"Other people's stories can expand our view of the world." Consider our parents, they try to teach us through their experiences, their stories, what they learned from their parents. Just within our own families, whether they are good or bad, stories are passed down from generations. Our parents may not sit us down and say, "Way back when...", but they incorporate it in their own lives and inherently so do we. Stories are continually all around us. For example, the media. Movies, books, television shows, music all tell a story. Some are silly, some probably shouldn't have been told, but they are there. What we take from them expands our views. The movie Avatar wasn't just a love story. It showed what our world could turn into if we don't take care of what we have left. We could become mindless killing machines, more so than what people already think. Imagine the other planet being another country. It could honestly happen. I'm not saying that we should only expand our views through the media or from our parents, but simply pointing out that we need to open our eyes to the bigger picture. There are stories all around us, waiting to effect our lives, waiting to shape our views. All we need to do is listen with an open mind and an open heart.
When I think about what story I could tell that sums up my life, I draw a blank. I start to think about everything I haven't done then I decide I have led a pretty boring life. The only reason I started doing community service was to build my resume. I was definitly one of the people who thought that I couldn't make a difference. However, since taking this class, I feel as though the blinders around my eyes have been lifted. Maybe my story starts here? The thought of my story starting when I am 20 years old is a little sad, but it is a start and only makes me excited for everything I might accomplish in the future.
"Remember why you came and while you're alive, experience the warmth before you grow old" - Incubus The Warmth
Lindsay,
ReplyDeleteI believe that every individual is capable of making a difference. Therefore, you CAN and you ARE already making a huge difference.
I don't think you should view your life as something boring, rather as something that has helped you gain valuable experience and that has guided you to be here in this program. To be honest I did not know what I could accomplish by being a part of this group, but the little things we do, the articles we read, and all the guidance that is given to us through this program is both helping us grow out of our shells and preparing us for whatever we may like to pursue after this experience. You may have started community service at 20, but some people don’t ever start in their whole lifetime.
Heck yes, and yes. I totally agree with you that the stories that are passed down to us through positive influences like our parents guide us through our future. I have yet to see Avatar, but it sounds good. I will definitely redbox it. The way you present yourself definitely does not portray someone who leads a boring life. James Dean once said, "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." I think are one wild and crazy bunch and much like the characters in Loeb's book, we are making a difference every day in class and on our saturday field trips!
ReplyDeletePeace
Avatar was a love story? Maybe like...the love of terrestrial tearing machinery right? Just kidding. Must be love of bullets!
ReplyDeleteI talked to a man once, who said "wisdom and knowledge are so, despite where they come from". I took from that that anything you learn, is knowledge, even if it comes from a bad experience or not-so-charming individual. What you can learn, you should learn, and your parents can only tell you so much. And the media...can't tell you much at all...lol
I think our story begins when we do. Sometimes, the preface might be a little long, but once chapter 1 starts, it tends to get pretty interesting!
Great blog Miss Lindsay!