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, which 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.
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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Thank you, Squash, for writing another on-the-dot, get-your-in-depth-thoughts-on-paper blog. The last one shook me up a bit, but this is a new week, and I'm ready to let my fingers fly across the keyboard.
I've become a bit of a ponderous person over the years, and there's this one think I think about that I think really goes deep, and can contribute to Bunje's musings on leaving legacies. As creepy as this may sound, I like to wonder what would happen if I had suddenly died. What people would be affected? How would they react? Would anyone fall into a deep depression and, in grief of my lost life, ruin their own? Or, would their be little difference- would people say "Court's dead, oh pooh" and keep moving? It may sound a bit cocky, but I do think so people would be greatly affected if I were to suddenly keel over. It is that thought that keeps me from doing stupid things that could hurt myself or worse, and it comforts me to know that maybe I do make a difference in some people's lives.
As a Christian, I am constantly told to "live my life for God." I am taught that we all have some special gift bestowed onto us, and we are to live it out in His name. So, I always try to figure out how to live my life with horses for God. How would I make such a connection? I think I'm starting to find my calling in teaching. I love to help teach kids learn to ride. I explain to Kirsten how to coax Aladdin into a trot. I tell Hannah to sit back to keep her weight centered as she canters Pepsi. I help Emily work through her fears and become a successful rider. My absolute favorite kids to help are the brand-new beginner riders, those who have no clue how to steer or even sit on the horse. It's a great feeling when you're needed in life. These kids look to me to keep them safe on the horses, and to teach them the tricks of the trade.
I definitely agree with "HH" on his comment. I remember once in 7th grade, my geography teacher tried in vain to find the purpose for a squirrel (To plant trees?). If you think hard enough, you can see each animal's job in life. Each individual does definitely have a purpose, but I think the real question is, do they realize it?
On that note, do people who "mess up" their lives mean nothing? I certainly don't think so. I have a friend named Tony who is the sweetest, coolest guy you'll ever want to meet. In his rebellious teenage years he unfortunately entangled himself in the web of drugs and addiction that carried him through his young adult life, and eventually led to the separation of him and his son. For the past couple of years, Tony has struggled to clean up his life, and you know what- he has succeeded. The judge has now granted him "unsupervised visitation" with his son, and Tony has become one of the greatest friends I have ever had the pleasure to know.
All in all, what will my legacy be? At the risk of once more sounding cocky, I do think it'll be a good one. I try my best to be a good friend to those who are good to me, and I strive to be a motivating instructor and role model. Have I succeeded in this legacy? Well, friends, only time will tell.
Every day I wake up to the same alarm that pushes me into the same daily routine filled with the same people. Things become so routine I lose sight of what it is I actually do. When I do sit back and think about it I like to think that I make a significant impact on the lives of numerous people, even though it is not the amount of people I wish I could help daily. I help my friends and family when they need help either in school or with life, I volunteer for different events, and make sure my little sisters are always on the right track with both school and boys. I love helping people because I always feel as though I gain something from it that I could never have without that experience. This is why I want to be a pharmacist. I want to help people who need help and find new and improved cures for even the toughest diseases. I want to be known for finding a cure for cancer and ensuring that no other lives would be lost by this cold-blooded demon. Even though the pharmacy industry gains so much from the medical attention needed for cancer I would gain a lot more for saving millions upon millions of lives. I will save lives and I will be known for it.
So far I have started my journey with baby steps towards my master goal of curing cancer. I think the biggest thing I have thus far is volunteer work. It makes such a difference in the lives of the people who are benefitting from it. Volunteering is something so simple and easy to do and it always makes someone happy. It is amazing to me why everyone does not do it.
Everyone has a purpose in life. Everyone has something to offer. Everyone can contribute to the “beauty and prosperity of the world.” I completely agree with HH on this theory. I actually have always assumed that this idea was universally accepted as the basis of the “meaning of life.” (but since not I guess I will explain why I agree with HH) Everybody is born for a reason. After being born there are millions of possibilities and opportunities for death. The reasons we do not just drop dead at any random second is because we have a purpose, something to fulfill. This purpose could be anything from simply saving the life of a puppy who is destined for more (not that saving a puppy is not important =) ) or saving millions by finding the cure for cancer. You do not have to be a genius to fulfill your destiny and make your contribution to the world you just have to follow the path you were meant to follow. Everything has the ability to better the world, the only differences is some choose not to use it. I will use my abilities to save as many people as I can through medicine and technology.
=)
I definitely agree with Courtney’s explanation for HH’s idea. “If you think hard enough, you can see each animal's job in life. Each individual does definitely have a purpose, but I think the real question is, do they realize it?” Everything has a reason for living. It has to or else it would not live. The real question comes when realizing or finding out your purpose.
Hey Courtney, this is the INTERNET!. It's like paper, but cooler!
Correction: on-the-dot, get-your-in-depth-thoughts-on-the-internet blog
I read this blog on my iphone in school today and right after I finished, I texted some of my friends, old and new, and asked them if I had am impact on their life. I was waiting for replies like, “What?” and “Where did this come from?” but I only got “Yes”. That made me smile for a few seconds but then it came for my reply, “How?” That is where things got rolling. A girl from my soccer team replied, “You taught me how to calm down when things get pretty intense and step back to see the whole picture. Oh and you can always put a smile on my face and when I need someone to talk to, you are always there, morning, day, or night.” Then a boy from my church replied, “You taught me that when things suck, cheesin’ makes the situation seem a bit better to handle.” (Yeah he said cheesin’) Finally, my last text message appeared from a girl that I knew back in 2nd grade and her response incorporated both of the text messages that I previously received. Being the upbeat soul that can listen and provide a safe haven for friends is what I do. I enjoy that and that is the main reason why I want to do something in the psychology field, whether it is in relation to teaching or not.
HH’s theory about contribution makes sense. Everyone does have a purpose in this crazy world because if they didn’t wouldn’t their life be a waste and we all know that no ones life is a waste, well at least I think that no ones life is a waste. I think his idea makes sense but not impossible. Sure, the big movers and shakers make headlines, but the people who don’t become known for their contributions to the world have the satisfaction of knowing that the small amount of people that they have touched are grateful for knowing them. HH’s idea isn’t nonsense, it simply makes sense.
My legacy will be my soccer career. Just kidding, it would be nice if it was part of my legacy but teaching others, whether it has to do with soccer or in school, will be one of the main parts of my legacy. See, simplicity isn’t key with my legacy; it has to incorporate more then one thing. There is no doubt that I want to be a teacher, but along with teaching I want to do something with psychology (like I said before). Apparently, people like talking to me about what is going on in their life and frankly, I like it too. After a conversation ends, while walking away, I feel better knowing I could be their outlet. I’m now looking forward to my future building upon my legacy.
I wonder about what would happen if I just dropped dead too, Courtney! The world would miss out on the world’s greatest horse riding instructor. People would fall into a deep depression knowing that a pretty amazing girl that truly cared about every single horse had passed on. Ok, kind of creepy, but still, we love you. Well I know who to go to for horse riding lessons.
I do agree with HH’s idea. I think everything on Earth has its place here and makes a contribution to some aspect of this Earth whether it be infinitesimal or overly evident. I think it is easy to believe that humans are the only things on Earth that really contribute significantly but that’s only because we are surrounded constantly by humans proving that they contribute to this Earth. Animals have just as much of an impact, even the smallest, grossest insect has a purpose and a meaningful one to the people it lives with or the people in its food chain.
I guess my purpose thus far in my life has been to be a good friend. I find listening to my friends and helping them deal with whatever stresses they have in their life to be something of great importance. I also try to be a good family member whether that be a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, or granddaughter. I think each of us are here for a different purpose and each of us has something unique to contribute to this world and the people in it that no one else can. I think, though, that we go a long time without knowing what our exact, definite purpose is. If we could pinpoint our exact purpose I think life would be too structured. Our purpose changes along with our experiences. At points in our lives we need to focus ourselves more heavily on one, maybe somewhat neglected, aspect of our life and focus less on another. I have come to realize recently that a major contribution of mine has been being there to support my family and this is probably the one I‘m most proud of. The recent loss in our family really put into perspective the amount of people one person can touch in ways you go everyday without realizing. You don’t realize that the people you may hold the door open for one day just out of habit may be really touched by that gesture. You never know the hardships one person may be going through and to that person who feels like nothing is going their way, a nice gesture of holding the door for them may mean the world. So yeah I completely agree with HH’s quote. I think that we contribute even more than we are consciously aware of and impact people in ways we are don’t realize. I definitely agree with Kim when she talks about how she gets caught up in her routine and loses sight of the impact she has on people, I think we all do that, I know I certainly do.
I like to think that this is the legacy I am setting myself up for. I want to live a life of kind gestures and be a necessary support system for my friends and family and whoever else may need a little encouragement in their time of need. I want to be successful and pave the way for someone else younger than me to fulfill their dreams. I want to leave a predominant mark in someone’s life and be the person someone can not stand to live without. But most of all I want to live a happy life, that sounds boring, but I want to be truly happy and content with everything I do in my life. And if I can leave an example of someone who truly cherished their life and their contribution to society, I will be completely content.
Along with Courtney, I actually tend to think about how many people would be affected if I were to die on one random day. I know, it seems like the most morbid thing in the world to wonder, but sometimes it is just a thought that happens to cross my mind for no particular reason. And just like her, I have come to the conclusion that people would be affected because through life what I do does affect other people and their lives as well.
I do agree with HH's idea about contribution. Every one is here for a reason. No one will ever know their true reason or really ever be sure that what they are doing is right, but if they find one thing that they love doing that also contributes to the lives of others, I believe they found their reason without even knowing for sure them selves. Right now, I help people any chance I get. I give my friends the advice and comfort that they need. I help my family through any situation. I go to the hospital to visit my uncle as much as I can to bring his spirits up in hope that he will get out soon. I do the St. Judes fundraiser every year, whether I am playing or just collecting the money. I try to spread my bubbly personality and smile to every one that needs it. The world needs more happiness, this I am sure of. Along with contributing the easy smile every day, I love helping kids. I have a strange obsession with little kids, no not that pervy Michael Jackson way, I just love how every thing is so simple yet so creative in their minds. I would love to teach them even more. I guess when I get older I want to be some kind of teacher. I don't really know what subject or what grade, but I want to inspire kids the same way that so many of my teachers inspired me. So, I guess HH's idea isn’t impossible at all. All someone has to do is cherish something enough to show the world. All they have to do is lead by example or just show one single person their creativity or dream. Showing one person can change one life, and in the end leave an imprint on the entire world.
I think my legacy will simply be the fact that I was there for people unconditionally. I was there laughing or smiling or just lending a shoulder. Hopefully, that is contributing enough; just by keeping people alive, not literally but spiritually, by keeping their spirits up. I'm not going to be the inventor of some amazing project or find the cure to some far off illness, but hopefully my legacy is enough. I know I've impacted lives. I know I have changed lives. A simple wave or hello can change my whole day, so this can't be too surprising. HH knew what he was talking about. Contributing is why we're here. We make everything complete.
I think everyone has their calling. It takes some people longer than other to figure out exactly what it is. Right now, like Britt, I think I’m here to be a good friend, sister, and daughter. In the long run, I’m pretty sure mine is going to be teaching. Since I was I guess 4, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. Even now I teach…mainly my sister and occasionally my mom. When I was little I would always play school with my friends and I never wanted to be the student- I only wanted to be the teacher.
I believe in HH’s idea. I think it just takes time to figure out what our purpose is. My mom didn’t figure out her purpose until she was 35-ish and I’m pretty sure my dad has yet to figure out his. I guess it might be an impossible thing. I think most of us will agree with it because we’re all going to be successful and we all think we have a purpose but there are some people in our school who will be flipping burgers for the rest of their life and never figure out what they want to do.
Like Courtney, I wonder who would be affected if I died. I want people to remember me in a positive way. Emily and I were talking about this the other day…and so many people who don’t even know me think I don’t like them. Which is weird. And I don’t want to be remembered by that. But anyway, I think my greatest contribution so far is being a good friend and daughter. I fight with my sister too much to say I’ve contributed to her life that significantly. Otherwise, my mom’s one of my bf4l. And I love my friends to death.
I hope my legacy is a good one. I’m really tired and sorry if it sounds like I’m blabbering. I want to lead a successful life and I do want to be able to be a teacher. I love kids and want to be able to help them get to where I am and where I hope to be. I want to be remembered as a good friend and a good person. Okay I know it’s only 8:30, but I’m falling asleep, despite my two hour nap. Good night everyone.
This is sort of weird because in history yesterday we learned of ways people can help prevent things. And one of the ways was to do good deeds and leave a place better than it was before. I strongly agree with this tactic. Even though I am a teenager, I try to do everything I can for others. I like to help out when they are stuck or are in trouble. I can’t stand it when someone doesn’t do their part. And I see myself as someone that helps in times of need and also other times and doesn’t disrespect things that we should be thankful for, which is mostly everything. And I also think contributing respect is another important input. And with my respect I hope to continue my education and use it to earn my Bachelor’s Degree and go to Dental school to in the future help others. At all times in my future I plan to help and respect everyone and everything. And I do believe HH’s idea is correct and I am all for it.
To me it does make sense because we were given such a wonderful earth and deserve to do everything to help and make it better for others. It is sort of a payment for our time on earth. And a synonym for contribute is payment, how weird, so pay back for what you owe! But it is impossible because there are selfish and ignorant people out there that don’t contribute. And the people actually don’t have to be ignorant or selfish, they just don’t believe they have to contribute or they are too lazy to. Contribution is NOT nonsense. I hate it when people complain about something like their school or practically anything when they have a chance to make it better by contributing. For example, I heard some seniors complaining about the prom theme and my teacher said well you could have contributed and helped make it better. And they continued to complain and said they never were asked. People are just lazy and don’t want to contribute to the world, which is wrong.
My greatest contribution so far has been respecting the earth and respecting places, things, and others. Hopefully, I have impacted many people in many positive ways and I will continue to contribute to as much positive stuff as I can. My legacy that I hope to reach is that people will know me for doing positive things. They will understand one person can make a difference all by simply contributing. Overall, I just want to live a happy and successful life all while contibuting.
I would like to comment on Kim’s blog. She said “When I do sit back and think about it I like to think that I make a significant impact on the lives of numerous people, even though it is not the amount of people I wish I could help daily.” I wrote this blog by not looking at anyone’s before I was finished and I think it is bizarre how Kim and I have many of the same thoughts and ways. And a point I did not make is that I wish I could contribute and do more than I already do daily, like Kim said.
Not long ago, I was having probably one of the worst weeks of my life. It felt like every single teacher decided to make assignment, homework, and project due dates all on this one week and I was just SO stressed. Like the normal AP kid, school isn't the only important aspect in my life because I also participate in sports. Crew probably has me just as busy as school does, with having at least one race a weekend where we drive all the way up to Philly and spend all day there. It's quite a shlep. But don't get me wrong, I love it. During this stressful week, all I wanted to do was come straight home to do my homework, but instead I found myself getting home around 7:30 from crew with barely enough energy to open up my eyes. I hate not being in control of situations and I was starting to sink into the mentality that I was just going to half-ass the whole school thing and see how well I could get by without studying for all of my tests. This theory was proven extremely wrong when I got back about six tests I failed that week, and that made me feel even MORE down in the dumps. I didn't feel like talking to my boy, I didn't feel like socializing with friends, I didn't feel like telling my mom how my day was (a question I can count on from her every day.) I felt like I wasn't allowed to have a life because of school. Now, thank god, I've balanced everything again and I'm back in control, back to my optimistic self.
The whole point of this story was not to see how I reacted to this whole week, but how others reacted to how I reacted. Everyone kept on coming up to me and asking me what was wrong like it was their job. I was doing an okay job of hiding the fact that I was miserable (obviously I wasn't looking like I wanted to kill myself) but on the contrary, I wasn't smiley, or giddy about little things like I normally am. People picked up on this pretty fast and all of my friends threatened me to get out of my funk. There was one thing that a few people said that really stuck...they told me that they hated when I'm in a bad mood because it makes their mood sink too. I've realized that I love making people happy. I love cheering people up on their bad days. I love spouting out random, probably useless information just to make someone laugh when their boyfriend or girlfriend just broke up with them. I love just being myself around people, and making them look at life in a more fun, positive way. I think my purpose in life is to transfer my ENERGIZICA (Bunj, I'm starting this word) to everyone that I meet.
I think I'd like to say that I agree with HH just because it sounds like a pleasant concept to live your life by. It's so much better thinking that there's something more to living here than to just believe that we're hear to live, breathe, and then die. I think this quote is a good quote to live by, especially for the people who have no self-confidence in themselves and think their life has no meaning. I don't think it really matters if this person doesn't quite understand the meaning, because whether it's accidental or intentional, no matter what they will leave their legacy.
For my legacy, I want to continue bringing my energy to the world. Obviously, like everyone else, I want to be successfull and happy, but I want to make sure that the world doesn't lose it's color over the years, like a dingy old photograph. I want it to stay lively and bright, the way it was meant to be. Everyone deserves to live in a bright, lively world and I want to make sure that their attitudes are shifted towards this ideal.
And Alli, I think you're doing a good job on starting your legacy because I know you're always there for me<3
Personally, I think I am here to ruin my mother’s life, hopes, and dreams, and to make my brother look like a complete angel. At least, this is how I felt when my report card arrived tonight and I saw my grade in this class, but that is a whole different story. Okay, I feel better. On to my real answer:
Though many may not believe it to be true, at seventeen, you have already made a tremendous impact on the world and those around you. (If you are sixteen and reading this, yeah you too.) In the short seventeen year I have been on this beautiful planet, I have rescued a dog and four cats, helped build a playground for the Family Service Association, and I am on my way to making my fourth donation of hair to the Locks of Love cancer foundation. I, along with my brother, have also held a coin drive to raise money for the burnt down reptile house of the Cape May Zoo (and I was only seven!) This is just to name a few things. I have done the little things like recycle, and teach kids to read and write, also. I may not like myself very much on the outside, but I am pretty sweet on the inside. I do what I can to give back to those who do not have as much as they should. That is MY contribution. But, I am still a teenager, and there are many opportunities waiting for me in the future.
Contrary to what my mom may say, I am and will be a great asset to this world. I do agree with His Holiness, everyone contributes to this great big world in their own way. It may not always be positive, but it is a contribution none the less.
In the future, I hope to receive my doctorate degree in zoology and keep helping the animals. I aspire to one day be the president of a cancer research and recuperation organization. Lastly, until my hair is the color of snow, I will keep donating it to make wigs for little girls with cancer. I may even have little devils of my own and teach them what I know about taking care of others and giving back more than you receive.
My place in this world, my contribution, my way of helping in the prosperity of dear old earth, is to give back in any way possible.
I agree completely with Britt Schmidt. She is an amazing friend and listens better then my wall. She never hesitates to asks what is wrong and will listen to whatever petty drama my life ensues. She has been great in setting the threshold that she is working toward in the future. I also agree that we are all here for a different purpose. Though that purpose is different, we all fit comfortably together to make this world work. Well, for the most part anyway…
just throwing it out there:
about ten people today told me how this blog was pretty easy, not too bad, just a few questions to answer, etc. and maybe i'm reading a different blog or something but i think this one is one of our harder ones. maybe it's just me but this one takes a lot more than a few minutes to think about. im responding tomorrow.
This one’s a toughie. And no, I’m not going to rant about how I’m only 16 and how I don’t know what I’ve contributed because that’s entirely untrue. I actually think that being 16 has it perks. Just today I was awarded as a Varsity Scholar! Yeah, so cool right? Not. I didn’t really feel like an accomplished person walking up on the new renovated stage. Maybe it was because of Miss Leslie Pinero mispronouncing students’ names, no offense, or the way Zander stood center stage for a good 10 seconds for some laughs from his peers. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I think something so “scholarly” as this should be taken a little more seriously. I’m actually proud of myself that I’ve achieved this type of award. I know it’s what’s expected of me, but I still work hard because I want that accomplishment feeling. Just seeing my 97 GPA on my report card gets me excited when I really already know what it is. So, presently I feel content with what I’ve accomplished. I’m a varsity scholar, I sing, and I have great friends who do the same.
As silly as this whole HH thing sounds, I honestly believe that everyone serves a purpose here on this earth. There has to be that certain someone that is born that will be the future President or a gold metal winner in the Olympics. Even the people who think their life is a living hell have a purpose on this earth. They wouldn’t be here other wise. They have contributed something towards society, whether it is a positive or a negative action. Even a murder criminal has a purpose. He teaches others not to be so stupid and learn from him. And I bet once in their lives they weren’t some crazy person and were as normal, well I guess I can’t say normal, but as sane as us AP kids are. They had a good head on their shoulders and made the wrong choices in life. I want to learn from those criminals. I don’t want to end up in jail for doing drugs or killing someone. I want to be a successful woman who is financially supporting myself on my own. I want to be that friend that someone can come to talk to. I’m not asking for much. I don’t think money and power is really all that important if you don’t have a heart. To sum this up, I want to enjoy my life and maintain the path that I’m on now.
I’m really not one for volunteering, so I’m not even going to try to make up a story about how volunteering was my greatest contribution, even though volunteering really is a great thing to do. Anyway, I think that knowing my friends can come to me with anything is my greatest contribution. It’s occurred more than once, actually many times, where friends have come to me with their problems. It feels good to know that they trust me to confide any dilemmas with. Erin and I have had plenty of these talks and sometimes I feel that’s why were both put here. It was to get through these tough times together and to know that we understand each other and have each others support is really all that come down to.
After reading Kim’s blog, I realized how much you do for others. Most teenagers hate their younger siblings and you welcome them in with open arms. Most of the time you take responsibility for them, and you shouldn’t have to feel that you need to do that, but I know why you do. That’s why you’re here Kim, because you care and love them enough that you would do anything for them before yourself and it shows how sweet of a person you are. So genuine and caring. I respect you a lot for that. : ) Love you girl <3
I just have to say that I thing the HH is totally right. There is though something that I would like to add on to that to make it a little more me. I thing that not only adding to the world and nature as a whole is great, but I don’t think that there is many single people that can change the world. So since I am just your average human being I like to think that when I do something either by myself or with a group of people to either help another person / family or just to help out the community I am in turn doing my own part in the ongoing attempt at trying to make this world that we live in a better place. I take this belief with me every time I put on the uniform of my country and go to Civil Air Patrol because through Civil Air Patrol I get to do service for the community like in the April 26th road clean up day that were having. We also spend the majority of our time trying to become ground team certified. Once you become certified you have the ability to assist your fellow cadets in any search and rescue or disaster relief missions that might, god forbid, happen. While in Civil Air Patrol I want to save a life because that is in my mind one of the greatest goods you can do. The more that I can do for the world the better it can be as a whole. And if only everyone in the world had that kind of a mindset because then our world would be a perfect place.
About my future, In the future I want to become a fire fighter. I know that seems really corny a like I’m 12 but really it’s the truth. I want to be able to try and change people’s lives for the better. If putting my life on the line is what it might take to save someone else’s life then I will run into a burning building to get that last person. It can be a terrible place out there but humans aren’t born evil, they are taught it.
I agree with Kim. When it comes down to it saving a life is an amazing thing. I also thing that Kim’s goal in life is amazing and I hope she reaches it.
As a teenager, I would like to think that I have made many contributions to life. For one, I work in a restaurant, I serve the people their dinners and lunches. I also volunteered, aiding parents from the high prices of daycares while the worked all day. And last, I give AMAZING advice to all my friends. I help them when they go through problems. Why? Because I am practical, mature, and have been brought up right. I love what I've accomplished in life and I can't wait to do more. The things I have done so far may be minor contributions to the world, but I have a future ahead of me. I can still do so much more. My career goal of the week, for instance, is to become a teacher. HELLO!!! You can't get any more contributing than that. You are educating the youth, training the minds of future lawyers, teachers, and doctors.
I agree with what he says. Animal or human, you make contributions. I always used to ask, "Why do we have bees? They sting you and are ugly!" Well, they do that whole pollen thing that helps the environment, so we need them. Everything and everyone serves a purpose. Even bad things. They teach you to learn from your mistakes so that next time, you don't do it again. Their is no pointless mistake.
My legacy. Hmmm. Well, I don't know it just yet. I want to help people, that I know so I guess I already started it. In simple ways, I help people everyday. I help them with problems, homework, and other stuff. So, all in all, I think I will have a good legacy. I'm not that good of a psychic so I can't see what it is, but I have a feeling that it will be good :).
Like Courtney (and everyone else), I always think about what would happen if I wasn't here. Well, for one, Bec would absolutely die and people would just miss out on an extra shoulder to cry on or lean on. They wouldn't have my fantastical advice to help them through the dramatic issues that us teenagers go through everyday. Without me... the world would just not be the same, which sounds stupid, but it wouldn't because one extra person makes a HUGE difference everyday.
Lately, as I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life after high school, I came to the conclusion that I want to help people, and I want to have a significant impact on people’s lives. I want people’s lives to be better because of the way I helped them. Recognition doesn’t matter, just as long as someone’s life is better because of the way I helped them.
Something else I think about as well, ironically, is how everything has a purpose in this world. When I’m mad sometimes or even when I’m just letting my mind wander, I think about all the things I’m afraid of or don’t like. I think about how even though I absolutely can’t stand these things, they really do have a purpose and are here for some reason, even though I might not be able to think of one. I mean, Even the little bacteria that can survive on Antarctica has some kind of purpose to the world. So I totally agree with HH’s idea about contribution.
Now on to my greatest contribution. Though sixteen (almost seventeen) years isn’t a very substantial amount of time to have done something great, I think my greatest contribution to the world has been to my friends. When I make a new friend, I try to be the best friend I can be. And with the friends I already have, I try and become a better friend. Everyone needs their own “person.” The person who’s there to listen to their problems, the one who’s there to give advice, the person who’s there for a hug when you can’t talk about what’s going on because it’s too hard. I try to be that person. I think having someone like that in my life has made me realize how lucky I am to have someone like that, and that everyone should be able to feel like they have someone too.
As I said before, I really want to help people. Whatever I do in life, I want to be helping people in some way. Like Alli, teaching has always been at the back of my mind. The first time I really wanted to be a teacher was in fourth grade. My teacher, Mr. Evinski, was one of my favorite teachers ever. Everyone respected him, and everyone paid attention in his class. The reason for this was because he didn’t treat us like naive, immature ten-year-olds. Every Friday, he held “class meetings” and we would push all the desks to the walls of the classroom and put our chairs in a big circle and talk about stuff going on in the world. Obviously, we weren’t holding conversations like ones we would have now, but we all still felt like we were being treated like we all meant something. It was such a good feeling. And if I can make kids or whoever feel like that, I’d me totally and completely happy in whatever I end up doing.
I do believe that each any every person and creature does have a place on this earth. Brittany said “whether it be infinitesimal or overly evident,” and she is right everything has its place on earth and has a role that they accomplish whether they know it or not. But right now I believe my place on earth is to be a good friend, a good example for others, and a leader. I try my best to stay loyal to all my friends and I build a relationship that they can trust me with anything. Everyday I try to make the right choice because you never know who is watching. I try to lead by example. I am not a leader like Leslie, where I could get in front of a crowd and convince them in anything I am saying just by talking. But I lead through my examples, my hard work, and the trust I build with others.
Since seventh grade I have had my mind set on becoming a physical therapist. Mainly for the reason I want to help others. I enjoy watching people recover and can enjoy life again after a tough time. I want to encourage others to stay motivated on their goals and not let any injuries be a set back to them. I believe one day I will be able to help others through physical therapy. I don’t believe I will be able to help the world but I can start with one person at a time.
Just putting a smile on someone else’s face is enough for me to believe I have contributed to this world. I really am not sure of my greatest contribution, not because I am a teenager and I have had no time to do anything but because everyday I try to help others and create a good example. But I guess if I would have to say something that is my greatest contribution it would have to be becoming captain of soccer and track, and junior representative of swimming. I am not saying that because I am trying to show off but I am saying that because I put a lot of time and effort as a captain to make sure everything is running smoothly and to help the coach in decision making and help pump up the team for a big meet. I stress myself out as a captain because I do not want to let anyone down and now you have more people watching you. I enjoy at track meets when my teammates come up to me and say their parents love me. I just tell my teammates I just work hard and enjoy what I do. Sometimes that all you have to do is have fun and work hard.
I have never really thought about a legacy. I guess I have always wanted to be remembered but I never thought of it as a legacy. I want people to remember me as an athlete, a friend, and person who never stops smiling. Each of those three ideas are important to me now, they may change later in life but each has a strong impact on my life right now.
Wow Bunje, when I think the questions couldn’t get any harder there you go and just add a little more “umph” to everything. There I was last week in this same situation think my brain off until something came to me. But this week I have been sitting here and I have looked at this question already but I have tried so hard to avoid it. But here I go in attempt to execute this horrendous question.
HH idea is something that I do agree with. In my opinion God has placed everybody on this earth to contribute to something so way some how. Where you’re a janitor and you collect trash; you contribute. Whether you a pizza deliver guy; you contribute. Whether you’re a mortician and you dress up dead bodies; you contribute. No matter what life calls you to do in your society you contribute to every aspect of it. Without these job and someone willing to do it society will be a mess.
Aside from contributing to your society by the means of work. Each person has their own way of contributing to another person. Whether you walk by a person that you don’t know and just smile you could have contributed to their life. Whether it is you holding a door for an elderly person and smiling you have contributed. The simplicity of life is what makes life a beautiful thing that can not really be understood.
As for me, what I have come to contribute to this life is good friendship. I’m very understanding and loyal. Loyalty is my main priority in any situation I am put in. I am very trusted and sometimes that tends to come and stab me in the back, because I tend to trust people to; thinking that they carry the same characteristics as me. But hey that’s just how life rolls and I will not change being loyal because of others that are not. I am a loving and carry person and will help anyone in any situation that they are put in. I hate seeing people upset so when I do see people upset I try to make the smile. As far as me holding a legacy when I do die I think I would have caused some impact on a people life and I will be remember for the hopefully the good deeds I have done and not the mistakes that have committed.
I smile, I laugh. Yes sometimes my smiles can be turned into frowns, though I am always happy on the inside. These two attributes in which are my favorite, spread happiness. If everyone was a little bit happier, it would make the world a little bit happier. I love to make people smile or see people happy. Seeing happy people just brightens my day. Ok so seeing those couple in the hallway slobber all over each other is not something I enjoying seeing, but when you look deeper beyond the spit you can see that twinkle in their eyes that tells thy are happy. They are happy to be with each other. Seeing that makes me happy. So I try and make people happy and always have them looking on the bright side. Though it may not be a huge contribution, it is my contribution. I do agree with HH’s idea. Everyone has a contribution for this world, whether it be teachers contributing knowledge, funny people contributing entertainment and a laugh or two or just a plain hello from a passing friend. These contributions are what make the world go round. Without them the world would be a lonely selfish place. This all makes perfect sense to me though sometimes these contributions seem at a lose or impossible. Making everyone happy 24/7 is an impossible task though one person here or there is all it really takes. Not all contributions need to be made all the time. Like teachers don’t always have to just teach. They can instruct or mentor. To me I get this though some things kind of seem like a bunch of nonsense. Ok so I don’t need to make people happy 24/7 but it is always good to contribute. Whether it be giving back to your community, school or church. Helping out and making a difference even the slightest thing can make everything better or help in some way. My greatest contribution so far has to be my kind heart, and strive to make change for the better. Every year I walk in the freezing cold going from house to house to hand out food baskets for the needy. A bother sure but I enjoy every moment of it, knowing that that little kid just received the nicest Christmas dinner he has ever seen. The fact of knowing I did good is my only reward and I would never expect or accept anything else. Yes I am only a teen and my contribution is only so much right now though as I get older my contribution will become greater. I hope to go to a good college and get a good job and make lots of money. Yea sure I want those things so I can have a walk in shoe room but my real dream is to donate millions of dollars to charity’s and fundraisers in need. It hurts to see sometimes how some organizations get more help than others. I wish to help them all. I know that it highly impossible but one or two is a start and if I can give to more than it would be a an outstanding accomplishment.
I agree with Gretchen. Hehe. “The simplicity of life is what makes life a beautiful thing that can not really be understood.” The little things are what count and the more people do, small or big, the greater the contribution. No one will truly understand this concept but it doesn’t matter because all you have to do is contribute to understand.
Hmm. This blog seems deceivingly simple at first. Well, of course everything has a purpose, how could it not? And shouldn’t our part be obvious by now? As I begin my Bunje-blog adventure, however, it seems hard to put my finger on my own purpose and the contributions I’ve made. Maybe it’s just because I’m too tired to think or focus at all. But, anyway, I’ll start with saying that I do agree with the Dalai Lama’s quote. In some way, shape or form, each thing contributes something to the world as a whole and has something good and beautiful to offer. Like Brittney so nicely put it, “everything on Earth has its place here and makes a contribution to some aspect of this Earth whether it be infinitesimal or overly evident.” Of course, I’d like to think I add more to the world than a tiny grasshopper, but I don’t think anyone can say their purpose is more important because even a small thing can inspire something so much greater.
As I said, it seems hard to pinpoint exactly what my contribution is. As a lot of people I said, I think that I help people and I’m almost always willing to lend a hand or an ear. I think, too, esp. in this AP madness, I can be like a voice of reason, and just let people vent and then bring them back on track. I try not to just tell people what they want to hear but sort of give them real advice. Somehow I think I just tend to be on different emotional patterns from others, and when they’re crazy I’ll have just finished being crazy and I’ll be able to be calm. Not everyone comes to me with all of their problems and drama, but I think when they do they know I’ll listen to them and help them. I think too I don’t get into fights with people often and can read people fairly well so I can sort of smooth things over or understand an issue to deal with it or help others to.
I’d love to one day cure cancer like Kim, but I’d love to just be able to help people with whatever I do, on large scale like Kim’s goal or a much smaller one. I don’t know what overall legacy I’d like to leave or contributions I’d want to make. I think that’s for the rest of my life to determine, and like Courtney I have a decent feeling it’ll be a pretty good one. It might be nice to be surprised when you sit down when you’re 60 or so and think about the contributions you actually have made and then think back to being 16/17/18 and how it compares. I’m pretty content with finding out what I’ll do and who I’ll be when I get there, I just want it to be great in its own way and I know it will be, as I'm sure we're all bound for greatness in one way or another.
When do most people find their actual place in the world? Exactly where they are supposed to be, their purpose created solely for them? It usually takes quite some time before that's reached and maybe just as long for people to realize it. I mean right now I'm in some little room overlooking the sanctuary at my church watching pete play bass, shawn play guitar, andrew i believe on drums and Laina out there on the keyboard while I'm using a womping huge God-knows-how-many-inch-wide iMac. This thing is killer. But I think I'm here with some purpose for ultimately reaching my ultimate goal/purpose. I like to believe in destiny: the perfect love, the perfect job, the perfect life, the perfect adventures unique for each individual.
Right now I will have to agree with Rachel. I'm here to do my best and lead by example. I don't want to be a teacher like Megan or a physical therapist like Rachel, I don't even know if i want to follow a career in engineering although that's my intended major. Right now I would like to apologize for any errors I make because I'm on a Mac and it's only a text editor with size 10 font on an only-God-knows-how-many-ich-wide screen, so I cannot see any mistakes.
The Dalai Lama's quote is one hundred percent true. There is absolutely no way that you can't contribute to this world. Dr. Suess pretty much used that idea too when he said something about the Whos in Horton hears a Who.
My greatest contribution: becoming friends with some people who never had good friends. One person sticks out most to me, and she graduated last year. But anyway, I feel like my life is going to leave some sort of legacy and hopefully it does. I feel like I'll become my dad pretty much and in my eyes that's leaving a whole lot behind. I have to go though, because they need this to set up youth group. So I might write more later if I feel like it.
First off I would like to say Rachel, you are a great role model and an amazing friend. Whenever someone needs something you are there and I know that I can always count on you for anything and I know you will never turn your back on me or anyone else for that matter. And I can attest that Kim always helps people no matter what. I don’t know how I would have survived math last year without her explaining to me what was going on 24/7.
I definitely agree with HH. Every little thing, whether it be a little tiny ant, or a human being, has its place in the world. Everything is here for a purpose. So far I think my purpose is to be a good friend and a good leader. I’m not really talking about being a leader in school but I’m talking about on the pool deck. Last summer I started coaching my little kiddies, as I like to call them, and watching them improve day by day and meet by meet made me feel so happy inside and I felt like I helped someone else accomplish something and I have learned that I like to help others. Something about the satisfaction you get when you see the look on someone else’s face when they reach a stepping stone in a sport, or get that good grade on a test they’ve been cramming for and knowing that you played a part in that. When I am around the younger kids on the team I feel like I have to be doing my best. If they see me slacking off and then I try and tell them to work hard they won’t listen to me because I would be being a hypocrite. So I work hard all the time. . I hope I am able to pass down my swimming knowledge to my swimmers and help them become the best swimmer that they can. When it comes to my friends, I try to always be there for them no matter what I am doing. If a friend calls me really upset I drop what I am doing and try my best to comfort them. I stay loyal to my friends and don’t turn my back on them. I stick up for them when people put them down and when two friends are fighting I don’t let it get between me and either of them.
When I get older I want to be some sort of doctor. I haven’t exactly figured out exactly which one yet, but I know that I want to be a doctor. I like helping people and I love the idea that I will be able to help people get better. For a legacy, I just hope that when I die I have affected some people in someway for the better and hopefully saved some lives.
I love the fact that I help people. That's what I do, help. When I think back, it seems like I'd always be the one friends would call late at night before school to ask, "What should I wear tomorrow?" I loved the fact that I could imagine their closets and choose an outfit for them to wear. (What a great memory I have.) Anyway, I feel as though I helped them. Even though it wasn't as big as donating a heart to someone, I still helped. Now, it's so much more. I'm the friend my girls come to when they need advice. Even people who aren't my best friends text me; asking for advice with their "boy problems". I love that. It really makes me feel trusted. Especially when it's a secret. So, yes, I can say I've helped people. I've even helped a friend decide whether she was going to keep her baby or not. (She was pregnant...) Besides that, I work at Acme. One day, a lady was struggling with her groceries, stumbling out of the door. From my register, I noticed her, and soon after, several of her groceries spilled out from the bags. I dashed over to help her; she was old so I knew she wouldn't feel comfortable bending over to retrieve all of her groceries. I picked up everything and even got her new produce that fell on the dirty germy floor. No, I wasn't looking for a tip, recognition, or a gift, I just wanted to help her. Once I gave it all back to her, she gave me a hug. Yes, a stranger hugged me. Haha! I felt really special and she told me thank you along with 10 dollars, even though I refused to accept it at first. So, that’s what I do as a little-old-teenager.
I want to become a dentist. I want to say "open wide", and examine those gritty old white rocks embedded in people's gums. Haha, I just made teeth sound like the worst thing ever, they're ok. I like teeth, a reason why I'm sometimes all in people's "grill". So, I can help treat and prevent gum disease, and help shine and polish those "pearly whites".
I believe in HH's idea that everything is here for a reason. All humans are, and bugs (eew) are (kinda) here for a reason too. (Yuck, that took a lot out of me to say!) But anyway, it's like the food chain. How we eat meat, they eat fish; fish eat (bugs?) and so forth and so on. I (kinda) forgot the food chain from 9th grade biology. It doesn't seem impossible (except for mosquitoes). Everything in parenthesis are my thoughts, ignore them. It's pretty logical though, HH's idea that is.
So, my legacy will be that I've helped people. I used to have major issues with being a "bully" (yea right) but since everyone seems to believe that I was, we'll go with that. But now, I highly doubt that people would say that. I'm so glad that I've evolved into a beautiful and nice young lady. (Yea, I said it, NICE!) I am nice! Haha. And that's how I want it to be. I'm forming my legacy now, I guess! =)
And Kim, just think, with out you making smart/funny comments about my "ugliness" from time to time, I wouldn't be as confident as I am now. Thanks hahaha. J/K <3
There is no doubt that everyone is put onto this earth to contribute in some sort of way. For anyone with a job who pays taxes, you have already contributed. For anyone that has volunteered to help someone, you have already contributed. Heck, for anyone that has ever done anything ever in their life, you too have contributed.
To contribute in the world, you don't need to do something "spectacular" in order to leave your mark. As the old saying goes, "To the world you are one, but to one you could be the world." (It's also chiasmus.) While it may seem like you haven't contributed to the world, you are sadly mistaken. Just the other day as I was walking into Circuit City, for example, I held the door for an older lady who was walking in. As she walked by, she said, "You just made my day." So, by performing a task so simple as holding the door open for an elderly woman, I have impacted one person's life and, in so doing, left my mark on the world. Anytime you can affect at least one life besides your own (be it person, animal, tree, whatever), I feel that your impact on this world has been felt.
In a couple of years, I will be headed off to college to embark on my studies of civil engineering. There, according to my National Honor Society blurb about my future goals, I will "design my own highway towards success." In that way, I hope to impact future generations. For anyone who doesn't know and doesn't feel like searching it on Wikipedia, civil engineers basically design highways and bridges, among other things. They have to make sure that the grade and angles of the highways aren't too large that people will not be able to drive safely on them at high speeds and that the bridges just don't fall over or blow away. So, by choosing this occupation, I am choosing a career in which my results can be seen and experienced by thousands each day. I am indirectly helping them get where they need to go and do what they need to do so that they may make their mark on society. In that way, I am contributing to society.
So, if you ask me, His Holiness’s thoughts are simply common sense. Everyone will contribute to this world in some way or another; it’s just that some contribute quicker or more often than others.
….uhm, I’ll would like to phone a friend on this one - Wait, I guess I cant do that can I?!?! Darn. Wow, this is really hard only because I feel like your asking me a question that I know most people do not yet uncover until they are either at the happiest most climactic point in their lives or laying on their death bed. Now, I wouldn’t consider myself misanthropic, however, I think that there are very few people in this world that are truly out to help other people. I think that some people live in this big lie, whether they put themselves into it or they are somehow just placed in it, the reality of sanity combined with a little bit of human nature unfolds in the decisions that individuals make concerning their own opportunity cost. I think the few individuals sent to earth who make it their sole GENUINE purpose in life to help others are blessings that are not acknowledged enough. However, given that I think this I wouldn’t consider every philanthropist walking on earth a blessing. - He who gives himself entirely to his fellow-men appears to them useless and selfish; but he who gives himself partially to them is pronounced a benefactor and philanthropist. - Henry David Thoreau.
As I skim through the blogs I think we can all collectively agree this quote speaks the truth. However, for me to utter these words anyone could tell a slight tone of resentment in my voice. The reason being is because I know somehow this is right and makes sense, but how and why? I seriously wish that there was a book I could read to find out because the how and why questions are the reason for lack of sleep and the nuance of change in my persona that makes me say “I’m Fine” or “I’m fiine.” If I knew the wish that blew across every birthday candle every year would come true or if I knew wishing stars actually worked I wouldn’t wish for more wishes, or a million dollars. I would wish for an answer to this question. If only it was that easy. I’m getting really frustrated though.
I’m quickly approaching a different chapter in my life. I can’t say that I’ve done a lot, but I guess one thing I’ve contributed to is being a good daughter. Lately I wouldn’t say that my actions could speak for my words, but I think that I’m a really good daughter. I wish my mom acknowledge it more often, but I guess it’s ok. Even though my relationship with my mom is weird, for lack of better words, I really respect my mom for all she does. When I’m older and MAYBE have kids I don’t want to be anything like her, except that I want her strength and perseverance. It’s a quality that she has that influences me, so I guess I want to do the same. With that said I also want to be able to just understand life and why things happen the way they do.
I agree with Hannah, She’s an awesome friend =)
When I first read the quote from HH I realized that it could be interpreted in two different ways. The first interpretation is that by their mere existence every living thing contributes to the beauty and prosperity of the earth. The second far more utilitarian interpretation is that the purpose of every living thing is to contribute to the beauty and prosperity of the planet, and a beings existence isn’t validated. So which do I believe? Personally I believe in the first interpretation, that every living thing adds to the beauty of the planet. It also seems to be the interpretation that a lot of the blogs I’ve been reading have taken. Take, for example my cat who, without any intent of his own has had a tremendous impact on the house, merely by being insane and calm and sociable at the right times he serves to cheer us up. Through no thought or intent of his own he adds to, if not the beauty then the prosperity of my household.
As for my own impact on the planet, I don’t know that I honestly can say, not because I’m only sixteen or some other such garbage, mainly because of the type of person I am. I tend to be rather quiet and rarely converse, and have a lot of trouble sharing my personal feelings. Now that I think about it though I can say that by being born I have had a rather profound impact on my family, whether for good or for ill I can’t say. I can say that I definitely would like to leave some sort of legacy, as for what that legacy will be, I can’t say at this point. It certainly isn’t anything as earthshaking as curing cancer like Kim, and I can’t say I have enough of a good opinion of myself to simply be content with leading by example. I guess the best way for me to feel that I am contributing would be to pass on my knowledge somehow, probably as an educator of some sort, definitely of history.
I do believe in HH’s idea about contribution, if you think about it, it makes perfect logical sense. Every organism does make its contribution to the overall prosperity of the world. Just think about it; the small photosynthetic algae it the ocean produces over 90% of the oxygen we inhale everyday, if I’m not mistaken. So even those microscopic algae just simply doing there thing in the ocean contribute to the overall prosperity of the world because without them there wouldn’t be enough oxygen for fish, rabbits, foxes, horses, dolphins, humans, dogs, cats, etc. Humans are no exception to this philosophy either. Humans help each other everyday, whether it be teaching one another something or just simply listening. Besides helping each other, humans also help animals, even though we do more damage than good sometimes.
My biggest contribution to the world thus far is probably my willingness to help others. I’m always willing to help others, even if it may be inconvenient for me. What’s important though is the fact that I actually will help people though. Not the fact I’m willing. I’ve helped countless people with math, chemistry, French, or whatever it may be since I was very young. This is a contribution to the world because now all those different people I have helped learn different things are better off in the way that they have more knowledge, and we all know that “knowledge is power.” This all relates to a quote or adage Mr. Matlack once told us: “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” It’s true I may not be feeding anyone and there are no fish involved but instead of just giving people answers, I instead will teach them the concepts. They can use that knowledge for life, telling them the answer is 39.98 ppm (parts per million) only is useful once.
What my legacy will be after I move on in life is unknown to me, because after all I’m no fortunate-teller and I have no crystal ball, but I can tell you what I want it to be. I want my legacy to be a man that was always happy and full of witty sarcastic comments that usually went unnoticed and unappreciated around most people, the legacy of a man who was always there to lend a helping hands, a person to pick you up and dust you off when you get knocked down, the legacy of a man who was a good and loyal friend, but more importantly a good listener, but most importantly I want my legacy to be of an honest man that always spoke his heart even when his opinion was unpopular. If all that falls through though, the legacy of a man who found the cure for cancer and saved trillions of people’s lives will do just fine.
Well I have a couple of comments I would like to make. To Kim, I would like to know how in the world can things in your life be so routine if you have to deal with me everyday in chemistry? I’m very inconsistent in my treatment of you, one day I’ll be sweet as can be, the next I’ll make short jokes about you, I’m far from routine. To Hannah, if you always try to be the best friend possible with your new friends, does that mean you dropped the ball, so to say, with me? I mean you did see me crying in the Holocaust museum and kept on walking after all. Where was my hug that you talk about in your blog?
I whole-heartedly agree that every single person is put on this earth for a reason. And like Megan said, it may take some time to figure out what our purposes all are. Sometimes I think about it and I'm like, "why am I here?" I find myself getting caught up in petty arguments and focusing negative attention on one little situation instead of looking at the bigger picture and I get mad at myself that I let pathetic things of the sort get in my way. There's so much more life out there. There's so much more world out there. And hell, I haven't even been out of the U.S., I am still yet to discover the endless amount of world. There are billions of people in the world and it's amazing and perplexing that each individual person is brought into the world to provide some kind of purpose. Whether you're supposed to be the President of the United States or Burger King's Employee of the Month, you're here for some reason or another.
I'd like to say that I'm here to cure cancer and save so many freaking lives. I'd like to say that I'm here to become a famous actor and provide millions of people with entertainment world-wide. I'd like to say that I'm here to be the best hitter to ever play for Oakcrest High School, but I'm none of those things. (softball reference # 3878.) Honestly, since I read this blog on Monday I haven't been able to think of what I'm here for until I was playing around with my phone earlier. About an hour ago I randomly took a video of myself acting like an idiot and sent it to Christine. She texted me back and said "you are a crazy person! hahahah but that's why you're my best friend. only you would do that." I made her laugh when she was probably sitting home doing absolutely nothing. Of course I'm here to make my family proud of me and be a good sister and daughter like Meg & Brittany both said. But then I think about it and I know what I'm in the world for, at least for now until I find my true calling. I believe I'm here to cheer people up and make them laugh. Although sometimes I can be the must stubborn, frustrating, and angry person, I have come to realize that I can make almost any given person laugh in almost any given situation, and I don't mind that. I like being able to make someone that hasn't smiled all day, laugh. So until I figure out what I want to go to school for and then how I want to use my knowledge for the benefit of others, I'll keep sending stupid videos :).
There is no doubt that HH is right. Everything in existence has a purpose, otherwise, why would it be here? I don't mean to bring the science into English class, but I can't resist, as I am sort of a science guy (mostly chemistry ;-D). One of the laws of thermodynamics says the amount of matter and energy in the universe is constant. Now, knowing this, it can be inferred that things must balance each other out in order to acheive a state of equilibrium. This is where everything in the universe comes into play; everything balaces something else.
With that out of the way, I believe that I have a purpose in living on this earth. I find myself helping people alot with their problems and encouraging them to keep going. I used to think I didn't contribute all that much to anything in this world, but as I analyze situations in which I was involved, things I do seem to have a domino effect into other people's lives. Everyday we live, we learn. Everything I contribute to the world helps me learn in some way, and also whoever I might be interacting with. As I write this, I keep thinking more and more how I would love to be a teacher of some kind. I want to leave knowledge to the world and try to help people live their lives the best way they can.
To this day I don't exactly know what my legacy will be and I probably will never know because it won't be in full effect until I'm dead. More importantly though, I want it to have an immense effect on people's lives. But this isn't a goal either, because you can be successful by changing one person's life, so there isn't really a number. Confusing as this is, I want to change lives, in a good way of course, but change lives nontheless. This goes into my college major, which is almost entirely open. I want to be a doctor, or teacher, or coach; I guess anyone that aids people. I want to help people live their life to the fullest, maybe even be an inspirational speaker urging kids to live it up(not drugs =p) and make the most of life. Life isn't long enough to fret over little things; you have to see the bigger picture and make the most of everyday. I don;t know exactly what lies ahead of me but legacy is written in my footsteps.
Courtney! Of course I would react to your death if you suddenly just keel over right in front of me! So don’t scare me like that. Good thing you’re not dead yet, you have a life to go on teaching little kids and other people how to ride horses. ^^ But yeah I sometimes want to know what it would be like if I just died out of nowhere or suicide myself, though I highly doubt it. And the same questions like Courtney’s would show up, what would people do? Would they cry? Would they be unaffected by my death? Those questions scare me in a way, but I guess it’s better not to know, right? I mean Courtney does have a point about people just thinking “Oh pooh” and go on. But isn’t that what the dead want? For people to move on with their lives? Yet you feel so hurt or damaged if they don’t go boohoo for you. I mean I would want someone to miss me so much they’d almost die, but I also don’t want them to forget about me. Life is strangely complicated isn’t it? But I guess it’s going to happen one day, for now, I don’t believe I’ll be seeing any of you next year because I’m going to stupid EHT. Blah! I have to say Oakcrest will always be my loving family. Maybe now I’ll see how people would really react when I’m gone, sorry Court, but I get to experience that first!
I do believe that I make a huge contribution to this world and I do think what HH said was true. Every living creature whether humans or animals have a use in this weird world we call earth. I guess if I was never here there wouldn’t be a library aide to help Mrs. Carr or Mrs. Cadario out. Being a library aide is a pain in the butt, good thing I like helping or else there would be some serious issues. I would also like to think that if I was never here no one would be guiding my siblings in the right path or make them breakfast in the morning or in my sister Teresa’s case, no one would be able to do her eyebrows. All these small things that I help do and contribute to this earth really do make a huge difference in other people’s lives. Maybe if I was never here the world would be in utter chaos, but that’s a different story.
My legacy might not be to be a teacher like Megan or anything like that but it’s like Alli’s, I guess I’m also there to make some people smile and laugh. I want to help people out a lot and I guess that’s why I chose my major in the medical field, if any of you heard at NHS induction, I wanted to become a biomedical engineer. I want to contribute my valuable time to something that would be able to help someone live on or maybe think differently about their lives once they’re affected by a critical condition and were saved. I want to be able to see people smile and live a healthy life on this world and laugh away their troubles. For me, I think smiling and laughing are the best cures for any disease and I would want to be there to make all you AP dorks smile and laugh too. You’re all my loving family, whether you know it or not and I appreciate having the chance to smile with you.
This blog is hard. I’m sorry for complaining, but it really is. Ask me my opinion. Even those “define insert indefinable word here” questions are easier than this. I read this blog on Monday, got scared a bit, and thought about it since then, hoping to discover what my purpose is in this world before 9pm tonight. Unfortunately, I haven’t. I’ve been trying to think of what I do; for myself and for others. And I can thank that thought for giving me this headache I currently have.
I know I’ve done something. I haven’t just been walking around thinking about myself for the past 16 years of my life. What I do is care about people. I used to not know who I was. I was whatever people wanted me to be. My mom wanted me to be the sister who didn’t fit in, the insecure, quiet, smart, “different” daughter, so that’s what I was for years of my life. I was whatever people saw me as, and I let them define me. Then I realized I could be whoever I wanted. That other people didn’t have a say in who I was and how I went about life. I was introduced to this incredible notion during my first year of high school. One person, for the most part, helped me step into my own and discover who I truly was deep down. What I try to do now, is be that one person for someone else. Everyone deserves to know who they are and be confident, when I have the chance I try to help them do that.
I also try to see past the attitude and outer shells of people. I like to think there’s always more to the people around me. I’m fascinated by people and I think it’s important for us all to not judge right off the bat, because I’ve learned there’s always something more to learn about that can help me help them, or learn from that can help me help better myself. I sound like a geek right now... I’m just saying what I think. Whateva, I do what I want.
I don’t like this blog.
I don’t know what I’m going to do. I think in order to make a difference in the world you have to believe that you can. I have a hard time doing that. I can care about people as much as I want, but that’s not going to change the world. But, I figure if I can change one person the way I was changed than they can do the same for someone else, open someone elses eyes. So, I will keep trying to teach people how to think for themselves. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t. If you’ve ever seen the Movie or read the book “Pay it Forward”, that’s sort of how I see things. There are chains in this world. IF you do something good for someone, they will do something good for someone else and so on. But, if you treat someone badly and break their spirit, they will do the same for someone else, or just do nothing, and so on.
"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 do believe his Holiness’ word to be true. Of course not everyone in this world is a hero, and a do-good type, but those who aren’t make the world beautiful too. It’s like in “A Walk to Remember” when Landon says something about not having faith because there’s so many people suffering in the world, and Jamie replies that without suffering there would be no compassion. I feel that statement to be completely true. It is necessary for people in this world to see the bad that happens so they can push themselves to be better than it, to do something better and not fall into the trap.
My greatest contribution... I’m not really sure. So far, I think that being myself and standing up for what I believe in is a great contribution. I’m 16 (sorry for throwing the age in there) and I haven’t had enough time to reach my full potential in this world, but I’m happy I haven’t. I feel like there’s so much to look forward to, so much I can do still. Hoorah for being young. And on that note... I don’t want to spend anymore of my precious time on this computer. THE END.
Sike. I forgot to comment on someone else. Courtney S. I ask myself the same question. How would people react if I were to suddenly die right now? I usually stop myself from thinking it though, but I really do wonder. Hopefully, there’s something after life so I can watch and find my answer. I think personally, I would want to be missed and remembered, but not have those I care about stuck on my death. I feel all emo now. I’m really done now...that was so long! I stink.
As most of you know, I’m no athlete. Sure, I play tennis…if you call cheering my team on and just having fun playing. My varsity sport, if that’s what I can refer it to, is leading. I lead. It’s what I do. I’m not a leader because my class voted me to be one freshmen year. I am not a leader because it is expected of me. I am not a leader just for fun. I am a leader because I don’t know how to be anything else.
Now, I’m not saying that in every situation I have to take charge and give out directions-that’s actually far from my ways as a leader. Most times I can be a very hard-working team player, on my team of varsity leaders. Though, in every situation, no matter what, I can’t help but get involved. Never can I just sit back and watch things happen and play no part in them. Some of you may be like, well that’s not really leading but I don’t think there is a set way of how a person must lead. For instance, there are good leaders, bad leaders, great leaders, terrible leaders.
One phrase I always keep in the back of my head is that you can never please everybody. You just can’t. There will always be one person who disagrees or is upset with a decision or statement you say. With that being said, as a leader I, almost unconsciously, try to make decisions that will benefit to the majority or greater good. This may all sound dumb or exaggerated but it’s true. Sure, there are definitely times when actions are put into effect that may only better a small majority rather than vast group of others but that’s when my personal experience and, well basically, my own self steps in.
I can never stop thinking about how different my life would be and will be if I was given all the opportunities I have in my short years at the Oak, but I also realize that if I were to lose that election freshmen year or if teachers didn’t see potential that I had, I still feel that my contribution for life and all those incorporated into it in any way would be my leadership. I don’t need to remind myself that I am a president or vice president or anything little title to tell me I should step in and lead. It’s, very bluntly, what I do. It’s who I am.
Leading is what I will do. I have no doubt in my mind. Now, you may ask, so what do you wanna be when you grow up and I will answer truthfully, I have NO idea. Some people ask if I want to get into politics but I don’t know the answer to that. I will just wait and see. I could come out of college wanting to be a lawyer, teacher, writer, heck, an employee at Burger King and in my life I will still lead. I will lead in any path my life’s road takes me down because I don’t know any other way to go about living. Just as a simple title, I don’t need a paying occupation to remind me to lead in my life.
I 100% agree with HH’s belief on contribution. We’ve all heard that saying, it takes all kinds to make the world go ‘round. Well, it’s true. People have individuality. Individuality opens up different perspectives in life. Therefore, people perceive others, and life, differently, creating individual contributions to our individualistic world.
Without me knowing it, and probably without them knowing it, I’m sure I have left an impact on many people. Maybe big, maybe small. I don’t know what my legacy WILL be and, honestly, I don’t know what I WANT it to be either. If I establish a legacy I want to live up to and fall too short or maybe create an entirely separate one, I don’t want to deal with that emptiness or loss of accomplishment. I don’t want to grow old and as my days left on this earth start coming to a close, ask myself if I measured up to the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I want to be 100% satisfied with every decision and action I have made and I want those who I have impacted to realize the legacy I have unconsciously left with them.
I think Megan is on the smae page as me that what you contribute and do is just a part of you. it's what you've always done and will continue doing. she said how when she was younger and she played school with her friends she had to be the teacher. somtimes, well all the time, whether some realize it before others, there is something in each and every one of us that has been with us all along. it's simply just a huge part of what and who we are as a person.
This question is pretty thought provoking. But, Sometimes I do think of these sort of questions own my own. Usually on the bus in the morning if i'm not sleeping. Some people think the best in the shower or whatever, but i think the best on the bus early in the morning. It's weird but i digress.
OK... I really like music. I play guitar everyday and i really enjoy it. That's what i do. However, to make a name for yourself, or contribute to society, by playing guitar is pretty much impossible unless you're insanely good. So, That's why I i either want to be insanely good at guitar or become a producer or mixer or something that has to do with the production of music. I've composed quite a few songs and i have written a bunch of lyrics for songs but I keep them hidden. But one day i want to reveal them and get a start somewhere. It's a stretch but i can't really see myself doing anything else.
Actually, I guess i do believe in HH's idea of contribution. I think everything happens for a reason and everyone has a purpose. I hope my purpose ends up being something that deals with music. Anyway, there could be someone in a store that you over hear saying something about a rain forest or someone nonsense. Then you end up going on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and the Million dollar question is about an African Rain forest. You remember what that guy said and you get it right and win a million dollars and with that money you cure cancer. Maybe that-guy-in-the -store's purpose in life was to say that fact about the rain forest and help assist the other guys quest for curing cancer. That's highly unlikely but it could happen.
After thinking it over, i realized that i want to be famous. I don't know why but that's what i want. I know I'm shy but I just want to be the guy who puts out good music for people to listen to. Somebody that sort encompasses what i want to be is John Lennon (minus the hippiness). He made excellent music with the Beatles and in his solo career. I just want to be remembered for that. But if i can't... I don't know i'll do something else.
monica, that blog was not terrible! you did a good job. actually, i really enjoyed reading it. love you, p4l.
A very Buddhist topic indeed, but what else to expect in the weekly blog posted by the brain of Bunje?? Its an interesting one at least, and complicated at best, but somehow its complexity relates to our daily lives. There is no doubt that our lives are more than complicated, AP classes, baseball, family, friends, sleep, girls, and playoff hockey are all things I factor into my day. What does this have to do with the query, “Why am I here?” I have no clue, but I know its what I do on almost a daily basis. Am I here for those reasons alone, hell no, or at least I hope not.
The idea that we all have a predestined fate is appealing to me for several reasons. When I was a young lad, I used to believe heavily in this fate. That it was destiny for em to date some girl, or destiny for us to loose the championship game, only to come back and fight for a whole year to win it all. However, the years past have withered me to an extent where my thought process ahs changed. My mind has grown and matured, and is still slowly molding into a brain that will drive a leader of the future. I know that I am on this earth for one thing. To lead. That is all I want to do. Lead by example, lead by choice, lead just to lead.
Through leading I can use my true emotions to help teach, like my teachers, the tangibles of life. Maybe grasping the tangibles of life may be totally impossible, but I like to try, and think I can handle almost any situation thrown at me with little trouble. I mean, I’m no Dr. Phil, but I am an intelligent young man who loves to be around others, take advice as much as bestow wisdom upon others, or at lest that’s what I want to do.
Destiny is really a topic for the faint-hearted. But I like it. Getting wrapped up in the thoughts of how we got here, want I want to do, what I am supposed to do, all appeal to me, even if it is complicated. I welcome the complexity with an open mind and a sense of eagerness to see what is out there, try new things, and really find out my niche.
Heres the easiest way for me to put it; I know who I am now. I know what I want to do. I know my potential and want to transcend whatever I must face. I do not know the specifics of why I am who I am, or why I want to be something, and that is what I want to find out. The only way for me, or any of us to do that is to go to college, live life, and experience new things with great frequency.
And concerning the point that Alli and Court said about what people would do if you were to die, I never thought of that. To me, destiny has nothing to do with us dying, but all about us living, and learning. Only after you learn can you teach, and after you are taught, you can learn.
Andrew Cain- contributed to the world by extending the impact of the lessons he learned from his brother and the impressions left by his golf game. In life, my goals and contributions I want to keep the spirits of my loved ones alive even if their story is only able to help one person then at least their life has been for a purpose. The other thing I want to accomplish during my life is that I want leave an impression on society. Either through winning money through golf or by means of another job, I want to help the community to maybe help others not make the mistakes I have or even make it farther than I do due to better opportunities. I do not believe that this idea that everyone is here to contribute is far fetched or even impossible because even if a person does not contribute in a good way, they are contributing as a bad example to hopefully not have people make the same mistake and be even a more positive person in society because they see the negative side of things. I believe that my greatest contribution so far in life is keeping my brother alive in my life and the people around me’s life. The reason is that I believe that he was such a great person that never got to show the world what he had to offer so by keeping his spirit alive and getting the tragic story out then maybe some life’s can be touched by him. The biggest thing so far I feel is the golf tournament that is dedicated to him because that trophy that is in his name will remain in use for many years to come and will be shared by many people and champions. I would like to say however that as like Brittany S. that I have contributed as a good friend which I think I have, but not to as many people as I should. My legacy I hope is not only of my game, but my leadership. It was a big jump this year going from a role player to Andrew Nelson and Joe Coe to being the leader, but I hope that when my teammates look back on these two years that I will help to guide them through, that they can sit back and say that he gave it his all and brought out everything there was to in themselves. Golf may be an individual sport, but at the end of the day the scores get added together. So I guess I want to impact as many people as I can in good ways and share my stories to help relate to people to bring change in them too.
It’s hard to think back and think of a time when I impacted someone in a positive way. Not being able to pick out that one moment I had, I finally decided that I contribute happiness to others. I’m always trying to make someone laugh to brighten their day. I’ve been this way since I was a youngster. I’ve always been the compassionate type of man. When I read HH’s idea I disagreed with it and agreed with it at the same time. I believe that everyone on earth is here to contribute. Does everyone contribute? No. Everyone has the potential to do well and contribute to the “beauty and prosperity of the world.” But so many waste their time on earth and do not contribute. This is the part that makes it seem impossible. There are thousands upon thousands of people in the world who are brilliant or have something great to contribute to the world, but they do not take advantage of this quality and contribute.
The only time I can think of where I had my greatest contribution was back in 3rd and 4th grade. Our teacher, Mrs. Gallo, drilled the concept of respect and “the words of the month” into our little brains. I took the lessons I learned in that class and applied them to the real world. During those years I looked to be respectful to others and make them more respectful too. I feel like this is where I learned the important qualities in life that will make me a better person in the future. I don’t know what the future has in store for me and quite frankly I am always thinking about that. I hope to become some sort of doctor that goes into work everyday and has instant gratification. In other words, at the end of the day I want to have seen a lot of people and know that I put on smile on their faces. That’s my main focus and second to that, I’ll be honest, I want a job that will pay well. I’ve always been interested in medicine and the ideal of helping other people. Hopefully here I’ll be able to make a legacy. I want to be able to make an impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s through my career or through something else, I want to make a difference. I don’t know what exactly it will be and I am looking forward to seeing what my life has in store for me.
Courtney’s explanation, “If you think hard enough, you can see each animal's job in life. Each individual does definitely have a purpose, but I think the real question is, do they realize it?”, supports what I was stating earlier. People just don’t realize their role in life. That’s the biggest obstacle in life.
This is something that runs through my mind with everything I strive to accomplish. The reason I work hard in school, or at least work at all, is because I want to contribute something to this world. I know that through the cultivation of the mind and body, I just may be able to do something great for this world, whether it be monetarily by charity or technologically with the discovery of the cure of cancer.
When I grow up, I plan on playing Major League Baseball. Of course that dream is not very reliable, so the more realistic plan of my future is to contribute to the world of science. I plan on discovering a way of drawing energy through fusion rather than fission, as fusion produces no dangerous nuclear waste, while fission creates radioactive nuclear particles. The sun produces Helium atoms through the fusion of two hydrogen atoms, and this fusion produces immeasureable amounts of energy, so why can’t we do that here on earth? We can use magnetic fields and super dense containers to contain the heat. If that is found to be impossible in my time, then I plan on investing my money into building solar panels. I would spend all my money on this earth-saving investment.
I guess I haven’t done that much for the world yet. All I am doing now is setting up ways for me to help the world in the future. I don’t believe that I have the ability to affect the world right now; I do know, though, that I will be able to affect the world in a great way later in life. I believe the words of HH completely. I am here, not for my own benefit, but to help others. If I can make the majors for baseball, then maybe I can set a good example for at least one young student-athlete. I know that major leaguers like Chase Utley have set great examples that I try to mimic, so maybe I’ll be that great star that hundreds of thousands will look up to for a paradigm.
If I can’t do that, which will be the most likely outcome, then I hope to change the world through technological innovation. As aforementioned, I hope to help the environment. I see our world slowly getting more polluted, but I know that, like the economy, it has the potential to bounce back. With the help of a few motivated and skilled leaders, the environment could definitely come back to its once great platitude. In my future, I want to be one of these leaders, and I will find a way to help this world.
I always try to figure out what I am really good out, or what stands out about me; however, I can never think of anything that I am superior to others at or that I excell in above all the rest. I'm an athlete, but i'm definitely not the best on my team. I take AP classes, but i'm definitely not the smartest in my class. I guess what I'm tryig to say is that i'm scared that my presence on this earth will be nothing more than average. I want to be remembered for doing something extraordinary at one point in my life, but it seems to me that my time has not come quite yet. Reading Alli's blog, I began wondering, also, how many people would be affected if I were to die at this very second. It's a scary thought, but when it comes down to it, HH is right in saying that we are here on this earth to contribute. And still at this moment, I don't know when I will make my contribution or what it will actually be. I believe that in our own particular way, each and every person will impact our world somehow. Whether it be negative or positive, every person's actions are analyzed and learned from. For example, a doctor contribute's positively to this earth bu helping and curing the ill. Until this blog, though, I never realized that criminals contribute to society just as much. As crazy as that sounds, I think its true. By committing negative crimes and serving terrible consequences, we are able to look at these people and set higher standards for ourselves. We see them suffer, and it urges us to be a better person, and stronger person, and a person with more pride and values. Basically what I am saying is that each and every person will contribute, it is sometimes just difficult to discover their purpose. As for me, I want to go to college and absorb as much education as possible. I want to raise a family of morals, values, and respect that will be able to influence the world positively as well. I want to become an owner of a boutique, sahring with others my love for fashion. I want to be able to help people that are in need with the knowledge and wisdom that life has given me. So far in life, I try to be the best person I can. I respect others and help others, expecting that I get the same treatment in return. I don't know how that impacts them, but I am almost positive that always being the best I can be allows be a certain level of respect from society. I may not be known worldwide for being a professional tennis player or finding the cure for a disease, but I know that my hard work will one day be admired by someone in this world. I think that my greatest contribution to earth has been my ability to accomplish all that I have so far. Even though I see myself as an average human being and I am not always number one, I think that people look up to the fact that I still accomplish what my heart is set out to do. One day, I will succeed in that one thing that sets me apart from anything else that anyone has ever done. Until that moment, though, I beleieve that each day my actions build up to that one contribution that will never be forgotten.
Perspective. That’s all that really matters as far as impact is consider. The things that seem insignificant to us now, may to someone around us, be the most important things in the world. Simple words that may seem to those who say them to be unnoticeable may be to the person who hears it something life changing that sticks with them for years to come. Frankly, it is almost impossible to tell what one’s own impact is in a large sense. As Cervi has said time and again, nothing is really history until at least twenty years after the fact. So honestly, as far as determining any sort of legacy is concerned you really can’t do it until your long in your grave.
And who really talks about their “legacy” hmmm? The mere word makes me think of a ton of different supervillain-esque speeches. Honestly, I find no reason to be so conceited. I am not so delusional to believe that I will without a doubt leave a “legacy” that will last long after my death. Even great men are forgotten.
Let’s look at history. Sure we Americans may remember some historical figures, but from most Americans you’d believe history didn’t really start until the Revolutionary War. It’s as if the billions of people alive prior to that point were completely nonexistent. Looking from a purely evolutionary standpoint not all individuals are really able to change a population. Nature is full of redundancies. Eventually all individuals blend together into a homogenous mix where very few individuals will be remembered centuries after their deaths, by anyone other than the Future-Mike Townley. That’s a scary thought, insignificance.
In the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series there is a device called the Total Perspective Vortex, which is in fact the most dangerous torture device on the planet. Basically what this device does is it shows the victim the entire vastness of the universe and then shows a tiny marker that says “You Are Here,” pointing to a microscopic dot upon a microscopic dot. Thus showing the victim how monumentally unimportant he is when it really comes down to it. Honestly, I would never want to see such a device. I don’t think I could handle it.
My delusions of grandeur have not yet grown large enough that I really think I will leave a real “Legacy.” But I will try my damndest to leave something behind. Some mark that may not really be important as far as the Total Perspective Vortex is concerned, but will at least mean something to those I love. I try my hardest to help those in need. To be the body of Christ. I stand unwaveringly for what I believe in and never back down. I will do the things I love, and I won’t let anyone stop me. And if anyone asks me what I’ve done with my life I guess I’d have to quote HOSM (which stands for the Hero of Shadow Moses) Solid Snake, “We can tell other people about - having faith. What we had faith in. What we found important enough to fight for. It's not whether you were right or wrong, but how much faith you were willing to have, that decides the future.” Even if I never do enough to create a true legacy, I will fight for the things I love. If I live and die for love, then I guess it really doesn’t matter whether or not anyone really knows who I am.
Upon reading this blog, I thought about the numerous times when I would sit by myself and ponder about my life. As I pondered I would think about my soul, yes my soul and how it pertains to my physical self. Sometimes I would try to set my soul apart from my body and look at me from the outside. Would I like me? I don’t know if what I’m saying makes sense… but I thought I’d share that. Anyway…
When asked the simple question, why am I here, I don’t think I could give you an answer right off the bat. So, I think I might have cheated, but I asked my mom. My mom knows me more than I know me and I’d be completely lost without her. She tells me about who I am, and whether or not I knew it before or after, she’s always right. My mom began telling me all of my aspects when I asked her what my purpose was in life and I saw a pattern, sorta. So going back to the initial question, why am I here, I respond with I am here to make someone a better person. I’m not the best person in the world, that is obvious, but I want people to be the best they can be. I think with a black and white frame of mind and I am honest to people when asked a personal question. When my friends come to me for advice, I subconsciously play devil’s advocate and I act as their conscious as well. And speaking of advice, I think witnessing numerous and multifarious situations as helped me connect with people in some way which can help. I also feel like a make someone a better person because I like pushing people to do things they never thought they could do. As captain of the field hockey team, I would run with the girls who were stuck in the back trying there hardest to not give up. Because I don’t get caught up in the silly drama of high school and the opinions of other people, I feel as if my carefree attitude makes people carefree as well, even if it’s just for that moment when we’re together… I feel like I’m rambling but I’m trying hard to stay focused on this blog while watching the Democrat debate on TV. Anyway, going back to making someone a better person. When I go to college and get a degree in exercise science, I want to help people become better, but in exercise more specifically. For the past week I have been in and out of doctor offices trying to figure out what the heck is wrong my with my legs and my foot. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my foot which sucks butt. Ok, that was insignificant, but after seeing a sports physician numerous times and talking to her about my running technique, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I want to help people enjoy running as much as me and I want to do that by giving people better gear to help the overpronators, like myself, run heal-toe.
For some reason I thought I was the only one who would wonder about what the world would be like if I were to die. The same questions that go through Courtney’s head go through my head as well. Would people be affected by the loss? And if they were affected would they be able to go on with their lives or would they become their couch or bed? And who would I affect if I were to die? Or would people just gasp at the news and welcome the next day like nothing happened? I don’t like thinking this, but it goes through my head. I’d like to believe that my death would affect people and that there would be something missing in someone’s everyday life. However, I wouldn’t want anyone to be lugubrious for years and years because I wouldn’t want to see any of my loved ones put aside their contributions because mine was taken. Wow, this is getting depressing. So, I basically wanted to say that I believe in HH’s idea about contribution. I believe everyone here has contributed and will continue to contribute to the world no matter how small or how big.
As for me..? I like to think I have made plenty of contributions. I like to think I am making a contribution now in someone’s life, specifically my little sister. My little sister is now three and she has become my shadow. I always remember being told that we need to be role models for the younger kids and I never took it to heart until now when I see my little sister, Jill, acting the way I do. I am impacting her life whether I know it or not and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I contribute to her world by giving her someone to look up to, to model. In return, she’s contributing to me by making me a better person.
In the end of my life filled with contribution, my legacy will be my character. I want my legacy to be character – my ability to think black and white, my ability to play someone’s conscious and my ability to be carefree.
The thing Courtney and Monica were saying reminds me of Tom Sawyer. You know, when everyone thinks they’ve drowned in the river and then they show up at their own funeral. I remember when we were practicing that scene for the play I always wanted to seem happy about the situation and mutter something to the affect of, “Good riddance, I hated those little nuisances, that’s what he gets for try to get with my little daughter.” But seriously, I have wondered what my own funeral would be like. This certainly makes the idea of faking my own death sound pretty interesting. Plus I could make people think I’m a ghost and totally freak them out. This actually seems pretty fun now. Just so you all know, if I ever do this play along guys, don’t ruin the fun…
Hmmmm. It would be ironic if I did die sometime in the near future. We’d have sort of a “boy who cried wolf” situation going on there.
Let me start with the simplest question first. Do I believe in HH’s idea about contribution? ABSOLUTELY! Everyone is here on Earth for a purpose. Be it as a role model, or an example of what not to be like, we all have a purpose for being where we are, for meeting the people we do, and becoming the people we will become. Now comes the hard part. What is my purpose?
Peacekeeper. That is what I believe I do. I have the amazing ability to be able to envision both sides of an argument, or situation. And I mean amazing sarcastically. It is so annoying! If someone is complaining about something someone else did, I don’t just say “OMG! What a jerk!” I can’t just say that. My mind wanders from reason to reason why that person might have done what they did. Why can’t I be just like everyone else and just agree with the person, instead of trying to take the other side. But just because I imagine the possibilities and reasons, doesn’t mean that I don’t agree with you. More times then none, I agree whole heartedly with you, I just have to think of the other side. I tend to have more hope and faith in people then they probably deserve.
So where does the peacekeeping part come in? If someone is upset with someone else, I will listen to them with ears wide open. But once they are calm enough to hear what I have to say, I try to help them realize why the other person might have done what they did. I would like to think that I have possibly saved a few friendships or relationships with my ability to see both sides. And I think that would be my biggest contribution so far. I can’t recall any specific event, but I’d like to think that my peacekeeping skills have been useful for something.
Well since my purpose in life is not to predict the future, I can’t tell you what my legacy will be. I’ll let you know when we meet in the afterlife Bunje. But what I can do is tell you what I want my legacy to be. I want to imbue my ability into the people around me. Although seeing both sides is incredibly annoying and frustrating, I realize how much of a blessing it is. It keeps me from jumping to conclusions about people, and it allows me to have more friends. It is because of this ability, I believe, that makes it impossible for me to get mad or angry. I can get upset with someone, but it is very difficult for me to get angry. Could you imagine a world without anger? Because what does anger lead to other than the creation of enemies? I’m hoping that I can touch the people around me and help create a much more pleasant community. I want to be known as Emily, the Optimistic, or the Peacekeeper. If I die knowing that I have taught someone how to see both sides, I can die peacefully and know that my life has been fulfilled.
Felicia said in her blog, “Sure, the big movers and shakers make headlines, but the people who don’t become known for their contributions to the world have the satisfaction of knowing that the small amount of people that they have touched are grateful for knowing them.” and I couldn’t help but think of how that summed up how I want my legacy to be. I don’t want to make headlines, or be famous for what I do. I want my legacy to be known by the few people that I had the most impact on, and I want those few people to carry on my legacy to another few people. Eventually, hopefully, my legacy will be worldwide and the world will be a better place, but I won’t be here to take the credit for it. The credit wouldn’t be mine to take.
At first, I read the quote, read the blog, thought he’s full of it. Then I dug a little deeper, well a lot deeper to the core of society. I thought how bums humping for chump change do and CEO's drinking good wine and smoking cigars make a difference but even for them I found a spot. They are role models of what not to become. So then I changed my ideas about His Holiness and decided he’s right and everyone fits in to life like a puzzle.
As far as me, the only thing I really come up with is that I guess you can say that I’ve "lent my ears" over the years. If I was paid for every time I've listened to a friend’s problem i would be rich. The people range from the best of my friends to the grown woman that I work with, or even at times just random people that i have no idea who they are. Somehow it just happens. It is rewarding to me though, i mean do care for my friends, and am always up for listening to anyone and i mean anyone's problems and attempting to make the situation better in anyway I can. I have contributed a respective amount of time though, and I feel that has been my best contribution. Who knows what could happen if they didn't vent, they could have done some irrational or dangerous instead.
My legacy? Most likely I’ll end up being a teacher, hopefully a college professor. Probably couch baseball or basketball or maybe both. Even that is still somewhat of a difficult path. What I want my legacy to be? My dream is to be a writer, or to have written something that moved the world of literature or even poetry forward. The dream of all dreams would to be credited with the revival of literature in the twenty-first century and made a good name for "modern day" writers. Hm, that'd be sweet.
p.s. look when you log onto to blogger on your home page? Eric left Blogger but left behind a legacy of answering support tickets, launched blogs, and designed features. He even changed every blogger’s life, including ours.
Okay, so I’m typing this blog for the second time now. You know, because I type it in word just so I won’t lose it…and guess what – I lost it. Of course. So anyway, HH. I think that he is like 99.9% right. Almost everything and everyone put on this Earth has a purpose. We are all here for a reason and everything put on this Earth was put here for a reason, except for a few things.
Everyone so far has been saying that they think every single thing, even the little bacteria on Antarctica like Hannah said. But I’m not so sure. I guess it’s possible, but at this so-far culmination of my 16 years, I can’t really picture what the purpose of things like war, murder, cancer, fatal diseases, and natural disasters are. Sure, they keep the “life cycle” going, to keep up with James’ science theme, really? Do we need these tragedies in our daily lives? I don’t really think so. I know that people are all put here for a reason, but things? I don’t know. It seems impossible to me that every single thing is here for a reason. It could be true and I guess I won’t know until I have a bit more life experience, but does every blade of grass, every fruit fly, every little piece of paper, or every crumb really matter? Okay, so maybe that is a bit of hyperbole and not quite what HH meant, but I’m taking it to the extreme.
So to continue, there’s me. I was put here for a reason. I’m sure of that. I really think that I am like Hannah. She said how she is here to be there for other people. She, Megan, and basically everybody else mentioned something about wanting to help others. Well, anyone that knows me knows that I am like that. I seriously am kind of a pushover a lot, but it honestly doesn’t bother me too much. If someone is like, “ugh I don’t want to get up to get that tissue box, but I neeeeed one.” (Emrow) It is instinct for me to get up and grab it. I don’t know why. It just seems that whenever anyone needs anything, I am there and will just do it for them. This probably isn’t helping them too much in the long run, but I don’t really care. I have an example, because I don’t think I can just describe it. It’s easier to just show it. So, in gym the other day, Kim was benching and I was talking to Blake and to some kid he was like, “can you get that?” pointing to the other weight. That kid didn’t hear him so I got up and took it off the bar. Kim said, “You didn’t have to do that.” And I said, “I know, but I thought I should.” And so she tricked me by saying, “I need that weight,” to her boyfriend. He didn’t hear her, so I bent down and grabbed it. She laughs and says, “Really? You are like everyone’s slave. You need to stop doing everything for everyone else!” And I guess she is a bit right. I really try and do everything for other people like this as well as being there. I have probably heard more drama and feelings and venting and craziness than most people just because I am “the shoulder to cry on.” And secretly, I like it. Like Hannah said, I like being the person that other people can go to because I like to think that there is someone out there for me like that. It is just a comforting feeling and I like knowing that I am that to some people.
SOOO, now that that was already so long, I think I have some more. I think that the legacy I have left has been fairly insignificant on a large scale. Sure, I am friends with a lot of people and close with a few, but I hope I have impacted their lives. As Emrow and Joanna say, “What am I going to do when I have to go to college without you Christine?” Sometimes I think it’s just because I would keep their grades up, but I know that’s not the reason.
And what I want to be. I have finally come to the conclusion that I want to be a teacher. I don’t know what kind or what grade, but a teacher. I think it’s where I’m supposed to be and it’s where I want to be. Ever since I was probably around 5, I wanted to be a teacher. My mommy was one so of course I wanted to be just like her. (My mom teaches second grade at Hess.) Then I come to Oakcrest and listen to the ridiculous guidance counselors (my own mistake) and take all those stupid coin3 quizzes. They tell me I am supposed to be a CEO or a psychologist or a Manager of Public and City offices or something. This was something I never thought of before and considered for a little while. I think I have come to my senses and realized that that isn’t what I want. I want to be in a classroom, molding minds. I want to help kids learn and achieve their dreams whether they be 7 or 17. It sounds so corny but I love going to the teacher store with my mom. I picture what my room would look like and how I’d change the room for the seasons and holidays and my bulletin board colors and crazyyyyy things like that. It sounds nuts, but that’s what I want my legacy to be. I want to be someone at a school that 3 years after I leave, the seniors will tell the freshman how they missed out on having me for a teacher. I think that is my ultimate goal. It’s what I want to do. It’s what I want to be. That’s my legacy. (ew, that rhymed.)
P.S. Sorry this is a bit late Bunje. I swear I was done for nine but as I said at the beginning I lost it. If you don’t believe me, ask Megan. I IM’ed her when it happened and was pretty mad.
Oh, and I just read Meghan's because I was doing mine, but I was also thinking about the idea of what would happen to me if I died and what people would do. I really liked when she said that she wouldn't want people to mourn her for a really long time and "put aside their contributions because mine was taken." I just thought it had good diction. Haha.
And sorry, but one more thing. I also was thinking the significance, or maybe lackthereof, of certain things in life. Does the $15 dollar difference in prom limo costs really matter in the grand scheme of things? Does this one question about chi-squared on the bio lab in one marking period of one year of one school that isn't going to matter at all whether I'm happy in my life or not. I just thought i was intersting. We focus soooo much on the details, and yes they make up our life, but are those tiny little things really going to change our lives?
I completely agree with HH. I have told everyone in the class before. I like to think of life as contributing to a big old Wikipedia that has been adding knowledge since the beginning of time, however many thousand years ago. My purpose in our Wikipedia? Well, currently, my wiki contributions page consists of a list of things that I have done over the years. The first is being alive, because without being alive, you can’t contribute! I may not be the top contributor, even on a smaller scale of the Oakcrest community level…but I want to change that.
HH’s idea does not seem impossible and it certain is not a bunch of nonsense. It is impossible to not contribute. However, I think it’s harder, but not impossible, to have your contributions noticed. I will define myself by my contributions to society and I want them to worthy of having my name attached to them. I’d much rather have a positive contribution rather than a negative one. I’d much rather say I helped kids in third would countries by designing a low cost computer for them (actually happening) than to say I have been to jail twice because I sell drugs.
I will go to college, no ... Northeastern University. I will get at least a masters degree in computer science. I want to change the way people interact with computers. I want to make life easier. I do not want to create consumer electronics, but I want to be able to say something like: “If you have ever used a computer, you have come in contact with my work.” I want to impact and innovate people’s lives around the world with the use of technology and my god given gift of being able to make computers do amazing things. I want to be able to look back on my life and be like: Wow, what I did was pretty rad.
In the end, I want to be happy. My happiness will be defined by many things, including my contributions.
To comment on Kim’s comment about Courtney’s comment about the job everyone has in life. For humans, it is a bit different. Yes, we all have a purpose in life and we need to find it…but I think comparing us to animals in this sense is wrong for a few reasons. One, animals die if they can’t get things right. Humans help other humans; survival of the fittest is not a big factor with us. The only thing we are doing for the animals is making their lives living hell, for obvious reasons. The great thing about being human is that you can essential choose to do what you want to do, if you put enough work into it. Animals don’t get to have amazing opportunities like that. By default, animals HAVE to contribute. I feel like it is possible for humans to not contribute, or have their negatives outweigh their positives. I also feel like I have no idea about what I am talking about so I am going to stop rambling.
I was talking with Mon and Cait earlier today about the blog, and we all kind of unanimously decided that we consider ourselves too young to make a real contribution. There’s no way I’m cheating myself out of a blog, though, so here goes with a more ample response!
When I say that I still think I haven’t had an impact on, well, anything at all, I really mean that I’ve never thought about it before. Once upon a time around three weeks ago when the majority of us AP Langers were inducted into NHS, the current members of the so-called society read aloud a short tidbit about each of us and our goals. For nearly every one of us, that paragraph included a major, a career, and a life goal. Having been required to do this quite a few times now for drama, I stuck with the usual, commonplace assertion: major in history, teach or work in a museum, minor in a language, etc. My life goal? My crowning achievement? Travel abroad. In that paragraph, however, I forgot one important goal of mine; if one were to go check out my Facebook profile, he/she would find this quote: “Someday, I want to influence something. Anything. Even in the slightest bit.” When I typed that line, oh, six months ago, I guess that I subconsciously began to answer this blog.
I’m kind of glad I said that, when I think about it more in-depth. I really do agree with the Dalai Lama! Anything that I do could be picked up by someone else. His quote makes perfect sense in the simplest of means and in no way seems impossible at all. Sometimes I wonder if anything I do is picked up by someone else’s radar. I may not even realize that it happens. I think that the most significant thing that I do in my daily life is make music, which is one of the greatest gifts that has been offered to civilization. It conveys emotions and inspires everyone in a different way. I also love to act, but that is still an area in which I’m continuing to grow and develop; as for the band world, I’ve truly found my niche.
The band world…is perhaps the only place (thus far) that I’ve had any influence on. I wouldn’t say that I just had an “I can see clearly now the rain is gone” moments, but as usual, Bunje’s blogs continually cause me to discover something else about myself from deep down. After reading Court T’s blog, she made an observation that the beginners at her horse riding classes look to her for guidance and safety. I have it the same way for my little pitlets. Whether I realize it or not, they follow my lead before competitions and listen when I need them to. That’s all I really require, and I’m glad that I can do just that. Court T was right when she said that one of the greatest feelings in life is to be needed.
The first day of school this year marked my sister’s first day of high school. For practically the whole summer, I kept telling her more and more information about surviving Oakcrest, which teachers would be great or who to avoid, and the quickest ways to get around the halls. Then that day came, and of course, I lost her two minutes into the building. I didn’t see her the rest of the day either, so I panicked. Then, at the end of the day when I saw her, she was perfectly fine. I felt like my mom must have felt at this point in both of our lives, but I was actually there with her. I was ecstatic that she made it through easily, but I was disappointed not to have made an impact. Little did I know, though, I really did. Sometimes I try to stuff her mind with too much information and I know it drives her bonkers, but there are moments when she appreciates it.
The word “legacy” is so intimidating! I mean, if I decide to teach, I hope to give kids a lasting education that sticks in their minds throughout the years; if I become a curator or a different museum maintenance person, I could only hope to be innovative and prepare great presentations. When I have kids, I hope that they’re also creative and smart and unique…and good, of course. But I think that’s all out of my hands until it happens. Whatever I do now matters. I do my best to influence others in some small way, and I listen to what my teachers have to say for inspiration. That’s my goal!
PS- I have Caitlin’s blog also, so I will log into her account and post it for you so she can relax and enjoy the sunny weather in California!
What do I do? I breathe, barely. I exist, on a good day. I try to be the best friend, student, daughter, and girlfriend that I could be, based on my stress/energy/caffeine levels. What will I do? Hopefully I will continue to barely breathe, to exist, and to be a good Caitlin all around. I will also figure out exactly how my life is going to play out. Because I believe that I am destined to make valuable contributions to the world, whether big or small, I find myself agreeing with HH in that everyone contributes. In biology, we have learned that everything from the tallest tree to the tiniest microorganism can either have a teensy effect on the universe or a significantly great one. Every second an organism spends existing on this earth attests to that claim.
Yes, bunje, I am a teenager and I do believe that I really have not contributed anything great to this world. This could be because I have no self confidence whatsoever, or it could be that my definition of what I would want my great contribution to be does not fit into my set standards. With that said, I am sure that my greatest contribution would have to be me being a great, passionate, and caring friend to all who have taken the time to some what befriend me. I am the type of person who will, if given the invitation, befriend almost anyone and develop a filial bond with them. I truly, deeply, and genuinely care about a person who is truly cares for me in one way or another. I am pretty sure that those people appreciate my companionship. I know my girlie court finds our friendship to be not only a joy, but also a valuable factor contributing to both of our successes. I try whenever I can to help people, whether it is inside the classroom or beyond.
I hope my legacy will affect many in a positive way. I am planing on leaving lots of money, wisdom, and baking recipes behind when I die.
I have noticed that several people leave answers to this blog along the vague lines of how they just want to help people. I find myself among them, but probably a different route. It is comforting to see those vague answers, because it shows that I am not the only one out there who looks toward her future and only sees a vague outline of greatness.
And because I couldn't find any good quotes pertaining to this subject, here is one I find amusing.
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease." - R. D. Laing
So when first discussing the blog with Leslie and Jon today at one acts practice I will admit I went into the spiel of how I don’t do anything and how could I possibly contribute to anything in this world expect for the level of carbon dioxide since I exhale. But in a deeper aspect I really do in a way contribute to the world I contribute to helping my friends and making them better people since we all learn from each other and the mistakes and accomplishments that we make. With every encounter you have wit people whether you notice it or not you’re are helping them to be better people than what they would be and that’s something always to remember. With my stepsister I try to be an example for to be on the right path and follow in my steps and not to stray off like her older sisters do and stay in school and be all she can be in life.
At work the slogan is helping make life easier. Even though I’m not doing thing spectacular like a doctor who saves lives year round, or a police officer who makes it so that the communities are safer for people to live in a teacher like our marvelous Bunje who helps give knowledge to those who are unknowing but I still contribute in a way because without me a simple amenity that we take for granted wouldn’t move as smoothly as we try to make it go.
In the future I plan to be in a career contributing to the society just like Kim does to either b a pharmacist or psychiatrist. To help as I pharmacist I would be the one who helps to make sure the older people are getting all the right medication at an affordable rate. I would like to be the one who helps to make a plan where medication is available for everyone so that nobody has to chose between there medicine or having food on the table. As I psychiatrist I would be the one who makes it so that the person on a path to hurting someone or themselves comes back to the right side. I could se myself leaning more to the psychiatrist because I am a great listener. For right now I have been helping my friends through their problems. Whenever they need an ear I am always the first person they call. So for right now I think that is their purpose.
We are all born for a purpose that’s why I don’t really agree with abortions. In a way you are making it so that your life is the way it should at the expense of someone else. When babies are aborted the giving up the potential that they have. Like Kim said once you are born the opportunities for you are endless. When people die as sad as it may be it means that they have fulfilled their purpose.
Ah, a legacy. People worldwide strive to become something in life, to have a legacy to pass on to future generations. They want to be remembered—to have their handprints set in cement in Hollywood or their name engraved in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Hell, some of them will even be satisfied with something ridiculous like inventing the hotdog. They don’t want to be forgotten—to be a mere speck of dust that has existed at some point throughout history. It was not until recently, in the past year or so, that I really started to think about this concept. What will I be remembered for? I’m not movie star material, my hand-eye coordination in baseball is nil, and I can’t see myself making up some absurd food any time soon. What will I be remembered for?
Like Courtney, I’ve been told time and time again that God has a plan for me and that he has given me unique talents that I should use to honor him. This is all very nice and I believe in it wholeheartedly, only I always thought it would be nice if he gave me a list of these so-called talents that I possess. But now that I’m understanding who I am a little bit more, day by day, it’s becoming easier for me to identify these capabilities I have to make a contribution back to the world.
As a seventeen-year-old girl in this big bad world, I’m nothing spectacular. I just live day in and day out and that’s exactly what I plan to continue doing. You see, I think that’s one of the things that I have to offer the world—my perseverance. No matter what I do, whether it’s an academic class, a sport, or some other hobby, I just keep on going. I’m not one to quit or complain. It may not seem like much; it’s just me living. But I think that through this lifestyle I can encourage others to keep on going too. I’m trying to demonstrate this encouragement through words and actions and I’ve picked out a person to test this on and I think it’s working.
Now, I have no idea what adventures the future will bring, but whether I’m in some small European country or here in the United States, I hope to be helping people believe that they can do things they never thought possible. Maybe this will be through art or maybe it will just be through living a good happy life. Whatever it may be through, I can only hope that people will remember me for my determination and dedication.
So, the truth is, you don’t have to hit a baseball like Babe Ruth to be remembered in life. If you think about it, it’s rather silly—fame that is. It really doesn’t matter how big your impact is on the world as a whole, for it’s those people in the small corners of the world that need the most encouragement. It’s these real people that will truly appreciate what you have to offer.
I would have to say, first of all that I do indeed agree with the 14th Dalai Lama and his theory that we all contribute something to this amazing world that we coexist on. To start, every single one of us, I would hope, has a friend or many friends in which we would do almost anything for and constantly assist throughout every day. If you do indeed fit the description of a friend in any way then you have impacted another’s life whether you know it or not. So no one should even consider saying that they are too young to have already contributed to this world, if anyone has even stated such a preposterous thing.
As far as the things I do go, well I think I do a lot. I am always looking for ways to bring smiles to people’s faces and make them feel good about themselves, even if I make myself look like a complete fool. Also I will go totally out of my way to do a favor for someone else and by any means provoke others and try to motivate them to strive for whatever they want to achieve. Also, as said by my cousin as I ask her while typing this, what I contribute to the world, is and I quote “the pleasure of knowing you”-Brittany Yachere. As sarcastic as this may sound and probably is there must be some truth to this, not to sound conceited or anything.
I can say that I am quite the retrospective person and often look back on things from a different point of view. While doing this I also, like Courtney has said, ponder about whether I would be missed if I spontaneously expired at this very moment. Would people in fact miss me or would life just keep on a’rollin. To be honest I realize that the world will not notice for the most part and will continue on as it has for thousands of years. But then again for the lucky select few who have been graced with my presence I would have to say I would be missed greatly. For one thing, many of my friends would not have my assistance in cheating off my answers on chemistry labs. Actually, their education would be saved if I died because they would be forced to do their own work. Hmm, existence isn’t really all I thought it chocked up to be.
On more of a serious note now, I guess my greatest contribution is not just from one single moment, but instead a compilation of offerings that I have given to the ones I consider my dear friends. Considering that I would do anything for them, and throughout many instances have, I impacted many lives or at least hope I have. And have by means of athletics, helped out whoever I could when they needed it, even if I am not all that great at any of the sports I am active in these days. I want my legacy to known as some normal, average Joe kid named Pete. Not someone who has done anything spectacular, and even if he did he never thought of it that way. He was just the kid who looked out for others, even if he didn’t really known them too well. Pete should be remembered as someone who woke up everyday, wanting to make other people content, because that is what made him truly happy. This is what I would hope, and might think I may be remembered as. If not that then I’ll probably just be remembered as just some loser, who was a selfish ass and cared for no one but himself. Oh well, either one will do I suppose because I wont be around to hear it.
What does Niah Grimes do? Is it inspire, help, maybe even irritate. Whatever I do though I believe I do it well I am fortunate to live a wonderful life with people that love and support me. So I’m doing something right. I do believe that later in life I will either rule the world or maybe just a portion of it. Honestly I really want to make a difference, not like a Martin Luther King difference, although there’s nothing wrong with that, but more like change the lives of others in a more government official way. No I don’t believe in the HH’s idea because not every living thing contributes to the beauty and prosperity of the world if anything most living things, especially humans, detract from the beauty. Unlike Courtney who no disrespect is simply wrong, not everyone contributes. Yes we’re all here for a reason, yes we all have a purpose, but no we do not all contribute to the beauty and prosperity of this world. So yes it is a bunch of nonsense and in respect to HH and you Bunje I will refrain from calling him a crack head.
Back to me, my greatest contribution…I looked up the definition of contribution (all rights reserved to dictionary.com)and this is what I found:
• part played by a person in bringing about a result
• a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
• act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity
Among these I found other things like writings and publications but the first two really caught my attention. I contribute ideas. I have a million of them and I voluntarily give them to people. Honestly I believe that I give a lot to my friends, my real friends. For instance my “good friend” Bunje you no who I am referring to, is sort of lost and lacks support and I really like to be there for them no matter what and when they’re lost shed “ideas” and as much wisdom a 17 year old girl can. This is where we see “bringing about a result” I think contributions like that are great because you’re really helping someone and it’s hands on, it also has a ripple effect, you never no what effect you may cause my good friend might become the next JFK because of my support. Another great thing is even though you won’t receive a noble piece(or is it peace?!) prize you allow your heart to grow and you know how much of a contributor you truly are, which has a wonderful effect on your life as well, which also allows the ripple to become never ending.
My legacy will be whatever I make off it. I want to be that superwoman figure who is an intelligent, strong black woman who buried every statistic and exceeds everyone’s expectations. Due to the fact that people hold such high expectations for me that is a very hard goal. And really i want to become a CHAPTER not just a sentence in the book of life.
ah yes. Niah certainly inspires. at least that's what she told me and Joe camp to say in our apparent future nobel prize acceptance speeches. haha <3
and btw niah, i want some mention in your future inauguration speech.
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