more active contribution to the world. My personal dream is to be a high caliber rider, though I also want to be able to help others become more cognizant riders, riders who think about how they can influence the horse while maintaining a trust and respect between horse and rider. Right now, though, I’m not ready. I need to learn, to go out into the world and gain experience so that when I’m in the position to teach, I’ll be ready.
So far, the only thing I have thought about concerning my future is the fact that I want to double major in psychology and biology. Beyond that, everything is hazy. I like to take things one at a time, so the future is usually my enemy. Does that lead to procrastination and missed opportunities? Sure. But it has worked pretty well for me up to this point, so that is probably what will continue to happen. Naturally, I have not really considered my legacy much. It has always been my intention to just let things play out and let my legacy be whatever it becomes, but I suppose that is not an acceptable response for this blog. Having realized this, I will make my best attempt to tie together the guiding principles and motivations in my life into one coherent idea. However, I must ask that anyone reading this just take this for exactly what it is—speculation. It would be utter foolishness to assume that I will remain the way I am for my entire life. That said, here is what I would like to do with my life—for now.
ReplyDeleteI want to stand out. I want to fit in. I want to make a difference, but I want to do it while being happy. Someday, I will have graduated college and will have a job. Whatever this job is, I want to excel at, but just doing that would be missing the point of living. While excelling in this job, I would like to help others. The problem with this speculation is that I don’t know exactly what that means yet, but I definitely want to make a difference in other people’s lives. In the end, I don’t care if my name is known for generations after my death. I just want to help people. Whether it be as simple as consoling someone when they have lost a family member or as significant as finding a cure for a malicious disease, I want to make a difference in people’s lives (and if Calculus counts as a malicious disease, then I’m certainly all for finding a cure for that).
Despite all of the important things I would like to do, I would also like to belong. Every human being has a desire to be needed, to feel a sense of self-worth. For me, this feeling has occasionally been hard to come by. Not normal by any stretch of the imagination, I have often struggled to make real, lasting bonds with people that actually mattered. In this sense, I do want to be remembered. I want to be that person that everyone remembers after high school, but that’s probably pretty unlikely. Down the road, though, I want to matter to people. I’m sick of having no life, of being a machine that just does what everyone tells it to do. I want to enjoy my life.
It’s tough for me to define a legacy for myself. I know these general rules will probably always apply, but the specifics will only come much later in life. I do believe that everyone has something important to offer the world, but I have yet to know exactly what my something is. I will get there eventually; I just have to bide my time until that day arrives. Until then, I can only hope to learn as much as I can.
Britt:
ReplyDelete“I don’t want anyone to give up on their aspirations just because they believe it’s too late or they’re not good enough.”
It’s so, so hard not to give up, and way too easy to take the easy way out. I think that’s a really admirable thing for you to try to help people with; and I know that you’ll be able to with your friendly, outgoing personality.
And… “I have no sense of direction.” Ha ha, me too, literally. I get your point, but I just couldn’t help laughing because when I started reading your blog I found myself nodding in agreement (I dare say I’m pretty metaphorically lost as well!) but then I hit this line and I was line “Whoa”. I’m notorious for my awful directional skills and will probably become hopelessly lost should I ever get a driver’s license!
Deanna N:
ReplyDeleteMost people have this realization at some point, but then realize that the fact of the matter is that we have to study to get there. It's great that you're actually willing to do what it takes to get where you are trying to go. Sometimes, my determination wavers, but yours never seems to. No matter what you do, you'll probably end up successful, which I wouldn't be so confident in saying for myself. I'm sure you can change the world. Your writing never ceases to impress me either. Whatever you set your mind to, I'm sure you will be able to do. I feel a bit sorry for the AP Calculus exam right now, because I'm sure you will dominate it. Good luck with changing the world. It is a difficult quest, but I'm sure you can do it.
Taylor P:
ReplyDeleteThat's a noble goal. People need comforting, and there is no greater blessing to someone in pain than having someone to run to. I remember a time when you were there for me, and it certainly helped. Thanks for that, and I'm sure you can make other people's lives better in the future as well.
Kaitlin H:
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that you can learn something from everyone. There have been times when someone who everybody considers "stupid" has said something really profound to me, and my day completely changed because of it. Also, it's good that you're taking charge and beginning on the path to your goals. Even if you don't get there, though, being a listener is still a valuable talent. Everybody needs someone to always be able to talk to, and I'm sure they would appreciate having you around.
Taylor—“If I could change one person’s life for the better, I’d call mine a success.”
ReplyDeleteSame here! If I had a huge impact on someone’s life, just enough to know that I helped them lead a better, happier life then I would be confident in the success of mine. If it’s only one person then that’s fine because I know I’ve helped someone; I’d like to help more than one but no matter what I’d still be happy just being able to have such an effect on someone.
Jessie—“If that’s the case, I listen, I help. See, I’m a bad talker, really. I’m boring, bland, not often having much of interest to say.”
Jess! You’ve always tried to give advice or an opinion when I’ve talked to you. Maybe it’s a comfort thing but I think you have the ability to be a great talker. You have definitely helped me with advice and you were one of the people back in elementary school who convinced me that pushing myself a little further academically was not such a bad idea. You’ve always helped, thank you so much!
Kaitlin H—I’m a listener too, I do offer advice to people when I can but usually I listen and observe. I always try to make sure that others know that they can depend on me but unfortunately people sometimes think I could care less because I don’t always speak or voice my opinion. But I admire that you have been able to push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s something I’ve been trying to do more lately with little success but I’ll keep working on it.
Taylor Palm -
ReplyDelete"Serial killers, they contribute to taking away someone else’s contribution. That’s not making the world a more beautiful place."
Of course I agree with this statement, but I don't think that when someone is lost in the world, their contribution is lost. One of my friends lost their father just recently, and she was disheartened because she felt like he wasn't finished teaching her everything he knew and doing everything he wanted to do for her as a father, but that's not true. Even though he's gone, he's still teaching her and everyone else that had him in their lives a lesson about the cycle of life and his legacy lives through his two children. Sometimes, legacies live through others. They could never be completely lost, at least in my opinion. And maybe, that was what they were meant to do. His son is a very wild child, but this experience brought him to a new light about the world and how to behave, so maybe that was the life he changed, and it's beautiful.
Lucas S -
ReplyDelete"I’m sick of having no life, of being a machine that just does what everyone tells it to do. I want to enjoy my life."
Hah you don't know how happy I am to read this. Sometimes I feel like we're so consumed in academics or drama or family issues that we're unable to enjoy our lives. Even the things that we're supposed to enjoy, such as pursuing passions like music or sports, become unbearable because of the price that we pay to do them in a school environment. But good that you want to enjoy life. It's a relief to know that there are people in this world who aren't just looking for power or being known, but they also want to have fun with it.
Brittany O -
ReplyDelete"I don’t think people should give up on dreams just because they lose faith in them when they enter the “real” world."
People these days, especially in this economic state, keep telling us that our dreams should remain "realistic", but I agree with you. How could anyone be happy if they are doing something in order to be realistic? Boundaries will never be pushed, no one will ever grow and this world would never grow. I think you have a very strong mindset, which is something that I, as well as others, lack and will certainly benefit you in the future, whatever you choose. I don't know much about you, but from reading this blog, you should go into social work. You're very inspiring and there's a lot of people that could use someone like you in their lives. :)
I really believe that your effect on the people around you says much more about you than anything you could ever say about yourself. Recently a friend of mine who I haven’t talked to in a while began confiding in me. He just got out of a rough relationship, was having a hard time in school, and found himself surrounded by family problems. We’ve always had the type of friendship where we can be uncensored and honest with each other. He has been texting me frequently about how defeated and depressed he feels. I’ve never been through a relationship as serious or as painful as his became, so I often don’t know what to tell him. However I have been depressed and insecure, so I find ways to understand what he’s going through. Sure I coddle him and console him, but mostly I tell him the truth. I tell him that he needs to try to look forward, even when it’s hard. I tell him that he needs to put the effort in to remind himself of what he loves and what makes him who he is. I tell him that none of this will be easy.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I leave him and everyone else inspired, thoughtful, and enlightened. I want to be a light, so they can see all the doors opening around them. I want to be the one to punch holes in the blackest nights until there is a sea of stars. I don’t have to give them all the answers, but I want to help them find the way and make them believe they can accomplish what they’re seeking. I try to cultivate as much wisdom as I can so that I can share it. If ignorance, apathy, and confusion can spread like wild fire, then why shouldn’t insight, passion, and understanding do the same? For the latter, I want to be a match for a blaze that will last far longer than I will.
There is no barometer for wisdom, nor a scale for passion. I don’t know how I will ever be sure if I accomplished my goals. However I will still try nonetheless. I would love to be a published writer, an acclaimed philosopher, a leading crusader for human rights, or a rescuer of the world’s poor and broken. If I look back at myself someday and discover I was all of these things or even one of them, then I will be overjoyed. Still, I want to look back and see my imprint of insight and enthusiasm for good.
Kaitlin H: I felt the need to comment on your blog because it reminded me of our conversations.. “How’s life?... Okay... Well, good talk.” I know you are an amazing listener because you do ask all the time how I am doing. Despite the fact that I never actually answer the question, I know that when I need to talk to vent or just freak out you will just be there laughing. It is funny that we were just talking about laughter today and how you laugh even when it’s not funny. That is one of the contributions you make to the world :) You better step it up next year in stuco.. No pressure. By the way, you are a really great speaker when you feel passionate about something and are not afraid to voice your opinion, so don’t be afraid because odds are, you are right!
ReplyDeleteManar: Everything you said, was absolutely 100% true. :) you're always there for who ever needs you, and that will truly be one of your legacies. (All twenty of my kids agree) However your art and creativity will be an umbrella to everything you leave behind.
ReplyDeleteLucas: I applaud your honesty. However, I hope that you understand fitting in doesn't make you a legacy. You are capable of everything you want to become; a psychologist and someone to be remembered. You don't need to be "that guy" and if that's what you really want, then don't let yourself procrastinate it to the future. Do it now :)
Brittany: "I want to give others the opportunity to laugh in the face of whatever fear is holding them back." Go girl! slap back at the negativity, your optimism will take you far.(just put in the confidence to back that up ;)) I loved your blog. You represented yourself very well, and it was all honest.
(THIS IS HANNAH BECAUSE MINE WOULDN'T LET ME LOG IN OR SIGN UP...)
ReplyDeleteTaylor- I think your whole muffin thing is really cute and I kind of laughed, but on a more serious note it's very true. Being just like a muffin basket and cheering people up is a great legacy. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer, and a muffin basket is just the opposite. Everyone will love you and enjoy your company.
So you know how there’s always those days when you wake up and feel or ( in my case..since I’m brown ) look like poop? And everything that you try on doesn’t fit right, or make you feel as good as it normally would? Then you get school and you realize you forgot something important like...oh I dunno, all your homework for the day? By now your day pretty much sucks, but even so, you end up in a class where you can’t help but laugh the whole time. And it’s all because someone took the time out to talk to you and perk you up again.
ReplyDeleteI want to be that someone. And for the most part ( or at least I’m hoping ) I think that I’m well on the way to becoming just that. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I can’t be completely happy if the people around me are not. It’s not that I’m dependent on their happiness to boost myself up, but it’s more enjoyable for me to have someone to share it with. If I know that I can help that person, brighten their day, give them advice, or help them find a date to prom [ehem], I’d be more than willing to do it. Think of me as…a piñata. A piñata full of delicious treats in the form of comfort, laughter, and security. You don’t have to hit me or bash my head open to get anything. In fact, I’d rather you refrain from that type of behavior. Still, I want to spend my life being as selfless as I possibly can. It doesn’t always have to be something that requires me to go out of my way. Sometimes smiling at someone you walk by can brighten their day. Complimenting someone when they look down can give them the confidence to change their entire day around. Just being there when someone is going through a difficult time could save them, in more ways than you could possibly imagine.
As for HH’s idea, I believe in it. I’ve always believed that everybody has some type of contribution, almost like the idea that you can learn something from everybody. The only iffy part for me is when he states that everyone’s contribution is to the ‘beauty and prosperity of the world’. In general terms, this is probably true. I’ve noticed that for every bad person, there are two genuinely good ones. But there is always the exception. I don’t want to dwell on this fact, because I’d like to believe that the world is a beautiful place in and out of itself. Not that it isn’t, but it never hurts to be aware of the truth.
Now back to the legacy I want to leave. Of course, I want to change the world. But I don’t necessarily want to change the world on a global level. If I’ve only inspired two people to go clean up their acts, then that’s two more people than I had before. It would be wonderful if I was recognized for doing something truly altruistic, but I’d be perfectly content with myself knowing that what I’ve done at least helped one other human being. Oh, and by the way, I never actually meant it when I said you looked like poop. :]
Lucas- “It has always been my intention to just let things play out and let my legacy be whatever it becomes..” I could not agree more with that statement. I had a hard time trying to think of a legacy because I feel like I haven’t met most of the people who are going to remember me. In high school our legacies will be much different then ones in the real world. Everyone changes when they leave high school and probably do so because of the people you meet. (Just a thought). Lucas, if you want to be there person everyone remembers after high school, make it happen. I know you can.
ReplyDelete(Again this is Hannah)
ReplyDeleteManar- "To listen to each and every side, and walk a mile or two in the next person's shoes"
If you could do this to everyone, I would probably be the happiest person on earth. About ten times a day I am face a problem like I was late to class or something. If a teacher would just let me explain to them why I was late they would understand. Sometimes I get stuck behind the kids who have their swag on and they walk extremely slow and there is just no way around them. You'd be my best friend if you taught everyone how to listen and understand the other person's point of view.
Sarah Lom - Loms
ReplyDelete'I really believe that your effect on the people around you says much more about you than anything you could ever say about yourself.'
Oh wow, that sentence really stuck out to me. Not only do I completely agree with it, but I absolutely love the way it was written. It actually reminded me a lot of those girls in our gym class. You know who I'm talking about..they're always going on about how great they are and we always look at each other whenever we catch a portion of their conversations. Sure, they can boost themselves up at much as they want, but the effect that they have on the people around them is never positive, and that tells us more about them then anything else.
(This is Hannah...........)
ReplyDeleteGwen- "If I’ve only inspired two people to go clean up their acts, then that’s two more people than I had before." I think everyone feels this way when they stop and think about it. However I believe that it's too easy to inspire just two or three people. It takes a lot to inspire an entire room full of people, and that's the goal people should have. It's good that you want to inspire people and all but aim your goals higher because then you will do more good.
Every single thing you do has an impact, an effect, a ripple on the Earth. It may seem insignificant, but you really don't know all the repercussions your actions have. A simple gesture of kindness may mean the world to someone else, and inspire them to go on do something kind for another person. That means you were the start of a chain reaction of good deeds, that may lead to someone hungry being fed, someone jobless being hired, or someone dead on the inside finding a new, rejuvenated spirit. Every one of us was given the power to have an impact on the world, to make it beautiful and prosperous, but we have to choose to use it, responsibly, to the fullest extent.
ReplyDeleteYesterday the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations had hearing with the top executives of the financial firm Goldman Sachs. If you pay attention to the news, you'll know Goldman Sachs has been under fire recently for several different reasons. The point is, I sat there watching these very powerful executives being questioned and accused by a committee of Senators for legal, ethical, and moral infractions, and they showed no signs of remorse. They had the power to do really great things, but instead they chose short term profits and personal gain at the expense of the American people and the world. They are the perfect example of what can be done with humanity's power to influence the world when it is not used responsibly for beauty and prosperity. I want to do the opposite of those executives. I want to rise to a position of power in order to have a lasting, widespread impact on our country and world. If I could use the same amount of energy on helping people through legislation and public policy that the executives of financial institutions used for personal gain my possibilities are endless. They are endless because there is only one difference between myself and the executives of Goldman, the motives for their actions are greed, selfishness, and personal gain; they were not working for a more beautiful world. Just like a web of lies cannot continue forever selfishness and greed will eventually fall out from under you, but the world always will welcome improvement, that's why, after all, we are here, according to His Holiness, to make the world a beautiful place.
On a personal level, I try to be the person you can trust. I try to be kind and helpful because, like I said before, all of our interactions with other people have an impact. My biggest contribution involves interpersonal interaction, with my family actually. My coming out has sent my parents on a journey towards tolerance. Having a gay son is changing their views of all gay people, because now it is personal for them.
We all have our own way of making the world a more beautiful place. Maybe you're a writer, or an artist, or an educator, everyone is different, but we all have the same power. We all have a purpose and responsibility to improve the world. We were given the ability, all we have to do is use it.
Gwen- When I walk into second period, you pretty much brighten my day. You always say the funniest things that I just turn around and think “What the heck!” but the truth is they always make me laugh. Your legacy is a very attainable one and something that you have already achieved numerous times and that is something to be proud of. I totally pictured you as a mexican pinata and can not stop laughing at the image of Alix hitting you. (We will talk about that tomorrow). I agree with the points you make about small instances that make someone’s day. Often times we say things without thinking how they affect someone else. Very interesting bloggg!
ReplyDeleteKaitlin,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm only a listener part time, I understand you when you mentioned that listening helps you gain more knowledge about your surroundings. I still have a problem with voicing my own opinions. I find it easier to just sit back and let other people discuss their disagreements on something. However, just like you, listening to them helps me get my thoughts on the topic together. I know you said you don't see being the 'listener' as a legacy, but it can sure be a part of yours. Being outspoken is wonderful, and so is being able to affect the people around you with your thoughts, but every once in awhile, just becoming the 'listener' is the best choice of all.
I'm not like Deanna, who knows exactly what she wants all the time because she breaks everything down to two parts. She sees good and evil, I see shades of gray. I'm not like Lucas who has enough talent to just go by and roll with the punches, I've struggled my whole life for everything and I still haven't gotten half of what I wanted. I'm not like Taylor who has the charm and personality to be anything she wants to be, I'm the person that no one seems to talk to. I'm, as my mother says, completely insane and "no one wants to talk to crazy people". So, if it's a question of what I do, what I do is just, be here. I exist. I deal with what I get, I help who I can and I try as much as my body and my mind will allow me to. Maybe the results aren't as great as I wanted them to be, and I've definitely failed myself a countless amount of times, but that's just, life. What I do, is I try to deal with what I have and make sure no one else around me has to deal with the same.
ReplyDeleteMy sophomore year, I was just on top. I had great friends, great connections, my grades were good, my stress was down, I was leader. I led the band, and it was great. It was finally something, a world that was untouched by the negativity that I receive at home and I could actually be someone. But this year, it's a polar opposite, I literally lost everything. And I wish I could be as strong as Deanna and just conquer it, but I can't. I peaked, I'm done. So, what will I do? I'm going to go back and I'm going to dominate the world. I'm going to help everyone I can, I'm going to throw myself into my dreams, my hopes and what I believe in and I'm going to be a leader. I'm going to be a leader, I'm going to spread ideas of passion and grace and I'm going to install happiness and hope. There are two things I want to do: make the world beautiful and become strong. I want to be strong. I don't want to dominate the world and have a legacy in name, I don't want to be famous. All I really want is to be strong, to inspire and to spread beauty. I do believe in HH's idea. I wouldn't be able to stand it if there were people out there that were "pointless". I don't want to think that. Everyday people interact with each other and do things, say things, to each other that create ripple effects. Everyone affects each other, so it's not impossible. There is always a difference being made, no one is pointless and it's very real to me. It makes perfect sense.
The strange thing is, my greatest contribution has been in band. The freshmen weren't even here last year, and this year I had no leadership position but I had four come up to me at different times during this season and they told me that they really admired me and they wanted to be like me. They admired my leadership and really liked how I was.
I want to be a leader. I would say that I want to be a superhero, but I think leader's more fitting in my case. I want to be a leader. I want to be strong, lead, inspire, change, grow and get people to grow with me. I want to show people how beautiful this world is and how strong everyone can be. I guess in a way, I want my legacy to not only be my own hero, but to make heroes. I want to make beautiful music, I want to save the world, I want to make my own world. I want to travel the world, I want to change lives. I'm going to become my own hero, and make heroes. I don't want people to bask in awe at me and my life, I want all of us to be awesome. I want us all to stand on top of the mountain, look out and say, "WE made this. We are beautiful, we are strong, we did it."
PART 1
ReplyDeleteTrees are here to keep mammals alive. Mammals are here to keep trees alive. It’s a mutual relationship. More so, it’s a mutual contribution. The 14th Dalai Lama puts this philosophy into a simple and sweet description, and I could have never said it better myself. I’m just one speck of dust in comparison in this huge dirty world. What’s my significance? My significance is my contribution, and as insignificant as that may be, I was put here on Earth to fulfill it.
So, what do I do? I live. I breathe. I’m a hunter in a scary and intimidating forest searching for my destiny. I’m shooting for my ordained contribution, and once I see it, I’ll hit it right on target. I am not necessarily religious, but I whole-heartedly believe that I was brought upon this Earth to fulfill a duty. We are all ants in this hellhole of an ant hill, so we might keep the hill from collapsing. The television show Lost is basically an allegory of life, for it revolves around the concept of destiny versus fate. Jack Shephard, the main protagonist, meets the mysterious character Benjamin Linus on the island. Ben, whom has a tumor in his spine, is probably going to die in a matter of days. It just so happens that Jack is a spinal surgeon. Ben told Jack “Do you believe in God, Jack?” Jack replied, “Do you?” Ben said, “Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky…and if that’s not proof of God, I don’t know what is.” I’m not implying destiny has to deal with God. I just loved the implications the Lost writers revealed in this scene. It gave me a better insight and perspective on life. Everyone has a destiny. Maybe I’m here on this Earth to save someone’s life. Whatever the case, I’m here to do something incredible.
PART 2
ReplyDeleteSo, what will I do? I will put smiles on random people’s faces. I will make the world happy. Either with my acting, singing, or just outgoing personality, I am determined to draw smiles on other people’s faces. Smiling is a universal language, and I’m here to spread the word. That’s my simple contribution. I may not know in what form I will contribute, or how I will actually go about it, but it will be done. Whether I’m a member of the Peace Corps., an actress in Hollywood, or a tour guide in Rome, I want to spread the smiles across the globe. My jokes aren’t always the funniest, but I would like to try to spread the universal language of laughter, as well. When people laugh at my jokes or smile at my remarks, I undergo an unexplainable feeling: this was what I was meant to do. I wish I could explain it, but I would say it’s like love at first sight (although I’ve never experienced that), except love at first contribution. One of these experiences occurred at my dance class one time. I’m not really close with most of the girls in my dance class, mostly because I ironically come off as shy. But, as I’m getting changed in the locker room one day, this girl named Amanda approached me. She told me, “Chrissy, I’m not sure if you realize this, but you are amazing in every way. You put a smile on my face almost every class.” I think I almost cried when she told me that. I didn’t even know I had the power to be that impactful. But, that’s my contribution to my dance class, and the world. I’m not aiming at becoming a “celebrity” kind of legend. I just want my legend to be that I just liked when people smiled. Smiles and giggles were my energy. It was what kept me going. If I kept at least one person smiling, then I know my job on Earth has been accomplished. When I’m overlooking my funeral, I expect this to be said, “Chrissy spread the disease of happiness, and that’s what killed her.” My contribution is my ability to entertain. And entertaining is my butter knife that will spread the epic sandwich of happiness. With that said, I refer to a very tiny man with a very large heart.
Wherever I go, or whatever I do, I will always take with me Muhadmid Gandhi’s advice: “Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” There are times where I feel that my life has absolutely no meaning. These times are when I’m most ridiculous and utterly stupid. Every life has meaning. We’re all here to do something. We’re here to raise children. We’re here to teach children, we’re here to rule a country, and we’re here to simply walk an old lady across the street. Even if you aren’t Miley Cyrus, and even if you’re name isn’t bolded in the textbooks, your life has meaning. It may be meaningful to a few, but it’s significant nonetheless. It’s the little things that make our lives meaningful. It may not even be impactful until way after your death; Emily Dickinson was finally appreciated long after her death. But as H.H. wisely put it, we are here to contribute to the beauty of this flawed and reckless world. We aren’t a perfect world. We make mistakes. That’s what makes us beautiful.
Kait!
ReplyDelete“However, the listeners are usually the ones that are forgotten. I don’t see being “the listener” as much of a legacy. I want to do more than listen. I want to be able to offer advice. I want to form opinions that I am passionate about.”
I can see why you may think this, but I like to think that it’ better to be quiet and not in the forefront of everyone’s mind all the time then be all “HEY LOOK AT ME I’M AWESOME. DID YOU HEAR ME? NO? WELL I’M AWESOME.” It’s not always great to be remembered when it’s for the wrong things, just saying. But you’re not forgotten! Like I still remember all of chem. And the Dev- I mean Mrs. Seeloff;s class from last year…Good times haha. But the fact that you write blogs or do anything in life means you have an opinion, you just have to be confident enough to express them!
Lukey,
“Naturally, I have not really considered my legacy much. It has always been my intention to just let things play out and let my legacy be whatever it becomes”
I don’t really think you want your legacy to be whatever it becomes. That leaves a lot of room to be literally whatever it becomes. You know? Not every legacy is positive and I assume you’d like yours to be. I know you elaborated, but I thought I’d tell you. Any who, as for the whole standing out and fitting in and such, sandwiches don’t make themselves. You’ve got to make what you want happen! Ps. If you find the cure to calculus, I’m building you a shrine.
Stephen!
“A simple gesture of kindness may mean the world to someone else, and inspire them to go on do something kind for another person. That means you were the start of a chain reaction of good deeds, that may lead to someone hungry being fed, someone jobless being hired, or someone dead on the inside finding a new, rejuvenated spirit.”
This is kind of like the butterfly effect, that thing where one thing affects another and so on. But this reminded me of that commercial where people do something nice and another person sees and they do something nice. Though that’s completely scripted, it makes me feel better about the human race…ok sorry for the tangent, but I really liked your blog and your concluding sentences were inspiring!
Gwen:
ReplyDeleteWhenever I'm having a bad day you never fail to make me feel better, even if I don't show it. You can almost always make me smile and laugh. If I'm having particularly difficult problems you always give me good advice and help me through it. So yes, you are that someone. That someone who can always make me feel better.
*Mahatma Gandhi! I don't know why I typed Muhadmid. That's nonsense!
ReplyDeleteKTGGGG - 'That's right, Ru...'
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, one of the first things that I noticed about your blog was the word fart..but moving on!
I remember when I had no idea who you were freshman year. But that is when I met Crystal [ God, I miss her.. ] and I remember always thinking about the great friendship that you two have. I didn't realize just how deep it was until this year. The fact that she's in another country did nothing to ruin your friendship. If anything, it made it stronger. I loved reading your blog and about how you saved her world. I know you're capable of doing it again, and I have no doubt in my mind that you'll save more worlds than you'll ever know about.
Kale Nagasaki,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved your intro. The scenario was amazing and I could totally picture you in cartoon form taking on a giant whose body was in the shape of a 3D AP! I am like you when it comes to competition. Frequently, while I'm pitching, I have moments where I stop and think, "This girl is my enemy. To me she is the bad and I am the good. I want her to think that I'm the bad to her and she has no chance against me." I want all of the fans to recognize me as the good (well bad as in badass). And most importantly, I want my team to think of me as the good fighting battles against the bad for them. I don't beleive everything is black and white, but I do agree with you, when you break the world down like it is, it makes things easier to handle. Picturing the world in black and white makes problems worth solving and enemies worth defeating.
P.S. I'm glad you can take down the notorious AP calc because on Wednesday, I have a feeling that it will knock me into a state of unconciousness for approimately four hours (or until the test is over). ;)
Quite frequently I grab my Ipod and begin exploring. Where ever the route takes me, I always end up staring straight up at the sky contemplating life. The most explored topic is that of existence. Truth be told, I should not have been born. (No, I am not an oops baby.) Different circumstances arose and BAM here I am. I often wonder what would happen if one part of the sequence of events was broken. Would I be here? It is weird to think about people that could be in this world if things had gone differently, and also weird to think about friends that would have never existed if fate did not play a role in existence. However, I am here and here for a reason.
ReplyDeleteI play sports. Entering Oakcrest I had a few goals... 12 varsity letters, wall of fame, and D1 scholarship. I had always dreamed of leaving a sports legacy in Oakcrest until this year. Different aspects of my life have made me realize that sports are not everything. I have avoided everything and anything challenging to get to my comfort zone. Following in my brother’s legacy, I have always tried to outshine his existence. I do many activities, but what I will do is focus on the things a have evaded over the past couple of years. I will be a better friend, leader and inspiration to everyone. Walking through the halls, I want people to be thinking, “Wow, one day I want to be like her.”
There is a reason everyone is brought into this world. Going through life, you contribute to various people’s lives without even knowing it. Beauty in this world can consist of a smile that brightens up an entire day. Each person has smiled or made someone smile and that small contribution can savor a lifetime of beauty. My contribution to this world may be something small, but it made me and a young girl very happy.
We all know my obvious short build. When I younger I was not the tallest gymnasts, but I had more guts than anyone. At age 12, an extremely tiny girl approached me wanting my autograph. Stunned, I turned to see if she was talking to the people behind me. In fact, she was talking to me. She had told me how she admired my ability to face my fears, and perform every routine like it was my last. This little girl had followed me for three years and hoped to be the gymnast I had developed into. We talked for a few minutes about how my short build has inspired her to face her own fears while learning new tricks. That is the legacy I hold at Perfect Balance Gymnastics. “You’re the girl whose floor routine causes everyone in the building to stop and stare.” Quite flattering, to say the least, but that is not the legacy I want.
My legacy will probably always have something to do with my athletic abilities. Don’t get me wrong, that is an amazing legacy, but if that is all you are known for your high school years have been wasted. Despite the fact that I will always be short, and remember by that, I want people to think more of me when we all return for our high school reunions or more importantly when I die. I want my legacy to be that I was a great friend and leader. I want people think about how much of an impact I made on them, and know that I aspire to help others before thinking of myself.
TayTay,
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you're adorable! On a deeper level, though, your analogy makes sense to me and strikes a chord within me. I have the same basic goals as you do. I always ant to make people around me happier. Whether it be by making them laugh or just being friendly, I love to make people happy. I, like you, strive to brighten someone's day. I strive to be the light when everyone seems to be in the dark. I want to make people see the world as I do, in a positive light, instead of the typical negative light that they tend to perceive.
Stephen W: I’m so happy you want to be a politician, because the world really needs someone like you to put faith back into the system. I like how you described every action as the start of a chain reaction, because I really believe that. It’s like that quote in Mr. Matlack’s room. I don’t know exactly how it goes, but it’s something like “You may never know the fruits of your actions.” But you know that they have fruits -- why not make them positive?
ReplyDeleteSarah L: “If ignorance, apathy, and confusion can spread like wild fire, then why shouldn’t insight, passion, and understanding do the same?”
Sarah, I think this is the most brilliant thing you ever said. This should be a quote in a famous movie, in an amazing poem, in a college application essay. You never cease to amaze me. Your legacy will definitely become what you want it to be, because your heart is exactly where you want it -- on an adventure!
Lucas S: I will definitely remember you. In fact, I hope we keep in contact. From what I remember about you last year compared with every blog you write, your transformation, in my eyes, is exponential. Every time I see you, I feel you shine a little brighter. I guess you can say I’m very curious; you are the one to watch. I think you’ll become more successful than I’ll ever be, and I can’t wait to see what you make of your future, either.
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ReplyDeleteKTG,
ReplyDeleteI like how you brought up a real life example of how you changed someone else's life and what you mean to them. I wish I were like you, and had someone to say that I changed their life. I want to change someone's life for the good. I want them to remember me when they're away, much like Crystal has with you, and say with honesty that they wouldn't be the same person without me. I think it's amazing that you are this young and can honestly say that you have impacted someone's life in a huge way.
P.S. you always make me smile!
Sarah L:
ReplyDelete"I hope that I leave him and everyone else inspired, thoughtful, and enlightened."
Whenever you speak it is incredibly obvious that you have thought about every word you say. In English class this year and last year, or any time really, I have heard you say things in new, insightful ways. You have made me think about things and look at things in new ways. You have already started spreading wisdom and insight, and I am very confident you will be a published writer or a crusader of human rights, or what ever else you feel led to do.
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ReplyDelete(BY HANNAH)
ReplyDeleteI know that I'm only 17, but I've been through a ton of things in my life. I think that the reason these unfortunate situations only happen to some people, not everyone, is because if they happened to everyone, nobody would be able to learn. What I mean is this- People who suffer any type of pain are observed, the observers note the strength that sufferer has- therefore learning from them. They learn to be strong and be thankful for what they have. The person who is suffering turns out to be an inspiration to other people. And at the same time the person who is experiencing the pain learns from the observers. They learn to not let it get to them and to be happy like other people around them are. People tell me all the time they can't believe how well I am doing and how strong I am, (I really don't see it like that because it's not like I have a choice to do anything but keep on living my life) but when they tell me that I feel good about myself; I feel like I've contributed to benefiting their lives.
I know that people aren't going to be talking about me in a hundred years or anything, but it would be nice to have the people that remember me in twenty years to remember me as the type of person who was able to continue living life no matter what it threw at her. For example, I know that everyone dies, so at one point or another we will all lose someone close to us. I would hope that I would be remembered by my friends and that they use me as an example to help push themselves. I want my legacy to be that I was the type of person who didn't let things ruin my life, no matter what it was.
As for HH's idea, I believe it is true. Everyone contributes to the people around them in one way or another. Kind and caring people use generosity to give to others, athletic people contribute to a team, academic people contribute to finding cures for diseases and designing new buildings, etc. Even the people who are jerks help contribute because they teach other people what not to become. And as far as animals go, they are even more of contributors than people are. Animals produce oxygen and water as a byproduct of breathing and during this they breathe out water vapor that rises. Then it all goes back to the water cycle, which is necessary for everyone if they want to drink water (and stay alive). Not only that, but people can eat the animals to help get the protein they need. Also, dogs and sometimes cats can help in just cheering up people. Dogs, especially, because they always seem so happy and loving. Just the fact that I can come home and know that my dog will be there to play with me or just sit with me when I do my homework makes my day, which contributes to the “beauty and prosperity of the world.”
(BY HANNAH)
Tay Palm:
ReplyDelete"Serial killers, they contribute to taking away someone else’s contribution. That’s not making the world a more beautiful place."
The way I interpret HH's theory is that each person has something to contribute to the world, to make it a better place, but you can't force someone to make that contribution. We all have free will, and that serial killer obviously is using his abilities for very wrong deeds. I talked about this in my blog post actually.
Smile, that’s what I do. No, I am not saying that I am a hundred percent happy a 100 percent of the time but that’s how I feel that my contribution to the world are expressed through a smile. A smile can truly lead to many riveting and grandeur outcomes that really contribute. What does my smile represent and do? One smile could be the determinant in making someone’s horrific day, something spectacular. One smile could be the motivation for someone to finish a race or to keep fighting for something that they feel seems bigger than them. One smile could be the one expression someone needs to feel accepted or to just be themselves.
ReplyDeleteSmiling is what I can do best but what derives from my constant smiling is my spirit that at times is characterized as peppy, cheerful and optimistic. At times I feel that my constant smiling and spirit annoys individuals but as much as I try to tone it down it keeps rising. It’s like this is what I was given to do, smile and be spirited and the more I suppress it the more it wants to emerge. With my smile intact and spirit, I have held a team together, kept people holding on and I have tried to accept everyone for who they are with no reservations.
My cheerful kind spirit and smile is has made it easy for me to decide what I want to do with it. Simple, spread it, help people, push people and save people’s lives. I don’t just want to be a dietician just because I love eating healthy but I want to change people’s lives. I feel the only way you can do that is by having a cheerful spirit with a constant reinforcement that comes through a smile. I want my smile to represent to my patients that I am always on their side,
which I am always fighting for them, and that most of all that I care about them. With this I hope I could possible save someone’s life, possible inspire someone to turn over a new leaf. Honestly, I really just want to help the ones that I know our hurting out there because they don’t deserve it. Yeah, I may not be researching the cure for cancer but food and exercise are big contributors into our health, so therefore their big contributors in staying alive. I will do this all with a smile.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what HH says, we are all possessed with something to add to the world. Realists argue this until their face turned blue, but may sound corny we are our so different and beautiful in our own ways that even if it may seem insignificant we all add flavor to our world. This Flavor that helps create a world that is diverse, so adventurous and gives us opportunities, choices and varieties. Let’s us meet people that at the time seem like you, but one indication and one little thing makes them totally unique and this adds to the beauty of our world.
What do I bring to the table? To this date me biggest contribution has been my attempts to try and change people’s attitudes about themselves and who they are. Yes, I contradict myself on a daily basis, but it’s hard for me not too. I try my best to motivate people to love themselves, feel good about all that they achieved, listen and put my input but let them know through my avid smiling that I care and they can achieve anything. I instill this in my teammates, As when it comes to my teammates I try my hardest to make sure that everyone knows that they are special and contribute to the team collectively. This year as going to be captain, I have cultivated new ideas that I hope will penetrate this concept of making them feel like they contribute even if they are not the best. I always hopes it motivates them to reach for the stars. Though supporting and holding my team together when our coach left was a contribution, my biggest one is something I will talk about but don’t want to go into detail. My spirit and smile has shown people that are trapped and struggling barley holding on that their our sunshine days, that they can survive too.
Legacy, seems like I am a queen or something. Anyways, I hope people remember me as Smiley. Yes, the track nickname I was given by the lovely Ms. Jones. I never want to be remember as the person I was in the past. I want my grandbabies, to tell their great babies, that I was one spirited person that gave my heart to everyone and all I wanted in return was for them to get better. That through my contribution as a runner, dietician and survivor I was someone who knew that smiling and having a cheerful attitude can make the impossible seem possible. I hope this is my legacy, sounds cliché but it’s not because what I am saying is so real to me. I want people to know that though I that I had pep and smiled a lot I still struggled. My times struggling were unbearable and that it really changed my outlook. I want them to know though there were times of defeat, my heart filled with pride, cheer, kindness, determination, passion and most of all spirit is what made me smile forever
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ReplyDeletePersonal legacy? Considering that I plan to be a microbiologist working with bacteria, I want to one day invent the cure to a severe disease. I don’t want to be remembered as the guy who cured the common cold but instead the hero who cured something major like the elephant flu (if that ever exists). But if things don’t go my way and I never cure anything big, well then, that’s okay too. I don’t need a great legacy. I’ll be perfectly happy with impacting my future family by showing my wife and children unconditional love. In fact, if I have made at least one person happy, then my legacy is already fulfilled. For the seventeen years my heart has been beating, I have certainly helped at least one person and made him or her feel a little happier. To put a genuine smile on someone’s face is all I ask for, and considering that I have already accomplished this, I am already happy with my contributions and my legacy. Although all I ask for in my legacy is to give joy to someone, I have accomplished more. Probably my greatest contribution to the world would be my positive influence on others. I consider myself a virtuous person and I believe my example of righteousness has led others around me to adopt, either partially or fully, righteous lifestyles as well. While it is always good contribute to the world, that is not why I am here.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I am here is that I was born. I am the simple product of a random union between a sperm and an egg. Although it does sound cute, my purpose on Earth is not to contribute “to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” There is no predetermined purpose of life. My purpose on Earth is whatever I make or want it to be. I am here to live my life and you are here to live yours. We live, we die, and all we can do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us. What each of us decides to do with our time is our purpose. My purpose is to make at least one person happy and the 14th Dalai Lama’s purpose is to contribute “to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” His purpose is not my purpose. The 14th Dalai Lama seems like an intelligent man who tried to incorporate his own life purpose into a universal proverb in an attempt to look more intelligent and more important. I’m not saying that I dislike the guy—I know nothing about him. What I’m saying is that his words are just as credible as my words in the sense that he simply spit out his thoughts. What I’m saying is that everyone has a different life purpose.
A smile is worth a thousand words and a laugh worth a million.
ReplyDeleteIn my family, ever since I can remember, it has been my job to break the ice. My job to be the peace maker. My job to make every one laugh. No pressure.
It is the one thing I have always been good at; making people feel better about themselves. I can and will tell you a Chuck Norris joke when you eyes are heavy with tears. I can and will make you feel better about yourself after having an embarrassing encounter with a cute boy. I can and will listen to your life story five times over and never once get bored. If all else fails, I will be there to give you a hug.
When I make someone laugh, or feel good about themselves, I feel as if I have contributed a little good to the world. I know, I know. It’s silly. It’s not like I am saving orphans from the Abominable Snowman. It’s just a smile. Just a giggle. Just a laugh. Yet, when I do assist someone in leaking that small display of utter and pure happiness, that smile, that giggle, that laugh, I feel like I have a purpose in the world. No one can deny the richness and happiness that accompanies a sense of purpose, even if the specific purpose only has a lifespan of a few fleeting seconds.
Though my contribution to this world may be insignificant, it is still existent (So the HH might have a point there). However, I would not go as far as saying everyone and everything is here in this world to solely “contribute”. There a lot of bad people in this world. I don’t mean your usually serial killers are rapists either (even though those people are the very dog poop on the bottom of your shoes). There are so many spiteful people. People who go out there way to spiritually and emotional break others down. There are so many indifferent people. People who are bystanders. They are not doers, they are watchers. Watchers that make no visible imprint on their world. Does the guy who could care less about anyone or anything but rather floats along contribute anything? Does the druggie mother who begins a cycle of mental and physical abuse that will last for years to come, contributing anything “beautiful” or “good” to the world? I think not…
Yet, I can not deny that MOST people do contribute to making this world a better place. Be it once or twice in their lives. Personally, my biggest contribution, as of now, is making my baby sister laugh after a painful blood test. I did my signature “monkey face”, made some ridiculous noises in the middle of the hospital, and hopped up and down on one leg. It didn’t change the world. It didn’t even change Unzilla’s life. It did, however, make her forget her tears and her pain just for a second (and earn me several dirty looks). Just for a second, something I did helped someone I love. That may sound stupid or trifle to you, but to me that is my biggest contribution. I want to be remembered as the girl who could make anyone smile. The girl who cared enough to try to make anyone and everyone smile. That is what I hope my legacy will be. Just the girl who tried.
Responses people who wrote about me:
ReplyDeleteAlexis: Though it happens at times, I would like to think that I don't always just try to get by on ability. I, like everyone else, have to put effort into everything, and when I don't, things tend to come crashing down, especially this year. I must admit that sometimes, I do get lazy, though.
Deanna: That's interesting to hear, because I feel like each day that passes reveals another flaw in me that I did not recognize before. Maybe I'm just becoming more perceptive when it comes to myself, but maybe not. Either way, I wouldn't doubt that you'll end up being more successful than I will be. I don't have big dreams, really.
“You don’t know what you got ‘till it’s gone.”
ReplyDeleteMy friend just moved to Florida on Friday without saying anything to any of her friends about it. I was mad at her of first. I couldn’t believe she has purposely neglected to tell me that I would never see her again. I realized, after a few selfish hours, that I couldn’t be mad at her because I didn’t know the whole situation. Something could have happened to make her move and she didn’t have time to tell me. I became sad. I became pensive. I began reflecting back on all of the deep conversations we had and thought, “What would I have done without her?” I thought about how she had helped me through my problems and how she impacted me life. This led me to think of how I have impacted people, and more importantly, what do I want people to say about how I impacted their lives.
On an athletic level, what my teammates think of me is extremely important to me. I want them to remember me as someone who did everything they could for the betterment of the team. I want them to think I gave them my all every single pitch and every singly play. Being a pitcher means taking responsibility for everything else that happens on the field. After all, the paper doesn’t credit the loss to the whole team. The paper credits the loss to the pitcher and only the pitcher. I want my teammates to remember me as someone who wanted to win FOR THEM. I have trophies and championships. I want them to realize that I give everything I have 100% of the time so that they can have championships too. I want them to remember me as a true team player who put my ass on the line so that they can have everything they deserve.
This athletic desire to help people is a key factor in how I want my friends to remember me. I want my friends to think that I was there for them no matter what. I want them to remember me as someone who would sacrifice themselves to help. I want them to remember coming to me with their problems and helping them make the right decisions. If I can help someone, I know I have impacted their life in a meaningful way. It’s not that I don’t believe that I impact someone that I bump into in the hallway, it’s just that I want to help everyone accomplish someone in their life. I want people to remember needing me to solve their problems or help them fight their battles. Maybe I just need to be needed. I don’t know. Even if that’s the case though, my own selfish need is acceptable because I helped someone in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteI know I’ve changed Carly’s life in a big way. I have her back no matter what. The other day, someone knocked her over on purpose when she was running to first, so I hit them with a pitch when they came up to bat. I do so much for her, and she does the same for me. I don’t need her to tell me that she needs me, even though she does sometimes. I know she needs me because I need her in my life. It might be a sisterly bond or something, or maybe it’s just the fact that we’ve lived together for sixteen years, but I know I’ve impacted her life in nearly the same way that she’s impacted mine. My greatest contribution to anyone, besides my future husband and my kids, will be to Carly, and I’m overjoyed with how much I’ve helped her so far. I’m not concerned with my legacy to her because she has the exact same legacy to me.
Simon V:
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely be a successful microbiologist. After witnessing your tremendous work ethic in AP Biology, I can say with utmost certainty that you will do well. Maybe we can collaborate on a cure for Alzheimer's or some other brain-related ailment. Either way, I agree that our lives are whatever we make of them. I have the power to just throw my life out the window tomorrow, but I don't want to. It's up to us to do great things, and some simply choose not to.
I always find myself thinking about the future and I always feel like I’m not going to change the world – although that’s my biggest dream. I want to do something, anything, that gets my name remembered as someone important, in anyone’s life.
ReplyDeleteI do believe with HH’s idea of contribution, wholeheartedly actually. I love his quote and I wish more people would life by it. I think it’s inspiration like that that would get people to really put themselves out there and do more for our community. It’s such a compliment and from that, I feel like I can do anything.
As of now, I’m a friend – that’s my contribution. Now, I don’t mean that I’m being everyone’s friend just to make myself feel better. I mean that I see my friendships so valuable and fragile that it is something so great to have and I feel like I make some sort of importance in my friend’s lives. My support, my encouragements, and my help – they all contribute to the lives of my friends which have a domino effect around us. What will I do… I’ll always be a friend. But I want to be a role model for someone. I want to show someone that it’s okay to mess up sometimes but to have your head on straight. With that, I know I’ll have an impact on the future of someone else and change their life.
As far as a legacy… I don’t feel like my name can be put next to that word… but I want to show people that differences can be made. A lot of people run around saying how they want to make a difference and those differences are made by money. I want it to be different… I want differences to be made by a simple smile, or conversation, or flower, or something other than money. I want it to be easier. My legacy – make a difference by being there. That may be something already today, but that’s truly what I want. I find myself even questioning the major that I want to head into because I don’t feel like the true change of our society can be made by fashion merchandising. We’ll see. But I’ll never stop contributing to those around me regardless of the limitations from the job I ingress.
A smile, a wave, a hug… I want people to realize that it doesn’t take a shit load of materialistic items to make someone’s day better. I want people to understand that money can’t buy happiness. I love what Oprah does, but I feel like her heart isn’t in it. If I have learned anything from the asshole of a father I’ve been given, I’ve learned to always put your heart into something. Fall in love or fall in hate – be passionate. Remember that. Help me make my legacy a reality.
Taylor:
ReplyDeleteWhile I like your metaphor of the muffin basket, I think it was poorly explained. It seems a bit childish but your voice was very strong in your explanation. I think it could have been developed a little better by the use of different, maybe "smarter", words.
Kale:
I have no idea how you come up with some of the stuff that you do but I sure do love it. Your introduction is very appealing and caught my eyes as I scrolled down the page. I absolutely loved the sound affects and wonderful; description. Love You
Simon:
I was reading your blog and there very first sentence shocked me. As I continued, I was impressed but the most impressing thing of the blog remained the first sentence. You have high ambitions and I can appreciate that. You are a hard worker and a bit of a perfectionist... you can find a cure some day. I am sure of it.
I often find myself contemplating my existence and purpose in being born into this vast and callous world. Am I here to lead a revolutionary movement? Am I here to spread a message of hope and compassion or to educate others? Am I here to combat the relentless cruelty and injustice that too often defines society? All of these aspirations are ones that I would be happy to accomplish, and maybe I will, accomplish one of these daunting tasks.
ReplyDeleteI know not exactly what I want to be known for, but the general idea is clear in my mind. I want to help others; I want to make a difference in the lives of others, whether that be by helping to spread knowledge in an academic forum or developing a process or item that benefits all of humanity. This may sound very generic and bland, but it is my only clear goal in life. I have no passion for wealth or fame. I have no desire to solely benefit myself in my future endeavors. I have truly convinced myself that the possibilities are endless and that I have countless routes I have the ability to tread in my journey through life. Determining how I specifically will influence or help others isn’t my highest priority. The main thing I strive for is that when the time comes and I am pursuing my passions, that I will be helping others in the process.
In my daily life, I try to emulate these altruistic guidelines that I have set for myself. If I see someone that needs help and I can help them, I attempt to aide them. I never ponder a situation based on my personal advancement, if I see that I can help someone while hurting myself, I will help them. And above all, I attempt to practice kindness at every available moment, because one of the greatest forms of aide one can receive is an act of kindness or companionship. No one needs the foolish acts of another to hinder their happiness, and so I try to always be kind and never create additional stress in anyone’s life, from strangers to my closest friends.
My greatest contribution to date could quite possibly be the kindness I act with when dealing with any given situation and the morals that I display to the people that I come in contact with. I’d like to think that by acting as altruistic as possible in front of others, or acting in a way that is selfless, that I’ve inspired others to do the same. I haven’t saved anyone’s life. I haven’t found a cure for AIDs or cancer, but I think all of the small contributions that I have made to many people’s lives amount to something.
I absolutely believe in the message HH presented. Everyone has a contribution to make to this world, or else what would be the point of living? Every living organism has something beautiful to contribute and it is a truly grandiose and insightful idea that the Dalai Lama has shared with the world.
Taylor: You are so funny! I love how creative you are, and how confident your writing is. I never would have thought of a muffin basket that way, but since I've read what you wrote, I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteStephanie: I admire how you help people by teaching them karate. Saving people's lives, helping them, no big deal, right? Just kidding. But you seem to be very hepful and seem to be a really good person.
Manar: I don't think you need to learn tp write... haha. After reading your blog, I noticed that we kind of have a lot in common. I can respect you a whole lot more now. Not that I didn't before or anything, it's just you are way deeper than I first thought!
Taylor - I think your legacy has something to do with bringing a smile to everyone's face. I'd like to think legacies are more than the work that Oprah does, you know? I find more use of the hug and shoulder to cry on than the schools she hands out. You're doing a great job, in my eyes :).
ReplyDeleteThis, actually, is one of my ethos of the world according to Hinduism. I agree, when I first read it I interpreted it as that “Why am I here?” question. I believe that we all have a purpose in this world for that is the truth. And we must find and live by this truth. Truth doesn’t mean, for example, I’m meant to smoke for the rest of my life or I’m meant to be a prostitute. No. Truth is not to go astray from virtuous living, it is to stay and follow that path that’ll take you to heaven. However not everybody abides by this truth. That’s why we have crazy people who enjoy harming others, such as criminals, corrupt people and hate organizations like the Ku Klux Klan. This world isn’t perfect, if it was then there would be no reason to set up hospitals, jails, you name it, no reason for people to contribute make the world go round. It would be a utopian world. Not saying I’m grateful for these types of bad people, but this is where we distinguish our good from the bad that exists in this world.
ReplyDeleteSo in a way, if you want to look at the world optimistically, HH does make sense. This “beauty and prosperity” is our contributions to help and make a difference. When I read this, I visualized all of the good aspects of the world like slides of photographs appeared in a fancy PowerPoint format in my head. A picture of a doctor and a happy patient, pictures of a buffalo herd eating grass, a tropical rainforest with multifarious colored birds sit on a tree, more pictures of nature in their state of peacefulness, a lifeguard saving somebody’s life, and many more.
I’ll be those figures in the photographs. I’ll be that buffalo or bird that contributes the peacefulness in nature. I’ll be that lifeguard that helped saved a person from drowning. I’ll be that doctor that helped out a patient. Practically, I’ll be just that doctor. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and making people feel better. I want to be able to make peoples’ day. I want to spread happiness. So far, I have contributed to this “beauty and prosperity” by listening. I’m not a loquacious person (actually I am if you know me well enough), but if you need a girl who is all ears, then cleanse your pained soul to me. Sometimes that’s all a person needs, somebody that just sits there and listen. I also offer advice at times. I even partake in insignificant actions like picking books off the ground, or lending a person a buck for lunch. I want to be that person you can rely on. As long as I make a difference, and hopefully I’ll make a greater difference when I’m older, being that reliable person will be my legacy.
When I thought about this, I thought about the one thing that I’ve embedded in my mind that I was going to do, fashion. I knew I wanted to be a fashion mogul/icon right from the get go. But then I thought about it again. I thought about everything that’s happened to me this year and I’ve added more to that list.
ReplyDeleteI want not only to become a fashion designer but I also want to be:
-A political activist.
-A peace corps volunteer.
-A loving husband.
-A proud father.
Political activist because never in my life did I see myself leading groups of people to fight for a cause. It happened to me in Latin. Ever since Mrs. Kennedy was laid off, I knew that I needed to fight and I knew that I was able to fight.
It’s not only things like that that I can fight for. I can fight for gay rights. I want to make everyone know that we’re people too. I think this year is monumental because I’ve been able to reach out to people that after telling them that I’m gay, their perspective on people like me are different.
My friend Richie told me, “I’ve never thought that I’d be able to talk to someone who was gay. But ever since I got to know you, my entire view on gay people are different…You’re changing the world.” As much as I thought he was just saying that for effect, I took it to heart. I took it as a revelation of my power.
I want to become a peace corps volunteer because of the whole mindset of helping out everyone else. I want to become philanthropic because it’s such an amazing feeling to be able to give back. I want to be able to travel around the world and see different cultures and be able to help those less fortunate that I am.
I want to become a husband, after of course I’ve fought for gay rights being an activist, and have someone who will love me for who I am. I want someone who is going to the same direction as me. I want someone who will be able to become a great dad just like I plan to be as well.
I believe in the HH saying. I think everyone, good or evil, has contributed something to this world that has caused it to become this big beautiful jumbled art piece that is not easy to understand. It’s abstract, but still, it’s beautiful. It doesn’t seem impossible at all because if you think about it, the contribution does not have to be big. The contribution can be anything.
I think my biggest legacy so far is my art work and my creativity. I think with the things that I’ve done, whether it’d be school, work, or elsewhere, I’ve left a mark. After all, isn’t that what my creed is about? Leaving glitter everywhere I go? But I also believe that my legacy is the fact that I’m myself. Hearing people like my friend Richie say things like that is proof that I’m leaving my legacy somewhere in this world.
That’s all I want. I want to just change the world whether it’d be from fashion or it’d be from fighting for the things that I believe. I just want to be remembered. Cause like I said before, if you’re remembered, then you live on forever. You’ll be immortal.
I believe in destiny. I believe in individual destinies that are puzzle pieces to a grand destiny created for everything. I believe that our destinies were created before our existence. We exist for a reason, and that is to fulfill our destinies. I wholeheartedly agree with what HH said. I beleive each and everything, living and nonliving, has a reason for its existence. Nothing is here simply to consume space. Everything has it's own destiny, small or big, good or bad.
ReplyDeleteIn order to fulfill my destiny, I can't know the outcome. I don't want to know the outcome. If I discovered the outcome and there was something I did not like, it would effect the way I live, the way I do things because I would aim to "fix" my destiny in my favor. If I change my destiny, then I would be messing with the reason for my existence. What do I do? I stay quiet, I listen, and I observe.I like to stay quiet. I have never found anything wrong with it (Believe it or not, I can stay quiet for two days consecutively). I think people that are quiet by nature are quiet for a purpose. We appreciate the beauty in silence, we listen to the world, we take the chance to look at things from a dimension that is not fogged up by the pollution of everyday noise and chaos. That is not to say that talking is bad. People that like to talk and are naturally loquacious are like that for a purpose. But with quietness, I have the chance to use all senses; sight, hearing, feeling, and yes, even smelling and tasting. I listen to give everything else a chance. Even people. Everytime somebody comes to me to vent, bitch, complain, whatever, I always say that I will always listen to them, but I will rarely have anything to say in response. When I do respond, it's advice that I am confident in. Other than that, I just listen. Sometimes that's all it takes, for one person to listen and be there, to give that person a chance to be heard and to feel important.
I observe to gain insight, to learn, to experience. I don't think I can fulfill my destiny by blindly going through life and not learning and experiencing anything. Life is an experience in itself.
What will I do? Right now, I don't know. I'm just going with the flow of things, doing what I can contribute the most I can to the world. However, I have always had this feeling that I was somehow meant to fly, or go to space because for ten years I have had this strong yearning for space flight. I don't think I have the desire just because I am intrigued by it, I think there is something more about the passion I have for flying. I know this sounds selfish that I think I may be destined to fly or something, but it's not the only thing I have had a feeling about. I have also had a feeling that I am supposed to give. Perhaps because, honestly, I don't mind giving things to people. For example, the whole last-piece-of-gum scenerio, I honestly don't care if I give someone my last peice of gum. I don't mind giving my best friend my lunch when she's hungry and has no food, I don't mind drawing or painting things for people for free. I don't mean to brag, I really don't, but these are the things I do to try to contribute to the world. I think making many small, meaningful contributions have more power than a few great contributions. So, for right now, and for as long as I can, I'll be trying to do as many thingsfor people as I can, whether it be giving them gum, listening to them complain, etc.
(I had something else to say, but I forgot since I took so long writing what I have. So if this sounds like it doesn't make sense, then that's probably why. Sorry)
Kelsey - You need a confidence boost, girl. People do walk past you and wish they were you. Why wouldn't they? You're such a great person, really. But I'm glad you've realized that sports aren't everything in life. However, I think that could be your biggest legacy - something with sports. You could show young girls how we're not less superior to stupid guys just because we're girls in the sports aspect.
ReplyDeleteDeanna: I enjoyed your extended metaphor involving the Calculus exam and your defeat of this daunting foe. Your strong conviction to conquer whatever you are faced with is truly inspiring. Your breakdown of every situation and will to do what is right in every situation is also an idea that particularly stood out to me and resonated with my own beliefs. The confidence and passion that you bring into every blog post is truly admirable.
ReplyDeleteKelsey: I think it is great that your goals have expanded over the past few years, and that you now desire to help others and act as a good leader and friend. That realization is the best one can have, because life isn't about benefitting yourself, much more happiness and fullfillment can be had from helping others. I believe everyone will always remember you as a kind and compssionate friend and a passionate leader.
Chrissy: Your optimistic post brought a smile to my face. Your goal to brighten the lives of others is one that clearly depicts your outgoing personality and strong convictions. Your idea that any contribution is important, large or small, is one that displays a deep sense of maturity and insight. I also enjoy that quote by Ghandi and am glad that someone else admires those rousing words as much as I do.
Man this is deep.
ReplyDeleteI agree with His Holiness, that every thing and every one is here on this earth to accomplish something, to give a part of themselves to the universe. We all won’t save the planet in some gaudy heroic fashion, but each of us will do SOMETHING. At first glance it seems impossible that every man, woman, child, and creature will benefit all others, but that’s due in part to our morbid look at society. When murders and thefts are the norms on news channels, its hard to imagine there still IS good in the world. We have to look past the obvious, however, to see the good things eminating from everyone. Every experience in life is an opportunity to learn and grow and develop. These experiences will, more often than not, suck. But they will make us grow. Its this sort of objective logic that has to be used to understand His Holiness’s view.
In my 16 years and 11 months (exactly) of life, I feel like I have given some of myself to the world. I am learning, especially of late, that I am a comforter. I cannot bear to see people miserable and try very hard to fix it. It’s a taxing trait to have, but I think that I’m putting it to good use and helping people around me.
I cannot say that I will be the gaudy ‘superhero of the universe’ type in the future, but I take comfort knowing that I’ll help SOMEONE. Its in my nature to assist when possible. So I am not worried about my legacy too much. It will develop on its own. I would like to be known by the future generations as a good and honest person who worked hard and put others before herself. I don’t need to find the cure for cancer or invent world peace, I just need to be a good person. That energy on its own will help people. My actions will only put it to greater use.
Sarah C,
ReplyDeleteFirst, as I progressed into your blog, I thought about how you had the feeling of needing to be needed. Then I read the sentence and thought that it was completely weird that we thought the same thing.
Anyways, I applaud you for recognizing a bond with your sister that will not be able to be broken. I am the same with my little brother and sister. I think family bonds are just things that will be very difficult to be broken. Family is also a great way to pass your legacy onto the world.
Hmm, what do I do? That's a good question. I don't do anything too significant, as in saving lives or making noticeable impacts on anyone. But one thing I do do, is entertain. Stupid, I know, but think about it. I joke, I embarrass myself without caring, I spread the contagious laughter. I do this because I want to be happy, but I want everyone to be happy with me. Simply by making someone laugh you can brighten their whole day. Or their week. If they are always laughing, they are always having a good time. And life should be one big good time! One thing I always say is that I want to keep those around me happy. But when it comes to what I will do- I'm not sure yet. I'm not the kind of person who will go into the entertainment industry or a social service kind of industry to help people live happy lives. I'm the kind of person that will incorporate it into anything and everything I do. It doesn't matter if I become a doctor or a trash collector, I will strive to impact everyones lives in any way that I can in order to make them happier.
ReplyDeleteHH's quote is very true. While Taylor wrote that serial killers do not make the world a beautiful place, which I can agree with, I seemed to take a different view on it. They say that you cannot have good without bad, happy without sad, and pretty without ugly. In this equation, the serial killers, and all the other wrongdoers, are the ugly. And you and I are the pretty. The happy, the good. The yin and the yang, so to speak.
Finally, my greatest contribution. This is difficult! Like I said, I haven't really done anything significant. But I can say that I have caused others to think differently just by being around them. Much like Bunje, or anybody else, has done to me. When you are around someone, you learn a lot about them and the way they live their life. Obviously, I'm optimistic. And that optimism has proved to be contagious, as those around me have slowly started to shift towards it themselves. If I do something differently than someone else does, they see how I do it, and although that may not change anything about how they do it, it could open their minds. An open mind is key to being happy; you need to try new things and be adventurous and fun. Expose yourself to new people, like me, and you will enjoy life so much more! That is what I want my legacy to be. That I was an average person with a larger-than-life positive impact on those around her. And that is what I will make it.
Uroosa:
ReplyDelete"When I make someone laugh, or feel good about themselves, I feel as if I have contributed a little good to the world"
considering I tend to be that person who you make laugh, yea, your contributing good to at least me. and the world thanks you. Cause when Im pissed...well...its never a good thing. Anyway. I think being aware of the good you do is very great. and dont worry about the "pressure" of making people laugh and being that ice breaking individual. Its not that people expect you to for their own gain, thats just how you are. Your humor and hilarity are naturally occuring. Even if you didnt try, you could still bring a smile to just about anyone's face.
It is rare to find a person who can confidently and honestly acknowledge his or her impact on the world. Most of us, myself included, are little George Baileys, generally ignorant of the effect we have on those around us. Luckily, just as there are little George Baileys, there are little Clarences. Unlike in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” most of us will not experience some grandiose revelation and have our lives played out before us in order to see our role and effect. Rather, Clarence-like guidance comes in small doses on introspection.
ReplyDeleteFor me, these small doses of introspection are often spawned by reading. I have mentioned more than once that my favorite reading of this year was Michael Eric Dyson’s “The Public Obligations of Intellectuals.” Dyson’s words made me think about how I want to use my gifts and talents (I’m not referring strictly to intellectualism) both now and in the future.
As for now, I try to be a positive role model for my siblings because I know that when all is said and done, long after my brother has been coerced into a dress, my sister’s diary has been read aloud, and someone has rewritten the size labels on my shoes (I don’t actually wear a size 120), my brother and sister and I love each other and I know that they look up to me. It’s not just in the fact that both have written essays titled “Why Jourdan is My Hero.” It’s in the everyday things. My sister fell in love with soccer after watching me play for a few years. She is now one of the top players on her nationally ranked team. Soccer undoubtedly has and will affect her, so I suppose I have had a great indirect impact on her. As for my brother, it is hard to say exactly how I have impacted his life, but my mom, sister, and I constantly joke about “boyfriend/husband training” when we give him advice about shopping, chivalry, and communication, so hopefully he will reflect on these moments with gratitude when he meets that “special someone” or achieves “ladies’ man” status.
I hope to, in the future, inspire people to inspire people. For instance, I hope that someday my sister will do something good with soccer, whether she volunteers to coach or holds a clinic oversees. Perhaps my brother will edify his son on how to treat women right, or maybe he will even influence his friends to show some respect. I’m not looking to make some huge statement or to get four columns in the newspaper when I die, but I want the people close to me to smile when they think of me, remembering a fun time or recalling a small lesson I’ve taught them. Basically, I’m looking to “contribute… to the beauty and prosperity of the world.”
As for the HH’s quote, I feel that it is completely true. Obviously the “good” people out there who leave a positive mark on the world support his statement, but what about those people we consider evil? Hitler’s (you had to have known he’d come up the second I wrote “evil”) despicable acts tore families apart, but, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” In order for Hitler’s hate to be driven out, people had to love. Hitler’s disgusting actions unified people and therefore “contribute(d) to the beauty and prosperity of the world.”
It’s hard to say what my personal legacy is, or will be, since I have only accomplished one-percent of the achievements I wish to accomplish in my lifetime. However, I hope to leave behind a reputation of kindness, selflessness, and altruism. I enjoy knowing that thoughtful actions I perform for other people have made their day a little better, their smile a little brighter, or their attitude a little more positive.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I can build a pathway to my legacy by helping those in need whenever the opportunity is available. Whether it is helping a peer with a tough homework assignment, or helping my mom clean up around the house, the outcome is the same. For every person I help, it’s as if I am laying a brick in the right direction on the path to constructing my legacy. Every brick counts! With each encounter, I am getting closer and closer to ubiquity.
I am a firm believer in HH’s statement quoted in the original post, but do not think his opinion is impossible. Everyone contributes something to world (some more than others) but every bit counts. Sometimes people do not realize their potential, which leads them to stop striving for their goals, and ends with them not contributing as much as they are capable of contributing. Furthermore, I believe that everything is the way it is supposed to be because everything on Earth has a purpose. All creatures were created to fulfill a divine purpose and make the world a better place; it’s up to us to exceed these high standards.
So far, my greatest contribution to the world has been treating people with dignity and respect. I’m not perfect, but I always make an effort to find the best in people. Although it is something very difficult, I imagine myself “walking in their shoes” as to have a better understanding of what others are going through, and possibly find a way to help them. Hopefully, my actions will inspire others to follow by example, and my legacy will spread well beyond my personal realm of existence.
My personal legacy and intended legacies are exactly the same because I am confident that I will accomplish this goal. I want to be remembered as dependable above all other character traits. I want to be the neighbor with an extra cup of sugar, the mentor with sage advice, and the mom that is never late picking up her kids from soccer practice. I want to be the driver that stops on the shoulder of the road to check on the victims of a car crash, the customer that always returns their shopping cart to the designated area, and the random bystander that tucks in shirt tags of those oblivious to the problem. I know that all of these examples are unique and seem to be unrelated to each other, but each shows a different facet of the legacy I wish to leave behind. If today were my last day on earth, I hope to be remembered as the girl who always thought of others before herself.
To Brynne Kessler:
ReplyDeletePerhaps this is why we are best friends? Lol. People just don’t understand that being happy yourself just makes others so care-free and happy too. I do understand though that it is tough to always be happy , believe you me, I have been there. Yet I still would do anything to make someone smile. Laughter is the cure to…everything.
To JV:
JV you are really strong and I think you can do everything on your list and more!! Its like Mr. Cervi said, bystanders are also a part of the problem because they don’t do anything. SO for you to stand up for what you believe in is not brave but it also very much needed in our indifferent and apathetic society.
To Kristi:
Being there for someone is the best contribution anyone can make, in my opinion. People nowadays are too selfish, to wrapped up in their own lives to worry about anyone and anything else. There should be more compassionate people and friends like you out there, girl!
Kaitlin,
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing how you're able to listen to everyone. But I think it's even more amazing that you now want to basically become the one doing the talking. I remember explaining to you how amazing it felt to be able to voice my opinions and work passionately about something I care about. I think I even told you how it's a great way to get over certain issues that have been bothering us. ;)
To Alex V.
ReplyDeleteThanks girl! you're too nice.
Manar - I like your explanation of agreeing with HH. Even knowing you this short time, I see that you're capable of so much. Your legacy is going to be geat, I can tell. But I think you should make sure whatever you do, you're happy. I know you have a lot to live up to, well you think you do, but I know you'll be fine!
ReplyDeleteI'm the annoying radio stuck on repeat and the frog that never stops croaking. I'm never quiet, except now because I just found out I have laryngitis :(, and you'll hear the same verses on repeat coming from my mouth all day. But I'm okay with this. It's me. It's what I do. I sing. I'd love for the world to remember me as the most passionate person they've seen, because I am when it comes to what I do. However, that's not what I'm going to leave.
ReplyDeleteMost of the opportunity presented to me, to show my passion, is denied in fear of failing to meet up to expectations that people set for me. Ultimately, I hate to let people down more than anything. So instead of letting them down, I do nothing but help them, even if I take it too far.
I haven’t contributed much to the world collectively, but I’ve made a large impact in a few people’s lives. My friends and family mean the world to me, and I’ve made it clear. I will go out of my way in any circumstance to make other people. Hopefully, my generosity has made an impact on those I love. It is the support that I offer to everyone that seems to be my purpose right now. People have told me that I am a great listener and they feel they can trust me and ask for advice with any problem that ails them. Hearing that makes me feel so much better about myself. To know that I’m helping people is the best feeling I can have. And so, I’ve decided that I want to leave a legacy closer to that. I want to travel the world and help people in other countries that need it most. I just want to offer my ear and a helping hand to anyone who wants to take them. And though sometimes I am used, and walked all over, because I don’t have the heart to say “no,” it still makes me feel better to know that I made that person have just that much better of a day.
If I left the world today, I think I’d only be missed by the people that truly know and love me. As to anyone else, I’d just be one less face in the world.
Lucas:
ReplyDelete"I want to stand out. I want to fit in. I want to make a difference, but I want to do it while being happy."
Alright futon. I really liked this sentence here. I suppose thats because I relate to your feeling a bit. I just want to be happy. I believe thats the greatest good any person can do is to be happy (not at the expense of others though). Happiness is contagious, and the energy it produces goes out into the world. Having Happiness as a goal for your legacy is also a pretty sweet idea because it keeps you honest. You want to be happy, honestly happy. You coul say "I want to be a doctor and invent this that and the other thing", but thats pointless if your so miserable working towards it that no one even wants your help. Stay happy futon!
Dear Deanna,
ReplyDeleteBe my best friend. I absolutely loved your entire post. Your personification of the C-word hit the nail (or rather AP Calculus) on the head and the paragraph that followed fired me up. A superhero inspires, and from your opening two paragraphs alone, I felt empowered to take on any challenge that I face. And the best part is, that tone didn't die in the rest of your post.
Love,
Jourdan
Pooja (Pronounced poo-HAH) :)
ReplyDeleteI really love your example of the whole slide show thing. That reminded me so much of the slide shows that Cervi makes for us in class. I think it's great that you're able to visualize these things and then be able to aspire to achieve them as goals. It's really great to be able to know that you're going to put yourself in those great situations.
P.S.- I loved the Pokemon reference. It fit in perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJustin H.
ReplyDelete“The main thing I strive for is that when the time comes and I am pursuing my passions, that I will be helping others in the process.”
I could not agree more! I’m glad to hear how passionate you are about helping others, for I share the same goal. Whatever my contribution is, I hope it contributes towards others, not for myself. Living life for wealth or fame is just selfish, so what’s the point? I often contemplate about life, as well, wondering why I was put on this Earth. I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure, but I feel as though the little contributions are the ones that make the biggest difference. I said in my blog that the littlest impacts are the ones that mean the most, and you also mentioned that in your blog too. You stated, “I haven’t found a cure for AIDs or cancer, but I think all of the small contributions that I have made to many people’s lives amount to something.” That’s exactly what I tried to emphasize in my blog, and I’m happy to share the same beliefs with another AP Langer. By the way, you’ve always seemed to be kind to me. Never, ever mean. I appreciate it.
Whenever I think of the famous people with 'legacies' that involve helping society and its people (Carrie Chapman Catt, WEB Du Bois, all the Founding Fathers, etc), I imagine them as large giants, as in tall humans, whose outspokenness and valiance gives them the opportunity to hover over an 'oozing wound' on Society. With blood gushing out and bones snapped into throbbing fragments, Society lays helpless on the operating table of these people and is healed and patched up. They are Society's doctors--they mend the moral irregularities. I want to be a doctor. (Not a medical doctor. Guts and blood...gross!) I want to be a "social doctor." I want to heal a part of society in a way similar to the great hands of Jacob Coxey, Mother Jones, and Robert La Follette of the early 1900s--but more stealthily. I understand that the probability of becoming a 'famed voice in history' is slim, thus I want to be remembered for contributing to remedying a problem, even if it is as 'insignificant' as, say, a minute cut on Society's toe. I may not make it to "giant" status, where I announce a call for change in a very drastic and revolutionary way. But I'm content with being that slick and sly regenerative tissue that, unseen to the world, goes deep into the wound and restores its health from the inside out. Basically, I will focus on one aspect of society after high school, like the economy or some other social science, and strive with all my might to be its doctor--prevent it from crumbling. Wouldn't it be hilarious: "Paging Dr. Shirley: Society (or the economy or some other thing) just fell and broke its leg! Come help!" and then I emerge from an O.R. with a smirk and exclaim "Already done!" All the excitement without the blood!
ReplyDeleteOn the other note, I was a bit hesitant after reading HH's quote. For the past few years, I've been slightly superstitious, probably more than the average person. I'm overly conscience of, what I call, the balance between positives and negatives. I'm constantly awed by the way life works--as if some strange force from within or without is guiding me. Things always tend to work themselves out. Thus, I avidly believe that every little thing I encounter molds me. In the long run, those seemingly irrelevant actions may cause a cumulative effect in the future. For instance, I pass by tons of people I do not know everyday. Let's say, one person I pass is wearing UGGs. This may seem insignificant now, but as I continually see more people wearing UGGs, I am repelled by the idea of wearing UGGs. This may lead to a snowball effect: I may soon be repelled by conformity all together, I may soon be repelled by societal decorum, and I may soon become a Chris McCandless and escape society all together and live in the wild! All of that comes from that one girl I pass in the hallway. Sure, this may be ridiculous, but this is truly how I see everything in my life. It all builds up.
Thus, the idea that everything "contributes" is practically the underlying cause of everybody's personality. We are molded by the environment and surroundings. Everything and everyone is included. Therefore, I, by the mere fact that I exist and interact with a ton people everything, am contributing to everyone's life, everyday. However, I'm skeptical of the idea that the contribution goes solely toward the "beauty and prosperity" of the world. I think that is just the half of it. Stemming from my belief of positives and negatives, I believe that people contribute not only to the beauty of the world, but also to its destruction. Just look at what humanity, as a whole, has done to the environment. By simply driving to work, anybody can contribute to the ruination of nature. On the flip side, as far as the banal serial-killers-are-only-bad idea goes, serial killers can also contribute to the beauty of the world. Maybe not towards their countless murders, but in another aspect of their lives. They could be a gentle pet-owner for all we know!
ReplyDeleteI tried to think of another world to replace "beauty and prosperity.” Something that hints both positive and negative consequences. "Disorder" has a too negative connotation. "Complexity" is too broad. The word I'm trying to think of is synonymous to the Chemistry term, "Entropy," which means randomness and disorder. For now, I guess I can just say that in whatever way I contribute to the world, I will always strive try to make it a positive one.
Taylor : Why the heck are you so adorable? I love your extended metaphor, which is expected since I always love your metaphorical writing. I've never not read your blog, because they are always so well written. And if muffins make people happy, you're already a muffin in my book. Your legacy is already created
ReplyDeleteTaylor:
ReplyDelete“I want to be the geek squad for the human condition.” That’s just like my doctor idea! However, I think your geek squad is more personal, like relationship-wise. When I say, I want to be a doctor for society; I mean that I want to help people by fixing up aspects of society, like institutions such as the economy. I guess it’s more indirect. “Serial killers, they contribute to taking away someone else’s contribution. That’s not making the world a more beautiful place.” Well, yes, it definitely doesn’t make the world a better place. But nobody’s perfect. People don’t have just one label like “BAD” while others are “GOOD.” I’m sure that at sometime in a serial killer’s life, they did something remotely good.
Stephanie:
“I may have saved a few of my friends from a horrible, early end and even helped many people open up and discuss their problems before they turned to drugs and alcohol to hide their pain, but none of those seem like good accomplishments to brag about.” Wow, way to make a huge understatement! If you don’t think that saving a person’s life or preventing them from turning to drugs is not something to brag about, what is? I think that’s so amazing how you’ve changed somebody, or a few people, lives so much. Already you’ve probably contributed more than anybody else in this class has! You truly have a great heart and you should be proud of it! It’ll make into a very successful nurse one day!
KTG:
ReplyDelete“What I do is nonsense, but I live for your smile.” Your whole blog left me with an “AWWWW!!” feeling. Whenever I hear you in gym, you’re always saying something crazy and funny. And even though we don’t’ know each other as much, I could tell even before reading your blog that you’re the type of person who loves to make people laugh. It gives you a lot of character and you’ll definitely have an extremely fulfilling and happy life. Everyone does need a laugh once in a while! =) “I used to think that I could inspire no one because I didn’t even know myself.” Also, I feel the same way to this quote. But really, does anybody really know who they are? I still don’t know whether I’ve inspire anyone or not, but with enough faith and character, maybe I can like you have with your crazy personality.
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ReplyDeleteRoo:
ReplyDeleteWell we said the same thing. lol. I know like I m not always happy but i am happy to make other people happy. Its all worth it if someone else smiles because atleast out of my fake happiness some good was born. i dont know, thats what i think.
Jourdan:
ReplyDelete"I hope to, in the future, inspire people to inspire people"
Me likey. I fear that too many people will cave into this negative image society has and forget that they CAN be better. And not only can they be better, but the people in their lives can improve on themselves and others.(lets not be selfish). Its all fine and good if an individual wants to be their personal best, but they must also think about how they can help everyone in their life. That kind of thinking will create unity and happiness.
KTG:
ReplyDeleteYou are too cute!! I always smile when I'm reading your blogs because you are such a good person who is always so happy. I feel good just being around you and reading stuff you wrote. I can pick out your blog even if you didnt have your name on it. lol.
Kristen:
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but laugh when I read the beginning of your post. All I thought about was how you really didn't/ couldn't talk today, but then you shone a lantern on that on your own so I suppose I can't make fun of you. Anyways, I think you hit a good point, but didn't really highlight it. You opened writing about being talkative, but then you addressed being a good listener. I've never tested you on the latter, but I have heard from others that you are a good listener. Balance. That's something I admire.
Stephanie: "When I think about these things, I can honestly say I have already saved lives, like a nurse or doctor. I have taken someone who was hurt, torn, or near death and turned them in a direction in which they will stay on earth longer than previously expected. When I step back and think of it like that, that is indeed a great thing to do."
ReplyDeleteDon't downplay those accomplishments, they are great deeds to have already done by your young age. Few adults have been so selfless once in twice as much time, with twice the opportunities, and twice the experience.
Maryam: I thought your blog was very inspirational. You're the relentless optimist when it comes to love. Though I often make fun of you in calculus, because of what I think is naivety, I now see that for you, it's going to happen the way you plan. You are someone who believes that truly anything is possible and I envy that.
ReplyDeleteTaylor:
ReplyDeleteWow, I really liked your muffin-basket metaphor because I would have never thought of it that way until you wrote that. I think its really cool how you have your way of looking at stuff.Your blogs are always filled with creativity and makes me laugh.
Justin: "This may sound very generic and bland, but it is my only clear goal in life." That's a start - how can you be sure what exactly you want to do to that end if you don't know what you are capable of yet? That's part of the problem of being so young. Since we don't know yet what we can do, we don't see what there is for us specifically to do.
ReplyDeleteLombardo- "I want to be the one to punch holes in the blackest nights until there is a sea of stars."
ReplyDeleteSarah, I can honestly say that you always find ways to brighten my days. You listen and you beleive in people with such compassion and care. I think you are more than just a person that tries to help others, you give people hope, and I admire that about you. I wouldn't be surprised when you do become "a published writer, an acclaimed philosopher, a leading crusader for human rights, or a rescuer" because I know you will do all of this in your lifetime.
Pooja- "Sometimes that's all a person needs, somebody that just sits there and listen."
Woah, we almost said the same exact sentence! Cool, haha. But anyways, when I read your blog I found myself thinking about how much we both think alike sometimes. Everything you said about your legacy fits who you are, a peaceful, kind, good-hearted, altruisitc person. :)
Roo- "Watchers that make no visible imprint on their world. Does the guy who could care less about anyone or anything but rather floats along contribute anything? Does the druggie mother who begins a cycle of mental and physical abuse that will last for years to come, contributing anything “beautiful” or “good” to the world? I think not…"
I get what you mean when you say there are a lot of indifferent people in the world, and I don't deny that. But how would we know care without indifference, how would we know what "good" is without bad, how would we know what is "beautiful" without the "ugly"? These kinds of people teach us right from wrong, and I admit, that could be their contribution to the world.
Deanna N.
ReplyDeleteKale, I think you already Nagasaki things. Yo, from what I know, you already Nagasaki essays, tennis, and everything else you put your mind to—really. You’ve Nagasaki-ed me too. When I look at you, at Shirley, at Lucas, at Kyle, I declare to myself, “If they can do it, then I can freakin’ do it.” Although you might not have Kale Nagasaki facts yet, you are certainly on your way towards receiving them. You’re kind of like Goku—minus the naïve part. You always find a way to conquer your enemy whether it’s with a Kamehameha or the Spirit Bomb.
Manar H.
“That what's logical to society isn't always the answer to your logic.”…how disappointingly true and eye opening.
Usually I’m an optimistic person, but I can’t agree with your view that everything ultimately ends in a good outcome because there really is not ultimate outcome. The way I see it, the chain reaction just goes on and on. But regardless of the chain reaction, I also believe that the key to a better world is empathy. If everyone is a true and genuine friend; if everyone helped at any cost; then every outcome in the chain reaction will be a good outcome.
Kyra A
“And life should be one big good time!” AMEN!
Anyway, I love how optimistic you are. I love it. I love it. Your goal is to make people happier, and by simply reading your blog I can honestly say that I already feel happier. Your happiness is inspirational. Happiness is success and success is happiness. I like your input on the trash collecting occupation. Who cares what job we hold! The most important aspect is to be happy! But please, while you’re busy making other people happy, don’t ever forget to keep yourself happy too—unless of course you find happiness in making other people happy, which you probably do.
Taylor:
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of your blog, when I read about the muffin basket, was very confused. However, after delving into it, everything made perfect sense. Muffins always cheer people up no matter what, and although it isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, it totally works! I really enjoyed how it flowed effortlessly through your post, but was still informative enough to answer all of the questions. Great job! ☺
Alex V:
We have very similar ideas of our legacies, which is why I agree with your post ☺ When you said that you wanted to let your legacy take its natural course, I started to think. I guess its hard to pinpoint exactly how you want your life to be remembered when you haven’t experienced some of the greatest things that life has to offer yet. I love how you express your opinions simply and effectively in all of your blogs!
JV:
Your blogs never disappoint. I love how open you are about everything that is going on in your life; it’s like I can feel your confidence radiating through my computer screen. (In a good way ☺) I am also very proud of you for your future goals because I know that you will accomplish them. After reading you aspiration of joining the Peace Corp, I’m starting to think about joining as well. Can we do it together!?
Kaitlin:
ReplyDeleteI am the same way based on your fist paragraph. I can relate to you a lot actually. I’ve always been considered the observant type, I agree listening helps us learn more. That’s how I formulate my opinions when I hear what other people have to say. I admire how you force yourself to leave your comfort zone, something I don’t have the guts to do, haa. It’s also great how your coming close to what your striving for, I think you would make a great leader because they are the ones who listen.
Maryam:
Destined to fly. Hahahahaa. Just kidding! By the way, you totally makes sense, otherwise I would’ve started off by saying “what are you talking about?”. I agree I believe in destiny too and now I’m having second thoughts as to what I wrote. Because I believe in the truth, the power to change destiny, if that makes any sense at all. I also like this quote you used “I listen to give everything else a chance.” I never thought of this way but then again you always surprise me with something different. Well done.
Manar:
I like how you want to teach people. Your legacy could be the one that advises, you could be like a guru! I enjoy your usage of Avatar, it was cute and funny. And I believe you you make a contribution everyday. Your funny and you always seem to brighten up my day, hope you feel better :D.
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ReplyDeleteJourdan: Thank you! :) I'm very glad to hear that you have heard I am a good listener. And you're right; I could have developed my introductory paragraph better.
ReplyDeleteKristen-
ReplyDeleteYoure tone was half pessimistic and half inspiring. I can't decide between the two. Not so much pessimistic, but more so depressing. I'll miss you when you die! Haha, anyways, I think we are the same person. I agree completely! I feel as though we all want to help others. Reading everyone's blog actually made me feel hopeful in the human race. We all seem to want to give back to the world, and none of us are selfish about anything. Anywho, I, as well, would LOVE to travel the world, meet new people, and impact more lives. Besides acting, that is my second dream, and I hope to accomplish that. And by the way, you should NOT let anyone step all over you. You're excuse shouldn't be because you helped they're day be better. In the long run, they're the one feeling like asses. So, next time, stand up for yourself. Because honestly, it'll help them more than it will help you.
PS: you are a terrific listener!
Simon: "I’ll be perfectly happy with impacting my future family by showing my wife and children unconditional love." That's not any minor accomplishment. Love has a ripple effect that, rather than becoming weaker and more diluted with distance from the origin, becomes stronger and more plentiful with each person it touches. By being supportive of others, your family, you set the foundation for others to do more dramatic works for the world that they may not have done before.
ReplyDeleteLucas
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you, but if there's a fire, I might actually consider throwing myself out the window. =)
Kaitlin: I'm glad to hear that you are both a talker, well, at least around me, and a listener. I didn't read your blog before I wrote mine, but we ultimately wrote about the same thing. Jourdan pointed out balance and that it's great to have. We've become close lately, and you are an amazing listener. I love that you're the only person that doesn't tell me I'm over-thinking things, because quite frankly, that's all the advice I ever seem to get. Thank you for being such a great listener!
ReplyDeleteShirley:
ReplyDeleteMy interpretation of the quote was similar to yours, but I think you communicated it more clearly. Hitler, as a matter of fact, had a dog whom he loved. I'm sure he contributed to Blondi's (the dog's name) happiness, especially since every time I've ever heard her mentioned, it is by people who say that she was always by Hitler's side. The two shared a bed, even against the wishes of Hitler's girlfriend.
I also liked your analogy to the doctor. You did a great job illustrating what it is you want to do.
Chrissy : Thank you. I didn't mean to sound depressing, and you are one of my close friends so you fit into that category. What I meant was that anyone who doesn't know me, doesn't know me. I know, that doesn't appear to say much, but I'm saying that people don't know my name. People in the halls don't have any opinion of me, because they probably don't even acknowledge me. What I was aiming for was to become known. For someone to hear my name and say "Wow, she's helped so many people."
ReplyDeleteKTG-
ReplyDeleteYou are just too cute! I always look forward to your blog, because it makes me both laugh and smile. With that said, you’re very good at your contribution. It’s striking how similar our blogs are. I, as well, just want to spread laughter and happiness. It’s my energy as well, and it’s what keeps me going (besides from Starbucks). A smile a day keeps the sadness away. You have this distinct tone in every single one of your blogs, and I can’t exactly pinpoint it. It’s like the unique and nameless KTG tone. Anyways, it makes me happy to hear how immensely you’ve impacted Crystal’s life. That’s a true friendship.
By the way, you're not the only one whom calls people fart. I call John John Berchtold fartnugget on a daily basis. Just because.
Peter Pan and his never never land. Cleopatra and her power, Intelligence, and charm. Shakespeare and his plays. Famous names seem to go hand in hand with legacies. What will each of ours be? As of now, I have my passion. When something catches the attention of my passion; it doesn’t stand a chance.
ReplyDeleteHH asserts that everyone has a purpose. Everything has something to contribute to the world. I believe that in every sense of the phrase. Everyone was meant to do something, however, finding what that something can be a problem. Which, I guess, is why everyone is always so unsatisfied… they’re looking for their nietch. What exactly they should contribute to the world. I believe that HH’s philosophy is possible. I believe that there is one special thing that each of us was meant to do. I believe that we can extend that one special thing into different traits, making all of us, decent at a couple of things. Like if someone is trying to figure out their place in the world, they might realize they are really great at arts and crafts. Sooner or later, they will discover that their contribution and place in the world involves being a carpenter. An artist and architect of wood. Their contribution to the world could be to build a landmark. And without having a flair for arts and crafts, they would of never discovered what they were meant to do.
Including every year of my life, I know I’ve made some sort of difference. It would be impossible not to make any impact after seventeen years. So far, my greatest contribution that I am aware of would be with my friends. I know that I’ve helped at least one of them, and that they will always remember I am there for them. That, for me, means that I made a difference. That I’ve in my own little way changed someone’s world… even if it’s just for a second. My one friend, that I’ve known for about twelve years, will always be in my heart. She has made a permanent impact on me, and its satisfying to know that I’ve done the same for her. So if I never get to help anyone else, for the rest of my life, I will at least be able to say that my contribution to the world, was helping my misunderstood and whimsical friend.
In the long run, my legacy will be in human and civil rights. I want to give people lacking in opportunities, a voice. I will. I will change someone’s personal world, just as I have previously, by helping my friends with a problem. Six feet under, I don’t care if anyone remembers my name, nor do I care if the world as a whole see’s the changes I will make. I want my legacy, to be left in the hearts of the people that I’ve loved, had passion for. My passion is what will leave me immortal. Paola and her passion. That will be my legacy.
Henry David Thoreau’s, Walden presents the same idea of contribution of nature’s workings being significant to aid the whole of the beauty of the world. Some may find it near impossible to find the smallest and most ignored of things to be significant when compared to a human being. But I believe a human does more wrong to the world than it does good, and our contribution be but the same of that of a flower. Just because we roam the earth consuming everything in our path doesn’t mean we have greater cause or requirement than any other being or entity on earth. The purpose of the human is what of the master race, like how dinosaurs were before us; it becomes a sort of equilibrium in the balance of the world. For the world to work there must be a chain, a stature of adaption to the world either by brute force or by intelligence. Just because a race is at the top of the food chain does not make it worth any more than the other things that continue the chain, if anything the things we believe most insignificant such as plants and grass are the most important. As seen in history, one fault in this chain creates problems in the flow and equilibrium, because everything works as a whole by using others to pass on the flow of energy through food. The most simple of nutrients start out as grass and plants, and are eaten by a slightly larger creature, and this process happens so on and so on until the original energy is still present within the transition even when it sits on our plate. However the will of humans have adopted the fondness of a legacy, how someone can die and be gone but live on the tongues of people forever. Personally my contribution so far has been the protection of my values of knowledge, how I have urged others who are not in my AP classes or even honors to seek a higher understanding of thinking, which I am proud to say that I have influenced some to do so, but as always there are some of my friends who will just not go to lengths of expanding their mind for they look to wallow in the bare minimum of life without embracing its fortune. In the future my purpose I feel is to make changes within how people think, I look to introduce fresh and new ideas into our management of how the world works. It is my dedication that I will apply to make sure my legacy is known for helping and aiding the way knowledge is distributed and dispersed among the people of society.
ReplyDeleteShirley:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea of how the word “legacy” is presented in history that shows people for more than people but as some kind of legends that is beyond our interpretation. The founding fathers we see as sorts of heroes instead of simple men with an idea and cause, which is why their legacy came to be and still reigns.
Jourdan:
I agree with you whole heartedly that people really don’t understand what or who they are affecting in the world. Even if it be the negative aspects of a situation, how people litter or neglect things in the world. We do prove a purpose in the world, some neglect to realize its potential, and even more take advantage of it.
Kristie:
Your words have made me think, “remembered” as if some kind of roman warrior that is known for their skills, how in present day society we would be known for altering it functions and the effect it has on people. I look to someday maybe be remembered for the things I have accomplished in my life and see to it that my name is paired with things that make my children proud to bear my name.
Apologies that this is so late, to any writing mistakes before hand or non-sense. I have been attacked by the flu and have been bedridden all day...
ReplyDeleteSimon- You're like my savior at the moment. I absolutely love that you want to help or cure because you simply want to help not for the money or fame. Especially the elephant flu, because at the moment I feel like I might have that. Anyways I feel like our legacies are similar considering the part about the treatment of your future family which I find crucial, and of course putting on a genuine smile on someone's face. I also feel that you're already succeeding because when I first moved here, you helped me countless of times to get on track with the class.
Deanna-Well, I'm not standing in your way if I want to keep my head! I love how I totally imagined that too... in Anime! and I barely ever, more like never watched it because my parents felt like it was too violent... You might be proving their point. XP The thing I can relate too, on the other hand is that once you present yourself in a standard that's desirable you're already leading others that will mimic your good actions which is great. I tend to get your essay's a lot. One thing I always think is, "Crap, the greatest writer might be putting up with my amateur work right now!" but at the same time I think, "Yesssss! I always learn from reading her work." So I have no problem what so ever to never doubt that you will leave an impression on many people.
Roosa- If all else fails, I will be there to give you a hug.
You do just that! Reading your entire blog put a smile on my face. The other day when I felt like very sick and "all else failed" and broke down at lunch, out of no where YOU came by and tried your best to help me out. Pooja helped me also, but I sort of gave her no choice :). On the other hand you did, you could have simply kept on walking and only a truly good person would be considerate and get me to go to the nurse or a teacher. Your actions everyday totally built credibility for your blog.