MY LIFE LESSON

“As the evening sets in, one man goes in search for that one place he can call home. He finds the special place against a cement wall and bob wire. The dirt beneath his sole less shoes becomes moist with every step. He unfolds his tired out sleeping bag and places it gently among the dirt reuniting them once again. He then gathers the rest of his belongings which only consist of a beat up trash bag and a frail looking backpack and surrounds himself with their company. He then humbles himself down to once again settle in for a long brisk slumber. He gazed up into the black night as if waiting in anticipation for god to answer his prayers. I wish I knew his thoughts at that moment as I witnessed a single tear gently trickles down his haggard face. A social outcast, alone, and scarred with no future in sight. As I secretly watch his movements, I begin to wonder how his story began. How did he end up so isolated from society? One of god’s beautiful people being shunned from existence. Does anyone miss him? Desperately, I want to know more about him. But, for now, he will remain a mystery in my heart. I will always remember him as “my wanderer.””



When asked how a piece of writing can influence the way I see the world, I had to include this particular writing sample. It is not written by a famous author. It was written by my mother. Through her writings, she has taught me that not everything is as it seems and even in the most devastating darkness, something beautiful can be created from it. I should not be anyone’s judge or jury. We are all created equal and should be treated as such. Those due to unfortunate circumstances, life can lead us into a downward spiral that we may have a hard time seeing a way out. It angers me that society has turned their backs on those who live next to a cement wall. Yet, in a blink of an eye, those who judge can easily end up in that same position. This piece of writing influenced the way I see people of all backgrounds and diversities, as my equals. It taught me to appreciate what I do have and to help others if I am able. A smile, a quick “hello”, some type of acknowledgment goes a long way. They are not the forgotten ones and should not be treated as such. At times, I think society forgets that they are human beings. I know before I read this essay, I was one of those people, totally consumed with what I see on the outside and not wanting to take a moment to appreciate what is on the inside. I never gave it much thought that perhaps they have feelings and are filled with the same emotions that I experience from time to time. I think overall, this was an eye opener for me and the most important lesson for anyone to remember is to never judge a person by the clothing they wear.