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Let’s think about what life is. We all take things for granted and we all have been given a different lens in this life so that we can, together, make this world a better place. Sometimes, we forget that purpose. We are run down… lost… or caught up in the thoughts of doubt that will never escape. When I present to prospective students in my day-to-day work, I ask students that on the way home talk with their parents about what it is they wanted to do when they were 17. How has it changed? What made that change?
Think about it.
I stumbled upon this ad that Coca-Cola did about eliminating labels and letting people tell their story. The point being is that in 7 seconds we can project a label onto someone based on the way that they look and yet we may never know who they are or the impact they could make. We are all guilty of it- but we can use that knowledge base as a point of moving forward.
How is that we want to change the world today?
I think the answer is simple. Let’s hear their story. Instead of finding ourselves in a place in which we think we know everything about that one person we instead have the opportunity to find out. I am not saying go up to a stranger and ask them at the bus stop to tell you their life story… that would be weird. BUT- when we find ourselves creating a stereotype based on what we see… ask yourself what are people thinking about you right now? Change your mindset to better reflect a positive idea of the people around you. Let their image be a reminder of the hidden stories we may never know.
I stopped writing for a while on this blog because every time I kept writing I didn’t know where I wanted the post to go. The words were there but the message was empty. I decided it was better to find an idea to leave my readers thinking… opposed to just saying stuff for a purpose of consistency.
Our society has been faced with a lot of monumental and challenging situations these past few months. As I work with the future students entering college, I can’t help but think what their purpose will be and I love the work that I do because I get a moment to hear their story, their passion, and their experiences that have led them to this point. I love it when a student shares with me who they are.- LGBT, First-Generation, Challenged by Academics, Student of Color, Immigrant, - their story is a point of pride. It is a moment for me to sit back, listen, and learn something.
It is also a reminder that our stories will always be changing and the lens on how we want to change the world will continue to change. Don’t believe me? Ask an adult. Let’s face it… Even at 23 I am not going to identify as an adult- too much fun in this life to be had yet. This post is about reminding ourselves that it’s easy to get lost in the thoughts we hold, it is easy to pass judgement onto others so let’s refocus our efforts. Let’s make this world an inclusive place and an opportunity to learn. After all, the least we can do is love thy neighbor.
Think about it.
I stumbled upon this ad that Coca-Cola did about eliminating labels and letting people tell their story. The point being is that in 7 seconds we can project a label onto someone based on the way that they look and yet we may never know who they are or the impact they could make. We are all guilty of it- but we can use that knowledge base as a point of moving forward.
How is that we want to change the world today?
I think the answer is simple. Let’s hear their story. Instead of finding ourselves in a place in which we think we know everything about that one person we instead have the opportunity to find out. I am not saying go up to a stranger and ask them at the bus stop to tell you their life story… that would be weird. BUT- when we find ourselves creating a stereotype based on what we see… ask yourself what are people thinking about you right now? Change your mindset to better reflect a positive idea of the people around you. Let their image be a reminder of the hidden stories we may never know.
I stopped writing for a while on this blog because every time I kept writing I didn’t know where I wanted the post to go. The words were there but the message was empty. I decided it was better to find an idea to leave my readers thinking… opposed to just saying stuff for a purpose of consistency.
Our society has been faced with a lot of monumental and challenging situations these past few months. As I work with the future students entering college, I can’t help but think what their purpose will be and I love the work that I do because I get a moment to hear their story, their passion, and their experiences that have led them to this point. I love it when a student shares with me who they are.- LGBT, First-Generation, Challenged by Academics, Student of Color, Immigrant, - their story is a point of pride. It is a moment for me to sit back, listen, and learn something.
It is also a reminder that our stories will always be changing and the lens on how we want to change the world will continue to change. Don’t believe me? Ask an adult. Let’s face it… Even at 23 I am not going to identify as an adult- too much fun in this life to be had yet. This post is about reminding ourselves that it’s easy to get lost in the thoughts we hold, it is easy to pass judgement onto others so let’s refocus our efforts. Let’s make this world an inclusive place and an opportunity to learn. After all, the least we can do is love thy neighbor.