The People We Are Becoming

Certainly the youth of today are inundated with school studies, tests, college preparatory, and extracurricular activities. All pursuits that are believed to help them get ahead in life, but is the stress of achievement so overwhelming that it’s causing physical and mental sickness to our youth? Are American students running so fast only to get absolutely nowhere?

These questions are what Vicki Abeles, Producer and Co-Director identifies in her documentary Race to Nowhere. In her recent interview with CNN http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com, she expresses the need for change in the education system. After recognizing the stress that lead her own daughter to hospitalization as well learning of a committed suicide by a thirteen-year-old girl in her community, Abeles was determined to something about it.

There is a reason why this quote is incessantly referenced throughout the internet, books, and movies.   How often have you heard, why can’t certain circumstances be like this, or why can’t he/she do that?  This statement is recited more times than not, but what does it mean.

We must first understand that each and every one of us is a foundation. We are a house, a building, a cathedral, forever growing and changing. However, we tend to take more notice in the changes, and weaknesses of others domiciles and little notice in ours. The festering question of what’s wrong with this person or situation, and or when will or why someone can’t do something to change it, begins to ponder in our minds.  Some individuals may continue to move through their journey in life without fully recognizing that they can be that change.

To be the change we must first look within our foundation….ourselves, and ask, what change are we looking for, and do I demonstrate the change that I desperately seek.  If we seek more pleasant and kinder individuals, ask yourself “Am I”, if not, then be the change.

If there is a change that we want to make within a certain situation; individuals at our school, co- workers at our job, or youth at risk in our communities, then understand that your foundation can be that change. Don’t sit back and wait on others do it, when it can start with one person…YOU. 

When one person dedicates a small amount of time a week to be a change in a situation or someone’s life, it likely becomes a domino effect, with the recipient of that change now having the motivation to be the change for another individual or situation.  

There are times in which we think our current circumstance will not allow us to be the change.  Some may believe they are not educated enough or wealthy enough , when in fact, whatever level they are at today, is just enough to give to someone else. For example, if you are a high school student wanting to see a change in the world, then volunteer at a middle school or an organization that supports students within the middle school age range. You’ve already completed your middle school studies, so you’re well equipped to handle this task.  This is likewise for middle school students.  There are plenty of children who are younger than you in organizations such as foster homes, who would love to have a youth read a Disney Book to them. Research these organizations within your community, and make it a family event with your parents.   

Lastly we may not all be prepared with finances to pour into organizations, but we each may have the muscles to build and/or paint a home, the voice to read a book, and the hands to pour food at a local charitable community throughout the year, and holiday seasons.  

Each of us, no matter what stage in our life is equipped with enough tools to be a positive change in this world.

BE THE CHANGE           

At some point in our life we each have to begin something new, and there are times in which these new circumstances may be a tad bit scary. A small dose of uncertainty is to be expected when tackling an unfamiliar task. It would be difficult to consider ourselves  completely human if we didn’t have those little butterflies fluttering around in the pit of our stomach.   

We must think of our new beginning as an exciting road waiting to be traveled on.  This journey will give us the opportunity to meet new and exciting people from all walks of life. It will also contribute to our learning and will allow us to become more diverse as we embark upon new stories of other individuals, new places, and perhaps new foods. Throughout our new journey we will also be able to share stories about the makeup of our own life bringing others into our world.  More importantly our new journey will challenge us to live life.  “Life should be lived so vividly and so intensely that thoughts of another life, or of a longer life, are not necessary.” Marjory Stoneman  

Our new path might be just the adventure that we’ve longed for, however we’ll never know if we are not committed to at least giving this road untraveled an honest effort.  There are a few ways that will help us get through the beginning stages of our new transition:

 1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - At some point in everyone’s life, we’ve been a new student, or new colleague at work, so consider the person you are asking the question to, possible having been in that position as well, besides, asking questions is also a way to spark up a conversation, and perhaps meet your next new friend.

 2. Don’t worry too much about cliques - Sometimes groups of people are formed because they have similar interests. Overtime you too will meet people with like interests, however don’t be afraid to try new things, and also teach others about some of your interests.

 3. Be Yourself - The best person that we can be in life is ourselves. This is the only thing that we can do correctly the first time around. Trying to be something that we aren’t takes too much time, and too much effort.

 4. Have fun – Life is meant to be lived, each day is an experience. Enjoy the journey!

 “In order to live fully, it is necessary to be in constant movement, only then can each day be different than the last”. – Tengri

Is there any way to stop this epidemic?

Absolutely! Lying is a learned behavior which means it can be unlearned.

1. Whatever is done in the dark, will soon come to light. Think about all of your favorite celebrities that have lied over the years…eventually someone, then everyone found out.

2. Mistakes happen, that’s what life is all about. It’s very rare that we walk the straight and narrow. No matter what mistake you’ve made – damaging your mother’s favorite table cloth, or getting a water stain on wood furniture, always tell the truth. Parents will appreciate the truth, rather than a lie. You may still be punished, but the consequences are lessened when the truth is told.

Lying grows exponentially.              

Don’t walk a mile to tell a lie when it’s very easy to take a step to tell the truth.