The Power of Travel
We all know that traveling is my thing. I love adventures. I love seeing the different things and people that this world has to offer. In my almost 18 years of life, I have seen SO MANY places, things, ideas, and people. Growing up, my mom would ask my siblings and I to go on trips with her. She would ask us to go places like Washington DC to see the history or New York City only to see the 911 remembrance instead of going shopping or on Broadway. We always told her that it sounded boring and that we were not going. Little did we know that shopping and doing the "fun" stuff would not even compare to learning the history of a place. When I went on my trip overseas, I could not even tell you what I bought when I went shopping, but I could tell you hundreds of things that I learned there. I learned about some of the most powerful people from the past, saw the Crown Jewels that are worth millions of dollars, walked on some of the most beautiful landscape that I have ever seen. I learned about people that come from a completely different background than me. I met a family that relies on goats to get their necessities. One of our tour guides literally thought that Arkansas was pronounced "Ar-kansas." It was crazy to see how our "normal" is out of another person's comfort zone. We are used to coming home to an air conditioned home while places in Scotland (homes, restaurants, hotels, stores) rarely have air conditioners. We see homeless people on the side of the road with signs every once in a while, but they are one every corner in England. Most of us drink our beverages with ice while I did not see a single cube of ice my entire trip, even in the air ports. When I left for my trip, I was excited to ride in a plane, to shop in another country, and get out of Arkansas. I was traveling for all of the wrong reasons. My mom and I both agreed that after my trip, I came back a different person. I had a different view on life, and I saw things differently from before. Instead of going shopping on the weekends, I try to go and try something out of my comfort zone. All in all, I believe that traveling can change someone's life!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
This I Believe- James Barnett
Your parents are something special. They are the ones who will always be there for you. They are the ones who only want your happiness. At least that has always been the case for me. My parents have always supported me and wanted nothing but to help me accomplish my goals. However, I know that this not the case for every parent. I am saddened by this. There are many parents in this world that do not always support their children and are not there for them. I believe it is a parent's job to be their kids and not judge them when they get into trouble or make mistakes. For one, parents obviously have much more life experience than their children due to their age. They have most likely lived through the same situations and made the same mistakes as their kids.
A child with supportive parents is able to grow into a better person mature quicker. They have a support system and do not feel that as if they are alone. They can get through situations faster and develop coping mechanisms. I have not had the easiest life. I have had do deal with a lot of emotional issues. But, the thing that helped me get through it the most was the support of my parents. My parents never "babied" me, but were always there for me. This helped me get through these situations and how to deal with future problems. It is a parent's role to support their children and give them the advice to help them grow in to mature adults.
A child with supportive parents is able to grow into a better person mature quicker. They have a support system and do not feel that as if they are alone. They can get through situations faster and develop coping mechanisms. I have not had the easiest life. I have had do deal with a lot of emotional issues. But, the thing that helped me get through it the most was the support of my parents. My parents never "babied" me, but were always there for me. This helped me get through these situations and how to deal with future problems. It is a parent's role to support their children and give them the advice to help them grow in to mature adults.
This I Believe - Hailey Carr
Growing up, I remember always having huge gatherings at my family friends houses. We would always be outside playing some kind of sport. It could be baseball in the front yard, basketball in the street, or even water gun fights in the backyard. Those are some of my best memories from my child hood, and they have led me to believe in living in the moment.
Everyone has caught themselves not living in the moment whether it was think about their past too much or even planning too much of their future. Think about it. Most of us are seniors, which means we are thinking and stressing about our future. Some of us may have it all figured out, while others have no idea what they want to do. This is an important part of life, but don't let it keep you from experiencing your life now. Keep going out with friends and spending time with your family and be present with them. Don't think about your future and have a good time with them, because you will not be able to go back and relive it. Also, don't let your past keep you from living in the moment. All of us have made mistakes that we regret. Some of us may have a past that we hate, and never want anyone to find out, but you have to let it go. Those mistakes and bad memories are keeping you from being in the moment. Plus, reliving or thinking about those issues are not helping you. They are keeping you from making amazing memories with others. They are keeping you from experiencing happiness and some many other emotions. You have plenty of time to reflect on your past and plan your future another time, but when you are out with friends or family live in the moment.
Living in the moment is not easy, especially when you have an abundant amount of events or problems happening in your life. However, let those things go when you are with friends or your family. Worry about all those things later, and ensure that you are present and enjoying the time with your family. Allow yourself to be present in their conversations and enjoy their presence, because believe me they will not be around for ever. Eventually, all you will have to remember them will be the memories you made while living in the moment.
Everyone has caught themselves not living in the moment whether it was think about their past too much or even planning too much of their future. Think about it. Most of us are seniors, which means we are thinking and stressing about our future. Some of us may have it all figured out, while others have no idea what they want to do. This is an important part of life, but don't let it keep you from experiencing your life now. Keep going out with friends and spending time with your family and be present with them. Don't think about your future and have a good time with them, because you will not be able to go back and relive it. Also, don't let your past keep you from living in the moment. All of us have made mistakes that we regret. Some of us may have a past that we hate, and never want anyone to find out, but you have to let it go. Those mistakes and bad memories are keeping you from being in the moment. Plus, reliving or thinking about those issues are not helping you. They are keeping you from making amazing memories with others. They are keeping you from experiencing happiness and some many other emotions. You have plenty of time to reflect on your past and plan your future another time, but when you are out with friends or family live in the moment.
Living in the moment is not easy, especially when you have an abundant amount of events or problems happening in your life. However, let those things go when you are with friends or your family. Worry about all those things later, and ensure that you are present and enjoying the time with your family. Allow yourself to be present in their conversations and enjoy their presence, because believe me they will not be around for ever. Eventually, all you will have to remember them will be the memories you made while living in the moment.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
This I Believe Essay - Brittany Fulcher
Second Chances
Everybody makes mistakes in their lives, whether they are huge ones or small ones.
Immediately people assume the worst, and second chances are not even considered. Sometimes, in a severe situation, not giving a second chance is understandable, but other times they should be.
For minor mistakes, second chances should always be considered.
I had this amazing friendship. This person made their way into my life and it was bittersweet. I made mistakes, several of them actually. All minor and some were not mistakes in my mind, it was just living my own life without being told how to do it. This person did not understand. They wanted me to be just like them, trying to be the best person over everyone. I could not always do that. Yet, I seemed to be the one working to make the friendship work and giving all the chances before I could not take it anymore. It got old fast. This person put me down for so many things I did, even my mistakes that could be forgiven. They acted like they could control my life.
Even with all the fights and periods of not speaking, I always worked to make things right again.
They seemed to be after that but never were. This person never even truly gave me my first second chance in the friendship. My mistakes were not awful, it was not listening to what they wanted me to do with my life and making my own choices even if they were not the best. I was accused of things
and treated like I just did not meet their personal standards.
Second chances should be considered in situations like my own. I worked so hard to make the
friendship work, I gave them second chances every time I was put down or treated like the things I wanted did not really matter. I dealt with this. Yet, even with all my attempts and love for this friend, I was never truly given my own second chance.
This I Believe Essay - Tiffany Fulcher
Growing up, I remember walking through stores or going to school events and seeing kids with both of their parents there with them. I would always wonder what it was like to have that because by the time I was ten years old, I couldn’t remember what it felt like to have both of my parents around me all the time because mine were separated after I turned six. If you’re lucky enough and your parents are together and you’re able to have them both around all the time, you should appreciate it because not everyone has that.
For the past eleven years, I have lived with my Mom while my Dad has lived in a town four hours away. The only time I get to see my Dad is during school breaks. When I first moved away, it was awful. I wanted to run to my Dad and be with him, but I couldn’t because he was so far away. It was terrible. For years, I have had to deal with only seeing my Dad on school breaks and maybe the occasional trip down there for the weekend. I have had to deal with my Dad not being able to come to school events, sport events, the few church plays I was in, and other things along those lines.
As time has passed, I have made sure to make the best of the time I get to spend with my Dad since it doesn’t seem to add up to a lot. He has missed so much in my life and I have missed so much time with him because we live so far apart. Some kids miss out on time with their parents so if you have both of your parents together, be thankful and appreciate that you have them there. You get to have time with both of them, but not everyone gets that.
I Believe Essay - Lotti Hoffman
I have always considered myself a firm believer. Whether it be in my relationship with God, love, hope, hard work, or effort. I am a firm believer. What that means is that when I do something, I do it to the fullest. When I say something, I mean it. The list could go on, however, you could be wondering what exactly I believe in, well, I believe in the little things.
The little things are what make friendships last, flowers grow, and food taste good. The little things are the glue to our lives, yet we take them for granted daily. Do you remember when you could have helped the girl in the hallway pick up her things when she dropped her bag? When you could have given the crying classmate a hug, but chose not to? When you could have done something little to change the outcome of someone else's day? Not only do we take for granted the little things other people do for us, but we tend to ignore the opportunity to help others. Many people don't see the significance in doing something for someone else; why help them when I don't get anything in return? You see, this mindset is the very thing that causes destruction in friendships, families, and your witness to others. Doing something small to brighten someone else's day is better than anything else you could do for yourself.
The next time you have an opportunity to open the door, give a smile, or be a friend, do it. You never know who's world you could change by giving a compliment. It isn't always easy to do the little things. We're human, we forget, have bad days, and make mistakes. But that is when the beauty of doing something small for someone happens. On your bad days, maybe someone will return the favor to you. The little things change the course of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. Something as small as forgetting to add baking soda to your cake recipe will cause the cake not to rise. Be the baking soda in someone else's life, help them rise. Be the little thing that changes their day, year, or even their life.
COMMENTS
Awesome post, Grace Anne! Life is very hard, and we all go through tough times, but having hope that things will get better is one of the best things you can do. Everyday has something bad in it, but it also has something good!
- Lotti
Briley, I loved reading your post. Sometimes we get so caught up in the wrong things that we forget that it's our life to live! I am glad I found this out at a young age, because it honestly is such a tough lesson to learn. I am super proud of you for your growth! It is a hard thing to do, but happiness is key!
Ashlynn, I totally agree with this! Having a positive outlook is the best thing someone can do. Something will go wrong everyday, but something will also go right. If we look at the negative, we will always be sad! It is so important to have that great life perspective. Good job!!
The little things are what make friendships last, flowers grow, and food taste good. The little things are the glue to our lives, yet we take them for granted daily. Do you remember when you could have helped the girl in the hallway pick up her things when she dropped her bag? When you could have given the crying classmate a hug, but chose not to? When you could have done something little to change the outcome of someone else's day? Not only do we take for granted the little things other people do for us, but we tend to ignore the opportunity to help others. Many people don't see the significance in doing something for someone else; why help them when I don't get anything in return? You see, this mindset is the very thing that causes destruction in friendships, families, and your witness to others. Doing something small to brighten someone else's day is better than anything else you could do for yourself.
The next time you have an opportunity to open the door, give a smile, or be a friend, do it. You never know who's world you could change by giving a compliment. It isn't always easy to do the little things. We're human, we forget, have bad days, and make mistakes. But that is when the beauty of doing something small for someone happens. On your bad days, maybe someone will return the favor to you. The little things change the course of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. Something as small as forgetting to add baking soda to your cake recipe will cause the cake not to rise. Be the baking soda in someone else's life, help them rise. Be the little thing that changes their day, year, or even their life.
COMMENTS
Awesome post, Grace Anne! Life is very hard, and we all go through tough times, but having hope that things will get better is one of the best things you can do. Everyday has something bad in it, but it also has something good!
- Lotti
Briley, I loved reading your post. Sometimes we get so caught up in the wrong things that we forget that it's our life to live! I am glad I found this out at a young age, because it honestly is such a tough lesson to learn. I am super proud of you for your growth! It is a hard thing to do, but happiness is key!
Ashlynn, I totally agree with this! Having a positive outlook is the best thing someone can do. Something will go wrong everyday, but something will also go right. If we look at the negative, we will always be sad! It is so important to have that great life perspective. Good job!!
Monday, March 16, 2020
This I Believe Essay - Alexis Butler
I am an indecisive person. In the mornings, I try on four outfits before I decide which one to wear. I change what I want to be when I grow up once a week. I even change my opinions on politics every election cycle. Throughout all the uncertainty in my life, there is one thing I remain sure of. You should always tell your parents how much you love them.
In August of this year, my dad went in for a relatively easy surgery. He was put under, but the surgery was only supposed to last an hour maximum. I vividly remember showing up to the hospital bright and early the morning of the 8th. When the nurse showed up to take him to surgery, I kept repeating that I loved him. I had an uneasy feeling, but he reassured me that everything would be okay. I sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity. One by one, all of the people in the waiting room were called by the nurse to notify them their loved one was fine and they would be up soon. Soon, I was alone in the room. I finally got the call, but it wasn't the one I had hoped for. My dad had stopped breathing, and he was being transported to the ICU. The nurse gave me his room number, and I got to him as fast as I could.
When I saw him, my heart stopped. There was what seemed like a million wires on him, and he had a ventilator down his throat. He couldn't even open his eyes to look at me. To see my dad, my hero and first best friend, like this was overwhelming. As much as I wanted to be with him, I just couldn't. I sobbed all the way home and just prayed that he would be okay. I felt everything and nothing at the same time.
As time passed, his condition improved. Within a week, he was practically back to his usual self. I, however, never went back to my old self. I changed my selfish, ungrateful mindset. From that moment on, I have made it a point to tell my parents how much I love them. Every time I leave the house, I say "I love you" multiple times. I always say it before I go to sleep. Life is so precious; it can be taken away in the blink of an eye. I beg you to appreciate your parents. You won't have them forever.
In August of this year, my dad went in for a relatively easy surgery. He was put under, but the surgery was only supposed to last an hour maximum. I vividly remember showing up to the hospital bright and early the morning of the 8th. When the nurse showed up to take him to surgery, I kept repeating that I loved him. I had an uneasy feeling, but he reassured me that everything would be okay. I sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity. One by one, all of the people in the waiting room were called by the nurse to notify them their loved one was fine and they would be up soon. Soon, I was alone in the room. I finally got the call, but it wasn't the one I had hoped for. My dad had stopped breathing, and he was being transported to the ICU. The nurse gave me his room number, and I got to him as fast as I could.
When I saw him, my heart stopped. There was what seemed like a million wires on him, and he had a ventilator down his throat. He couldn't even open his eyes to look at me. To see my dad, my hero and first best friend, like this was overwhelming. As much as I wanted to be with him, I just couldn't. I sobbed all the way home and just prayed that he would be okay. I felt everything and nothing at the same time.
As time passed, his condition improved. Within a week, he was practically back to his usual self. I, however, never went back to my old self. I changed my selfish, ungrateful mindset. From that moment on, I have made it a point to tell my parents how much I love them. Every time I leave the house, I say "I love you" multiple times. I always say it before I go to sleep. Life is so precious; it can be taken away in the blink of an eye. I beg you to appreciate your parents. You won't have them forever.
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