Remember that we are blessed
Like it is
Cody Kees
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: Opinion
With Thanksgiving in our rear-view mirror and the warmhearted days of Christmas ahead, reflection is often a topic on many people's minds. As for me, the best way to prepare for my new year is to ponder the events that defined the year I am about to end.
Believe me, I always find a myriad of things I would do differently if I could. I guess that's why they say hindsight is 20/20.
But what if we all try something different this year? For me, this year has been wonderful, and I know I am blessed.
Although we university students live fairly enriched lives, we inevitably have to deal with the daily hardships of stress, such as school, finances, family or the strain of "college love." We have probably all been devastated by the death of a loved one, divorce in the family or financial woes that have lasting impressions.
It is easy to organize our own little pity party where we can sit and cry about how life dealt us a weaker hand than the other guy. Yet, I promise you that your toughest day is no comparison to what some people face each day.
I was sitting at my grandparents' house on Thanksgiving Day, bored out of my mind, and I came across the CNN "Heroes Tribute" hosted by Anderson Cooper. CNN honored 10 of our nation's most caring souls who have done more than just donate clothes to a shelter or a few coins to the change bucket. They are individuals who have been so involved in philanthropy that they have made it their lives' work.
Marie Da Silva is a nanny to TV personality Ricki Lake in Los Angeles and uses her wages and donations from other LA nannies to fund a school in her native homeland of Malawi, Africa. She has lost 14 family members to AIDS, a disease that has orphaned half the children of Malawi, and her school gives these unfortunate children an educational refuge.
Carolyn LeCroy served prison time for possession with intent to sell controlled substances. Once she was released, she began using her film background to record inmates' heartfelt stories while they served time. As a result, their families, particularly their children, know they are loved even though Mom or Dad may be behind bars. Because one out of every 100 Americans is incarcerated, this innovative act of kindness is truly inspiring.
Believe me, I always find a myriad of things I would do differently if I could. I guess that's why they say hindsight is 20/20.
But what if we all try something different this year? For me, this year has been wonderful, and I know I am blessed.
Although we university students live fairly enriched lives, we inevitably have to deal with the daily hardships of stress, such as school, finances, family or the strain of "college love." We have probably all been devastated by the death of a loved one, divorce in the family or financial woes that have lasting impressions.
It is easy to organize our own little pity party where we can sit and cry about how life dealt us a weaker hand than the other guy. Yet, I promise you that your toughest day is no comparison to what some people face each day.
I was sitting at my grandparents' house on Thanksgiving Day, bored out of my mind, and I came across the CNN "Heroes Tribute" hosted by Anderson Cooper. CNN honored 10 of our nation's most caring souls who have done more than just donate clothes to a shelter or a few coins to the change bucket. They are individuals who have been so involved in philanthropy that they have made it their lives' work.
Marie Da Silva is a nanny to TV personality Ricki Lake in Los Angeles and uses her wages and donations from other LA nannies to fund a school in her native homeland of Malawi, Africa. She has lost 14 family members to AIDS, a disease that has orphaned half the children of Malawi, and her school gives these unfortunate children an educational refuge.
Carolyn LeCroy served prison time for possession with intent to sell controlled substances. Once she was released, she began using her film background to record inmates' heartfelt stories while they served time. As a result, their families, particularly their children, know they are loved even though Mom or Dad may be behind bars. Because one out of every 100 Americans is incarcerated, this innovative act of kindness is truly inspiring.
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