Throughout my life my mom and dad have pushed me to learn new things and discover my talents. Piano, guitar, and drum lessons helped me develop my creative side and playing sports has helped me develop endurance. I was never encouraged to be active in social change, or community service, because my parents were living with the cynicism that Loeb talks about. I never really became active in service until starting college. I receive most of my motivation and discover new opportunities thanks to the faculty and advisors at school. Since taking the Emerging Leaders class at SCC I have been continually joining new causes and trying to help others any way I can. College has opened me up to a new set of skills I never knew i had. I have been told by my peers that I have the "gift of gab." Since being told that, I have explored new career posibilities, as well as developed a confidence when speaking in public. Fear of change will cloud my future and put me on a path of destruction. I do not want to live a life where I repeat the same routine. Social activism, a clear opinion, and a heart set on change will allow me to make a difference in this world.
I believe the amount of cynicism in this world is growing to the point of complete social detachment. It seems today that most Americans spend their lives sheltered between their job security and homelife, turning on the news to absorb the violence and corrupt politics that this country harbors as commonplace. It seems the poor are only getting poorer and the rich are becoming the super rich. When Loeb discussed the fact that the top one percent of the world are wealthier than the bottom 95% combined, it made me so sick I almost threw up on the eliptical machine at the gym. The media isn't promoting social change, like Loeb said, they are only downsizing the accomplishments of social activists and exploiting the failures of those who try. I am a strong believer in the power of intention and if we don't intend on changing anything, or don't believe we can, nothing will. We can't make a difference in the world if we don't believe in ourselves. It's the encouragement received from others while performing social service that helps me realize my own potential and the potential we have as a whole.
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I like the fact that you were reading for SLICE at the gym :) I like your time management skills!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about encouragement and a support group. My family supports me and it is the best thing in the world to call them and tell them what I accomplished and learned while volunteering(planting my own cactus!). I think that people who don't have a support group, should keep telling their friends and families what they have accomplished and eventually they will become their support group.
"I do not want to live a life where I repeat the same routine."
ReplyDeleteI believe that you will live an amazing life Dylan, the world needs more people like you. You are right there is more cynicism in the world. People don't care, there are no more hippies in our era and if there are the media isn't doing a good job at prompting them. I think that Jessie also has a point as long as we tell our friends and family how rewarding our service is one of them will react and get involved.
Dylan,
ReplyDeleteI loved what you had to say and I found it very empowering. I think that you are definitely on the right track for your life! I think that with more people like you becoming the future leaders of our country, we will be able to bridge the gap between rich and poor.
Keep it up!
I'm with you man. My parents did the same thing with me. Music lessons, sports tryouts, martial arts. I did all of it, yet through all of it I never found a skill I had that could be useful and something I enjoyed. I also never really got into community service until I got into college. I was too wrapped up in the cynicism and distrust of the world. But going to pvcc is helping change some of my opinions and get some hands on experience. Keep at it and I will too.
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