In Buddhism, HH (which stands for His Holiness),the 14th Dalai Lama once said, "The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
I am not sure where I heard or read that, most likely in a liturgy at a Temple I used to attend, or any one of a thousand (hyperbole) books on HH, but I think about that particular notion quite a bit. It goes along the same lines as that age-old query, "Why am I here?" I suppose, but when I think of my contributions to the world and what I can do to be a part of the sum total of beauty and prosperity, only two things ever come to mind.
One, of course, is you. Collectively.
I teach. That's something I can do because in so doing, I am afforded the opportunity to, hopefully, broaden minds and open hearts, which will in turn allow you to do the same things with whomever is lucky enough to come in contact with you as you dance through your time on Earth.
What do you do? What will you do? Do you believe in HH's idea about contribution? Does it make sense but seem impossible? Does it seem like a bunch of nonsense? What has been your greatest contribution so far? Don't say nothing or start wailing, "I'm only a teenager--I haven't done anything yet!" because that is a total cop-out. Think about all the people you have known, both superficially and deeply, and imagine how many more you have impacted in ways you might not even know yet. Maybe it's a friend, a sibling, a stranger on the street. Things that you may not even think twice about doing or saying can have an impact that changes someone's life forever. That's chilling and exhilarating and awe-inspring concept.
So, what do you think will your legacy be? And more importantly, what do you WANT it to be?
I like the 14th Dalai Lama, just as I like the Pope—as a person, after I get over obvious differences in religious belief—and agree with many of both the Pope’s and the Dalai Lama’s liberal political beliefs; the Dalai Lama is a Marxist, after all, and does not blindly take the religious side of the abortion debate. However, I see the Dalai Lama’s statement as both egocentric and optimistic. I suppose much of the quote comes down to, “What is beauty?” but I think it is safe to say that when the Dalai Lama says “beauty”, he refers to something that he personally likes, something that HE finds beautiful. But to say that the purpose of every living thing is to increase the beauty of the world is selfish because that implies that the purpose of every living thing is to benefit humans, or, more specifically, the Dalai Lama, by supplying something pretty to look at or think about. If the Dalai Lama is really so optimistic that he thinks that the purpose of everything is to contribute to the beauty of the world, then he must see beauty everywhere. However, just because he sees beauty everywhere does not necessarily mean that the beauty is there for a reason. Beauty is simply a byproduct of (non-human) life. Despite all of this, the Dalai Lama is being pessimistic about humanity by implying that humans are failing when it comes to their second reason for being alive: contributing to posterity. The 14th Dalai Lama is not ignorant of the destruction of the environment, which is caused by humans, so he must feel as though humanity is failing at contributing to posterity by not providing it with a home in the future. Because of this, I would argue that the Dalai Lama sees less beauty in humanity than he normally would, as caring not for one’s posterity could hardly be considered beautiful, especially by someone with traditional Asian ideals encouraging a strong family and community. Therefore, the Dalai Lama is ironically being both pessimistic and optimistic at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI am a nihilist who does not see the value in leaving anything behind if I am not here to see it. Whether or not I do have a “legacy” means nothing to the events of the world because the world as I know it dies with me. Van Gogh sold one painting during his lifetime and lived a horrible life—the guy got his ear ripped off!—yet one could say that the legacy he left behind was worth his struggle. Worth it to who? Him? The guy lived a sucky life and died not knowing that he would have a legacy, so he did not die happy. He would have never known that his legacy would mean so much to the world after him, so it could not have brought him comfort on his deathbed. But let’s say that he thought that he would have a legacy. If this were true, he would have died optimistic about how the world would always remember him and his work. However, a person could easily lie to himself or herself about the legacy he or she would leave simply for the selfish reason of comfort. Therefore, one does not need to leave a legacy in order to die happily, and one that leaves a legacy could easily die disgraced—look at Edgar Allan Poe or Tesla, who was overshadowed by Edison, or Nietzsche or Emily Dickinson, who had no clue how often her poems would be read by posterity. A legacy means nothing and does nothing other than maybe comfort someone, but this comfort could also be found by tricking oneself into thinking that he or she has a legacy when really he or she does not.
Despite feeling this way, I probably have left behind one thing—call it a legacy, I prefer not to. My little brother, Joey (nine years old), seems like he is going to grow up to be a know-it-all dick, just like me, because of me, and this could be my “legacy”. When he asks me a question, I answer it, no matter how idiotic the question is. He has asked me things like “What is a uterus?” (And I thank the children he rides with on the bus for teaching him of this word’s existence), “Why is Zach (my other little brother, who is ten) so stupid?”, “Why did Stanley Kubrick only direct thirteen movies while Alfred Hitchcock directed over fifty?”, “How did Hideki Tojo die after World War II?” and any question in between. I do not dodge questions like many parents do, and if he asks me something I do not know the answer to, I look it up and tell him. This would seem like it would lead to the growth of an intellectual, and maybe it has, but I never taught him how to use the knowledge I gave him. He shows off at any possible moment, from school where he answers every question the teacher asks to at my grandmother’s house where he tries to talk about capitalism with my grandparents, and is very annoying. He thinks that all of his teachers are stupid (and maybe they are: high school teachers do tend to have significantly higher IQs than elementary school teachers), but he has not learned to keep his mouth shut about it. He came home from school once complaining about his teacher’s stupidity and told me all about the mistakes she made: he said that they were discussing Christopher Columbus and that his teacher talked about Thanksgiving and how Columbus discovered America. Joey did not even think twice about raising his hand and telling his teacher that the Chinese and Vikings got to America first and that Columbus killed more Native Americans than Hitler killed Jews during the Holocaust. The teacher then said to Joey, “We are not talking about the Vikings or Hitler; we are talking about Christopher Columbus.” Joey then said, “Well, Christopher Columbus didn’t discover America.” Joey is not above criticizing his teachers in front of the class, so, it seems, my legacy, if I have one, is an asshole brother. Of course, I do not either want a legacy nor do not want a legacy, as whether or not I have one does not affect me, so I do not care if my brother becomes a know-it-all, as long as it does not affect me.
DeleteTo be honest I always find myself thinking about what I do and who I impact and what type of legacy I am leaving behind. Unlike Bryan I am fascinated in legacies and what I could potentially leave behind. I want to make an impact so large that people learn about me and what I have done. However if I do not become insanely rich while donating to all sorts of foundations I still want to make an impact. Everyday we make impacts on each other's lives no matter how small or large. Personally I just do me on a regular basis. I like to think that I brighten peoples days up with my whacky accent and endless awkward laugh but I could potentially just be annoying to some.:) Currently I am a broke seventeen year old but I plan to have a well paying job where I can not only provide for myself but also others who need help. Since I have literally no money at all I do what I can and donate the things I do not need anymore. I donated all of my toys when I was younger and helped my siblings do the same. Since I am the older sister I had to give most of my clothes to my younger sisters but when they grow out of their clothes we always either donate them to goodwill or Big Brothers and Big Sisters. When I was younger I loved to volunteer at the food bank because I felt like I was making such a huge impact even though I was young. Personally I love HH’s idea about contribution. I so badly want to make my life count and mean for something other than just my life. To be completely honest I could be almost one hundred percent happy with just living off of other’s happiness. That might sound weird or twisted but all I mean is that I like to make others happy and by seeing the people I love happy in turn I am happy. SO contribution to the world is a big deal for me. At the end of my life I want to sit in a little wooden rocker and think to myself that I did everything I could to help others. My parents do everything they possibly can to provide for my siblings and I and they do everything they can to make our lives as normal as possible even though they are divorced. The way that they would give up anything for us makes me want to do the same for the people I love. My greatest contribution would either be me and my siblings donating all of our clothes and toys or just my simple shoulder and ear. By that I mean I impact my friends lives by always being available to be a shoulder to cry on or just someone to rant to. My ultimate goal is the basic goal of being wealthy or well off but I do not want the money for myself, I want the money so I can comfortably be able to give and donate it to the people I love the most and the people around the world that need it the most. I want to have extra money so I can sit down look up foundations find the ones I like the most and donate and make a difference.
ReplyDeleteOther than sleeping, eating, and going to school I don’t really do much but I try to make the most out of it. I’m constantly bouncing around and always trying to make everyone around me a little happier because just a little smile can go a long way. I genuinely like to make everyone around me feel happy even if I’m not having a great day. That is what I do, I just try to make people happy. That is what I plan to keep doing. Even if I’m having a bad day I instantly feel happier by making someone else happy which is all that counts. Even though it is a small contribution it still counts. Compared to everything around us that is changing, making one person's day a little brighter seems so small but it can make a big difference to them personally.
ReplyDeleteEveryone can make a little contribution everyday. It's not impossible but it's not easy. It takes some efforts to make a contribution and it isn’t something that you just give out. You have to put some thought into it and realize what you are causing. Because of this, people don’t like to make contributions to the world because it’s “too much work” but it really can become a great habit to form so you can make the world around you a little better.
I don’t really make such great notable contributions. Just small ones that make small differences. So out of these small contributions my best and greatest would be the one I make everyday and it would just be changing people's mood and making everyone feel a little better. Overtime this can be a huge difference and you can help someone who is really sad inside eventually change how they feel and make their day everyday with just a couple small words. You never know how someone is really feeling so you should instantly be nice to everyone because you never know how what you say will affect them. Anything nice you say could really help out their situation and change their negative thoughts. Always be kind.
My legacy is just to be known as a nice person who is always happy and is able to make others happy. I want everyone to remember me as a happy little girl who was always smiling and always looking to help others. Out of all the things I wish to accomplish and change, the most important is to just make others feel better regardless of how I feel. I can always change how I feel but some people just need an extra boost and that's what I am here for.
Throughout my life I wasn’t very talkative but when I get to know a person better I try to help them as much as possible. I am the type of person that wants you to succeed just as I can. I agree with the 14th Dalai Lama’s statement because it is correct. I believe in destiny so you were put on this Earth for a reason. A reason that you might not know until you are older, either a specific reason or more than one reasons. The 14th Dalai Lama’s statement does indeed make sense because why otherwise did you come into this world? Why didn’t another sperm reach its point to take your place? I don’t believe that it is luck, I think it’s destiny. I also believe in the saying “everything happens for a reason,” which is destiny.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started talking to Sierra her grades were bad and she was constantly getting in trouble. I did not like that at all as I wanted a girl with aspirations to go to college and get into a good career. Since the first day I started dating her I stressed how important grades were and how they are going to shape out the future. I stressed it every day until it was drilled in her head that grades were the most important things. For example she had failed her driver's written exam 3 times before beginning to talk to me. I let her study on her own 1 times to see if she passed but she didn’t. The next time around I helped her study, made tests for her, and did everything possible to make sure she passed that exam. And when the time came, she did. And I was there with her at the DMV to see how excited she was. I was so proud of her and I felt accomplished because I knew I helped her through it. Her grades now as better than mine and she never gets in trouble anymore. Her mom as told me constantly how much she has changed and that she knows it’s because of me and for me. And I feel honored to be in that position. I feel as if my contribution is to help others as much as possible. To assist. That is why when I play ball all I get is assist. I am here to help others, and that is my contribution to this world.
My legacy is to be known as a generous person. I want my future generations to always help others as I do. I want them to be able to look up to me as a role model. My future generations can have different aspirations and can contribute differently, but I want my legacy to continue throughout the years.
I provide others with happiness. Happiness in the form of company, love and music. In everyday life I mess with other people, in good spirit of course. Jokes are planted tactfully in each conversation to achieve maximum enjoyment. Rarely is there a time in which my conversations with other people end without a smile on the other’s face. That fills me with joy. Moreover, I provide love for those I believe deserve it. Not same type of love I typically rant about, but the kind of love you give to your family and friends. Other than love, I give the gift of music to others. I find singing together with other people as one of the most satisfying interactions people can have with each other. It requires comfortability and openness to do something most people find embarrassing. I never care if someone is a bad singer. Music is one of the things I can provide to other people and is one of the outlets I look for to get closer with others.
ReplyDeleteWhat I hope to do is provide something more than the things previously mentioned. I hope to get involved with people’s lives directly or somewhat indirectly. Will I research the cure for cancer? I don’t know. Or will I save a person’s life? Again, I don’t know. I want to do what I love and help others at the same time. That is what I hope to do.
In terms of HH’s idea about contribution, I believe in it but not to the same extent it implies. Similar to it, I believe that people should try to contribute to the world. However, I believe people should make their own choices. As long as people, through whatever it is they do, do things for more than just themselves—not necessarily for the world. I have never really contributed to something big. I want to do big things but I can only do little things that might make a difference one day. The biggest contribution I have made in the grand scheme of life was probably when we [Habitat for Humanity] raised $1,000 dollars for the Philippine relief fund after it was devastated by typhoon Haiyan. Although it wasn’t too much money, it went a long way in terms of food, water, and clothing.
I probably won’t find the cure for cancer. That’s fine with me. But what I know I’m capable of is saving lives. I’m a lazy piece of shit, but recently I’ve realized that I have to work hard to have all these aspirations. I’m trying to work hard. I even remind myself every day about it with the “tattoo” on my left arm. I even did all my homework due this week. I want to save lives. I want a meaningful legacy. Not necessarily a legacy in terms of records or history, but I want to leave a mark in the lives of other people. Make a mark in their legacy. That would be the best legacy in my opinion.
Believe it or not I have thought about what my will legacy will be since I was a little girl. Its always been an interesting concept to me, the fact that we can leave behind lessons and stories for other people to engage in brings me a sense of comfort even though I know there's a slight chance of me being around to see the affects of my legacy. But that’s alright I don’t believe that our legacy's are for us to see per say I believe that they are for other people.
ReplyDeletePeople should not go out and try to do things just for the sake of them being a part of their legacy's, as people we should go out and experience things on our own and make mistakes so those adventures and misfortunes can shape our legacy's. So that in the long run our legacy's will be genuine and 100% unique. Leaving an "important" legacy has never been a concern of mine although I do think about it quiet often. In my sixteen years of life I'd like to think I've made some great contributions to peoples lives. I believe that my biggest contribution so far has been in brother David's life. Which is pretty important to me. For as long as I can remember I've been the person my brother can run to and share secrets with and I've helped him achieve his goals on multiple occasions. I have never believed that the things I do matter but I will never think that what other people do is unimportant. I know that being my brothers "go to person" doesn’t seem like a big contribution but it most definitely is. I've been able to help him mentally and emotionally and there is nothing that will ever stop me from helping him even if he doesn’t want my help. I push him to greater heights as he does the same for me. Even me just sitting there in complete silence while he complains about something seemingly miniscule makes all the difference for someone that just needs to get their emotions out from time to time. People too often over look how important younger siblings can be to older siblings but I think its time we start talking about it. As my brothers only younger sibling I give him a purpose to be great so that I can follow his foot steps and I inspire him with my strength and ambition in everything I do and I know this to be true because I can tell by the way he looks at me during my shows or sporting events. I believe that I am my brothers legacy and I hope he is proud of that. So, my greatest contribution so far has been my will to help others. On multiple occasions a couple friends of mine have ran up to me and told me that they finished a script or wrote a new story thinking about something that I did or am trying to accomplish and it is an amazing feeling knowing that you are making contributions to someone's life even if it may just be being able to help that finish a script.-
- My math teacher told me today that the world needs more people like me and that my constant random acts of kindness will result in much good fortune and happiness and she said this to me because I stayed outside after lunch to clean up the trays people left outside. I didn’t do that "random act of kindness" so I could get praised for it I did it, I did it out of respect for the hard working custodians that get treated poorly everyday. I didn’t have to help them but I wouldn’t have felt right about myself if I didn’t. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to help anyone and everyone in anyway that I can and if I can be remembered for that and if it can a part of my legacy I will be quiet alright with that. Many of the people in my life have told me that I inspire them and it never fails to catch me off-guard because being able to inspire someone is an amazing honor in my opinion. Which brings me to what I want my legacy to be: the person with an unstoppable will to help people.
ReplyDeleteAs for HH's quote I couldn’t agree with it more. I believe that everything and everyone is capable of contributing to the greater good of the world and to other people and it is no way an impossible act. Just smiling at someone is a contribution. You don’t have to do something show stopping for it to be an important contribution. We are all important contributors and all have an underlying purpose whether it be to help or heal we are all very capable of impacting someone or something.
Back in 2005, when I was seven years old I actually met the 14th Dalai Lama at Rutgers University. I actually remember that day quite clearly because my parents made it out to be a gigantic deal. The day started off normal. We went to the temple—as we usually do for special occasions—but that’s where it sort of ended. My dad and the other monks were all running around crazily while my brother and I sat on the couch just watching. Then, my dad shoved tickets into out hands and then we all climbed into multiple cars and drove off. I still had no idea what was happening and just went with whatever was happening. I remember sitting in a room that was lined with rows and rows of chairs and filled to the brink with Asian people. The convention lasted in my mind what seemed like forever since all he did was talk in Chinese to a crowd of people (I still didn’t know that it was the Dalai Lama). And me being the bored seven-year-old I was, was only excited when we all moved to another room after a couple hours and were fancily served lunch—the salad was amazing. Looking back, if I actually was aware of how big of a deal the Dalai Lama is and whom the guy the guy was, I definitely would have paid more attention. But anyways, that was just a little story I felt like sharing as it features the 14th Dalai Lama.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the quote from HH is absolutely true in every single aspect. No matter what a person does, every little thing they do affects the world; even if it doesn’t seem like it. Every act that one person commits affects them and the people around them. Think of it like the Butterfly Effect: a concept that states how little causes create large effects. If not like that, then like this: so, the Spread the Love Club’s twitter page is putting out anonymous compliments to people that were sent by people. Well, if one person compliments another, anonymously, and then that person feels touched, so they go on to submit a compliment about someone else, and this trend continues repeatedly; then all those people contributed something good to the world, especially that first person who unknowingly did something good and positive. All those people contributed a sense of love and positivity to others directly, even if they don’t know it, and, thus they “spread the love.” And it’s not only in that sense where people contribute something beautiful to the world. There are many, many other acts that do that too. From volunteering to helping a friend with homework to recycling, any act, big or small, can contribute something great to the world.
In addition to the things previously mentioned, I like to think that I do a lot that adds more beauty and positivity to the world. Helping people is something that I love to do. I love seeing a smile appear on someone’s face and knowing that I caused it to happen. Actually, I think that the most important thing that I do is make people happy (at least, I hope I do). I try to be the best version of myself and happy when I’m in front of people so they don’t feel as if they are doing something wrong or annoying. I try to compliment a number of people so that they feel good about themselves. But, I’d be a hypocrite if I were to say that I do this every day, as everyone has days where they feel down and in a slump. However, I do try! Just with a single act of kindness, you can make someone’s day and then they can go onto make another person’s day and I think that’s the most important thing. So, that is what I will do. I will continue to make others happy and help the world in large just so I can try to chase the bad away and leave people happy even if it lasts only a day. And if it only lasts a day, then I will try to make someone happy every day in small steps.
DeleteSo far, my greatest contribution to this world is probably just being someone who listens. I’ve never been an active speaker in deep conversations because I could never put my thoughts into words, and thus so I just listen. I’ll listen to anybody, even those who I really don’t know too well. I’ll listen to their problems, thoughts, rants, etc. and I won’t tell anybody else. Although listening is something that everyone does, I believe that there is something deeper to it because both parties get something out of just one person being able to listen. The speaker gets the chance to get things off their chest and just express their opinion without worrying about being judge. The listener, who is mostly always I, gets the chance to see deeper into a person. Someone who listens is always there in presence, even if others don’t notice. And I think that’s what my legacy will be. I will be known as the girl in the room, who always stays quiet, and often goes unnoticed. As sad as it sounds, I actually don’t mind because I get to see things that often go unnoticed and I get to know people better by what they do when they think no one’s watching. And when the time comes I can help them with whatever they need. That’s what I want my legacy to be. I want to be known as the girl who not only is always around but also the girl that always tries to help others, even when she can’t help herself.
I like the 14th Dalai Lama’s quote because I also agree with it. I also agree that each of us are here to contribute to the world’s beauty and prosperity one way or another. We may not realize what we will contribute, but the world will because even the little things we do have a huge impact whether it is on a person or in general.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest contribution I have done so far in my life that I can think of is helping out with the REACH students as their EPA. I chose to be their EPA this year because I was recommended and chosen to help them out during my specific EPA period. I can honestly say that I am glad that I chose to be their EPA because they are some of the most astonishing people I have ever met. Their happiness and positivity amaze me every single day which causes me to be excited to see them every morning. I may only be with them one period a day, for three days a week, but when I am with them I try to help them as much as possible because they absolutely deserve it.
I want to live a fulfilling life with no regrets, therefore I want to create a legacy that I will not forget for the rest of my life. I am not positive what that legacy will specifically be yet, but I know I want it to pertain to me helping and leading people. I like helping and leading people because it gives me the opportunity to do something great, either by helping someone or knowing I lead something that was successful.
Everyone has a purpose in the world, because if we did not, then why are we here? I believe we are all here for a reason, whether that reason be big or small, we were meant to be here. That is why I agree with HH’s quote about contribution because everyone is meant to do something to contribute to the beauty and prosperity in the world. This quote may seem like a bunch of nonsense or a ridiculous thing to believe in, but when you really think about it, there has to be a specific reason why you were born and not somebody else. We are all meant to do great things, therefore let’s leave our own legacy and our mark on this world.
I’m so fortunate to say I met some of the greatest people in my life when when I was in kindergarten. I guess you could say I met them when they were “criminals” but they have left such an impact on me I can’t even explain it completely. For 2nd period Lang, this was my first OP but all my brother’s legacies on my life alone are amazing. At a young age I knew a lot more about life than I probably should have. I could point out a crack file on the streets of Trenton like it was none of my buisness and I knew my way through county jails as far as it was legal for me to rome without getting questioned. Fostering my first brother was a little crazy. Tyrell was a little whacky but I can’t blame him. He has such a rough childhood and to look at where he stands now is breathtaking. He holds up and family strong. I can remember clear as day walking into Harborfields hugging him without him actually hugging me back because his wrists were handcuffed. You never see the beauty in things until you see the struggle. He was released the day of my brothers pre school graduation which is where I met brother #3, or foster brother #2. Malcolm was Tyrell’s blood brother and he was in the same situation. He also has a child and wife of his own and supports them so much. To be honest, they were so ghetto growing up. Everyone we went they would end up in a fight or some cases, in jail. Never forget that day at the circus where they ended up in jail for a good 2 weeks but it's all good. Yes, they did some crazy bad things in their lifetime and they are completely different people then I am but seeing them come from rock bottom and rise so far beyond what they imagine is what I admire.
ReplyDeleteI would want to leave legacy but for nothing crazy. I really just want to be remembered for being happy. I want my contribution to everyone to be positive. I’ve realized that smiling is so important and I sound so cheesy right now but a smile from anyone can make or break anyones day. So yeah I do think HH’s idea is possible because contribution to the world doesn't have to be winning 5 gold medals representing America. It could be as little as donating $20 a month to a charity. You’re helping someone out there right? My biggest contribution so far would have to be being blessed with an amazing group of friends that I care so much about. Seriously I would do anything for them. I’m always there for them like they’re always there for me and everything just goes both ways. No matter what time, topic, situation, etc, we always find our way back home with each other and my contribution to our friendship wouldn’t be complete without me. I love yall, sexy sistas, ANTGC, and everyone<3
Growing up under a rock basically my whole life and never making real big girl decisions (i.e- what college to go to, what college major to pick, what to order at fancy smanchy restaurant), I don’t know any answers to the questions above. Mom, if you’re reading this, I want to go to nursing school and eventually work my way up to be a doctor while living in Mays Landing. Mom, if you aren’t reading this, I want to travel. I don’t know when or how, but I just know traveling comes off more appealing than nursing school. All my life, I was persuaded to go in the medical field in order to be financially stable in the long run. All my life, my choices were made for me. All my life, I had no idea what i TRULY wanted to be because I was (basically) tricked into thinking I want to be a nurse. I had no room to explore about other majors and careers since I was forced to follow a certain path. Although, I was only a youngin’ back then and didn’t understand much so of course I said “okay mommy!” Now, it’s junior year and the real world is creeping up on us all. I had nothing else to say to my guidance counselor when she asked, so I’ve been saying “i want to do nursing in college” ever since. Don’t get me wrong, I actually do find the human anatomy & physiology super interesting and I see myself working in nursing homes or hospitals. I enjoy sitting in anatomy class and learning about bones and shit. Anyways, back to traveling. With travel, I can play tourist and see a whole different part of the earth. I explore new places, see/meet new people, and learn new cultures. I can be my own person and be free. I want to escape from the rock I’m living under and to make my own decisions.
ReplyDeleteOnce I’m finally able to do all those things, I want to do something that relates to travel, pediatrics, and medical. I have no idea what those three combined makes but whatever it is, I want in. You might be reading this and be like “wtf jas I thought you want nothing to do with the medical field?” But nah, I don’t mind doing it, it was just never my choice to do so. I want to do something traveling and nursing related because it's the best of both worlds. I get to do something I want, and I’ll be making my mom happy in the meantime. If I don’t succeed, then everything happens for a reason. I strongly believe that is the case. Whenever something doesn’t go the way I expected, I always tell myself that God has a better plan for me. (Not the spiritual leader we’re supposed to be talking about in this blog lol I know) But HH’s idea is pretty accurate also. Us, human beings, add character to this ordinary world.
I constantly question myself, “why I am I here?” I don’t know yet. I wonder when the day will come when I can answer that. Maybe I’m here so I can share my lil story and hopefully inspire others to not be like me and be free. Maybe I’m here to be just another typical tourist. Maybe I’m here to save lives at a hospital with a bunch of other nurses and doctors. Clearly, I’m still figuring that part out. I’ll tell ya when I’m backpacking Europe.
I’ve never given my legacy much thought. I always think about my future, my life goals and my bucket list but never about my legacy. I guess my legacy is yet to be determined but, as of now, I just want to be remembered as an overall nice person. In my life, I hope to learn a lot and share that knowledge with my future children. I want to start a family and provide them with all that I can. I want to help people in my profession and I want to inspire those around me in some way. These are all general wishes and I know I will satisfy them in some way. I agree with HH’s idea about contribution. I want to contribute to those around me. Life means more when you give joy to others. So far, I think I’ve contributed to earth but, I am not nearly finished. I know that I’ve created many good, symbiotic relationships in which I’ve contributed love, advice, support and friendship. I’ve also contributed to clubs, teams, services and classes. I know for sure that I’ve contributed to countless group projects in school, probably more than I should have. I’ve contributed to my family, my church, my school and my friends. All of my contributions are fulfilling and rewarding. I’m happy to feel satisfied when thinking of my contributions. Overall I contribute a lot. Even in public I always hold the door for people, pick up a quarter they dropped, and other lame yet appreciated acts of kindness. Even if I do favors for people without compensation, I know that eventually good things will come. If not, at least I feel like a good person at the end of the day and I can be true and honest with who I am. Really, all I want in life is to be happy. I want to share happiness with everyone and I want to give people a piece of hope. I want to positively impact everyone I come in contact with. Furthermore, my legacy entails meeting many different people, helping others, donating to charity, forming more relationships and enjoying life to its capacity. I want to be able to help my kids financially with whatever money I have saved up. What I think my legacy will be and what I want it to be are the same thing. I am going to do everything in my power to leave a positive impact on this planet. I know I will do my best to achieve this.
ReplyDeleteI hope that my time here on earth so far has impacted someone's life. Over my 17 years here I know that I have impacted little girls lives and inspired them to never give up and strive for your goals. Ever since I was in gymnastics all of the little girls just starting out would look up to me and say "I want to be just like you!". And whenever I heard this I make sure I tell them that they can be even greater then me if they work hard and really strive for there goal. Or sometimes after a practice session, a class kids parent would come up to me and tell me how amazing I am and ask me what I had to do to get there. And I always tell the parents the same thing to which is hard work , determination, and dedication. The little things like this are the things that make me realize I can have an impact on people whether it's little kids or parents. I want to continue this as I get older as well. I want to motivate children or anyone to let them know that they can do anything if they put their minds to it. I want to use my life story as a way to motivate others. I never had anything perfect, I've had injuries, feelings of wanting to quit my sport, and bad days overall. But all of this didn't stop me and I'm blessed to say I'm in the position that I'm in right now.
ReplyDeleteI believe in HH's saying 100 percent. I believe that every human was put on this earth with a purpose and its there job to find there purpose so that they can have an impact on peoples life. And this is not an impossible thing. It might be hard to find your purpose on earth, but once you do you cant be stopped and all your actions after that contribute to the world.
I know that my legacy will be to help motivate people with my life story and remind people that it's normal for things to get rough, but it's imperative that we must not give up. I want to remind little kids to keep there eyes on their dream no matter how crazy or unrealistic it seems. If I just helped one person see all of this then my legacy would be completed. Contributing to the world is so important in making the world United and a better place. Even though my legacy seems simple, it's worth it to me.
Who knew there are fourteen Dalai Lamas. I sure didn’t. But either way, I agree with him: “The creatures that inhabit this earth...are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.” I like to think that life works in mysterious ways. Everyone is here for a reason. God, Buddha, or whatever you believe in, you are here, and you mustn’t doubt yourself. Sure, nowadays, our future has already been planned for us. But the future is never certain. You say you want to be a doctor now; okay. That’s great. But you do not have to limit yourself to that. It’s like the paint section at A.C. Moore. There are so many colors to choose from, who says you only have to choose one?
ReplyDeleteI’m sure this goes for everyone when I say this, but I love helping people in any way that I can. I just hate seeing people so down and discouraged and stressed. No one should have to endure those feelings. Life is meant to be lived. Whether it’s lifting their spirits or lending a hand, have no fear, Jasmine Tran is here to save the day! I try, I really do, to make everyone happy. I try to go to all of my cousins’ school events (and that’s really hard, considering they all go to different schools) so that they have at least one person is in the crowd cheering them on. Even when I’m out of energy and everything hurts, I still (try) to motivate Kayla on our long 5k runs. I leave my sundays reserved for my mom because she’s going through a tough time right now and she doesn’t deserve to be let alone. I try and try and try with everything that I can.
That’s what I love doing: Helping people and making them happy. It makes me happy. I may not be as outgoing as some people, but I’m here. And I will be here till the very end (whatever that may be). And that’s why I want to be a nurse, because in these times of need, you’re going to need someone more than ever. I’ve seen the way the nurses act towards their patients. They look mean and angry at the world, almost as if they don’t want to be there. They’re impatient and, often times, aggressive. I get it, it’s a hospital. Long hours, no sleep. But that patient needs somebody by their side, fighting along with them. They need a friend, and that’s what I intend to be.
I guess you could call this my legacy. Being known as the girl who helps people. The girl who is everybody’s friend. Or even better, the girl who shines the light in this very dark world (that makes me sound cooler). I honestly don’t even know. I’m not too worried about that. As long as I’m able to change the world, and I can see it for myself, it doesn’t matter to me. Because I know what I’ve done to the world, and that’s all I really need.
I was put on this earth to help people. Ever since I was a little girl I always felt soooooooo bad for people in need and I wanted to help them so badly. When I was in middle school I wanted to be a special ed teacher. I have a really close family friend and her name is Lauren, she is now 19 years old. Lauren has downsyndrome and since I was little I just understood. I understood she wasnt like me, I understood she need special attention I didnt need. I knew how to play games with her and do things like hang out and watch movies with her. Shes in love with Justin Bieber and Katy Perry. Oh and Hannah Montana.. I talk about all of them with her she gets so excited, shes also extremely strong and loves to pick me up and throw me lol but I dont mind. She has birthday parties and she has soo many friends all with either downsyndrome or autism. They all love me, not gassin myself. My point is im good with kids who have special needs. And I really think id be good at helping them get an education. But at the same time, since my freshman year, I was inspired to be a therapist. Im good at helping people and thats what I want to do. When I talked to Mr Survey the other day during the coin show he helped me with my decision of majoring in clinical phycology. I might change my mind down the road but I really just want to help people. I want to be old and look back at all the people ive helped throughout my life. Over the summer me and kennedy went to the boardwalk and i was like damn i left my 5 bucks in the car. And I was like oh well, and then we saw a man with raggedy clothes and he only had one arm, begging people for food, money, anything really. I just watched people stare at him and walk away. They would look at him as he was begging them and just walk away. I ran back to the car, got the only money I had left, and gave it to him with no hesitation. I prolly wouldve cried if I didnt. I just want to help everybody but I know I cant. I want to make a million meals and give them to all the homeless. I want to build them all houses and give them blankets and clothes and shoes. But im just me. My mom doesnt even let me go out of the house. So how can I achieve anything. But when I move out its a whole nother story. We were all put on this earth for a reason. I want my legacy to be helping people. I want to complete my life knowing how many lives I helped.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always been concerned about my legacy; who will people remember me as or when my friends open up their photo albums or tell their children about their memories, who will I be? Do I want to be remembered as a goalie or as a friend? Or do I want to be remembered for both? Or do I want to be remembered for more than that?
ReplyDeleteI don’t do much. It’s impossible for me to be the best goalie or the best singer because there’s always going to be someone better, and I have come to terms with that. Maybe people will remember me because I tried to make Calisto Kraus square up in a drunken rage.
I really want to have kids. I have seen so many lives get thrown away because children don’t have the type of parents that care or that are morally competent. I want to have kids so I can show them how to live life in the happiest way possible and show them that they don’t have to be angry all of the time. Hopefully, if I can’t, my kids will carry out my legacy as well as their own.
I believe that everyone is here for some mystery purpose and we don’t ever get to figure it out. It’s really cool that everyone walks this earth and has their own little gift that they may or may not know about.
My greatest contribution so far is being a member of my team. Goalies really do have to be fearless. And I’m afraid of literally everything. Every time someone even takes a practice shot in lacrosse, I close my eyes. Furthermore, without me, my mom wouldn’t have anyone to call her mini me and my dad would only have one daughter who doesn’t love him instead of a daughter who doesn’t love him and a daughter who calls him from time to time. And Jess just told me I contribute to the happiness of other people so that’s also a plus.
Although I’m Breyonce now, I think I’ll be remembered as myself. Breana Lauren Stringer. I want to be remembered as a friend, a sister, a daughter, a love of someone’s life, a mother, and a life changer. I want to remembered as someone who impacted the lives of the people around her so positively, that I’ll be impossible to forget.
I agree with the 14th Dalai Lama’s quote because everyone has a contribution on this earth whether small or big. I mean it may seem impossible that everyone has a role but it makes totally sense. As humans, our role on Earth is to give carbon dioxide to plants in order for them to survive. We turn into predators to prevent other species from overpopulating. Although this may sound ugly, we also act as prey for other predators. Even plants on this earth have a role. Their role is to provide oxygen so humans can breath. Other organisms are either predator or prey. Even the air has a role in life, their role is to keep us all alive. Everyone and everything on this planet plays a role in how we shape the Earth. Except maybe Donald Trump. Ok well, maybe he does have of role which is to set an example for people not to follow.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have a predetermined role such as described above, I want to known as someone who genuinely cares about other people. I want to help the less fortunate by donating clothing or other things. I also want to donate money to research so I can help in saving other people's’ lives. But if I do not become rich and famous like Bill Gates, I still want to make an impact on society such as donating to charities. I think that little things like donating clothing can make a big difference in other people’s lives. But before I become rich and famous, I am just a shy 16 year old girl who is struggling to get through high school.
I think the greatest contribution so far is when I travelled to China last summer. I was in China for a whole entire month and a half living in a college dorm with my service group. Everyday we went down to the local elementary school and taught the kids English. The elementary school was not a normal school, it was a school for migrant workers’ children, families who had trouble sending their kids to school. The children there were less fortunate than those from rich families. In China, school is free until the end of middle school. Then to get into high school, students need to take a really hard test (kinda like our SATs, except harder) to get into high school and if they pass, they get into high school. Here is the catch, even if a student passes the test, high school is not free. The exam has three parts: Chinese, Math, and English. English is a big part of the exam. For the rich, they just pay to get their child a tutor. For the poor, well most drop out after middle school. The children there were eager to learn and I have never seen so much enthusiasm from being at school. Small contributions such as volunteering to help the less fortunate have made an impact on this world.
I want to become wealthy so I can help everyone out little by little. I want to be able to build schools overseas so that the less fortunate children will be able to go to school in their own countries. I want to known as Sandy Chen who has made a great impact on society by helping the less fortunate. Sandy Chen who has changed someone else’s life by sharing my wealth. That is my dream, but that is only if I become wealthy.
Since I'm only 17 there are not many visible contributions that I have made to the world. But there are other minor things that I have done to change the world around me. During rough times in school or just hard times in general, I try not to show how upset or stressed out I am. In doing this I make myself and others around me seem less nervous or stressed. It sounds cliche but it brings hope to people for a short amount of time. Whenever you are really stressed and you know that other people are in the same boat as you, but they aren't as stressed as you, it eases the pain of the situation.
ReplyDeleteEventually I would like to have kids and go into work in order to contribute to the world. I may write in my future because I believe that I have information to contribute to the world.
Personally I do believe in the HH's ideals. In some way everyone contributes to the beauty and prosperity of the world. But some people contribute indirectly, some people show what not to do and in this way they do improve the world, and others directly contribute to the world's beauty and prosperity.
My ability to get in the middle of an argument and dissolve it, to see both sides of it, is my greatest contribution. I do not just see what I see, I can see what others see. Even though it is not really a contribution, and more of a characteristic, I still think that what I do with it impacts and contributes to the world. This trait really opens my eyes up to things that many other people may not be able to see. However it is also sometimes a fault because I often become troubled when other people cannot see both sides to something.
I would like my legacy to be a good one, I do not need to be famous or anything. I would like to be known as the guy that you ask for help, the guy that has a good amount of knowledge about a variety of things. I would like to have children that I can teach my knowledge to, and I would like them to teach me. I would like to be known for my writing and physical work also. There are many things I hope to accomplish in my life and I hope that those things can be contributions to the beauty and prosperity of the world.
When I think about the impact I’ve made on the world I almost feel as though I’m not worthy enough to even try considering it. Who am I to say that me doing this and that, has helped someone else in this way and that way? Do my attempts to better the world I live in even work? Does it matter that I tried? Do I matter? These are the kinds of questions I try my hardest not to think about, so of course they end up being part of a blog!
ReplyDeleteI don’t “do” much. Homework, the laundry, the dishes? Sure. But do I “do” anything that makes someone’s day, or changes someone’s life, or causes something good to happen? I don’t know. When my cousin vents to me about all the fuckboys in her life, and I tell her that she doesn’t need them, does that change anything for her? When I let Thomas ask me a million and one questions about Harry Potter, does that make him happy? I am me, not them, therefore I don’t know if my actions “do” anything. All I know is that I can continue doing them. I can keep telling my cousin that a fuckboy’s love doesn’t determine her worth, and I can keep letting Thomas bombard me with questions that I’m too tired to answer but will answer anyway because he said “please.” I don’t need to know if my actions “do” anything for others, because they “do” something for me. Empowering women makes ME feel good, talking to Thomas makes ME feel good. So I will continue to be as positive as possible, because if it doesn’t help anyone else, at least I know that it helped me. If during the process, I somehow helped another, then I would be lucky. And maybe once I’m older and burnt out, I can look back on my life, and whatever career I chose, and say that I did “do” something.
This entire time I’ve been writing about “doing” something, I kept thinking to myself, “Oh, they’ll know what I mean when I put ‘doing’ in quotes, there’s an easily detectable connotation.” But now that I’m re-reading what I just word-vomited, I realize that I don’t even know what I mean when I repeated “do” 6+ times. I suppose “do” deserves it’s own little quotes because it’s heavier and it needs the little quotes to hold it up. When I do something like… throw away all the papers in my chemistry binder because they’re useless, I just did it. When it’s 12 o’clock at night, and I should be doing Lang homework, but instead I’m comforting my cousin because fuckboy #1 won’t text her back… that’s “doing” something. “Doing” because it’s harder, and it’s complicated, and it’s taking time out of my day, and it’s hopefully helping another person. I got it now: “Doing” something, at least to me, means taking an action that might not necessarily be the most convenient for you, but hopefully will help another. And in a way, I think that’s something important that we can all do. Life can be easy for some, and difficult for others, but taking our time to help each other through it is what will really better our world. I think that’s what the Dalai Lama was trying to say. Our job on this planet is to contribute. Some way, somehow, our purpose is to try and make life good for someone, whether that is someone else, or ourselves, or both. We associate beauty with goodness, and prosperity with success, so if we could all be morally sound and successful in our lives then I suppose we all would have fulfilled our purpose on this planet, according to the Dalai Lama at least.
But whether or not we “fulfill” that purpose, we all pass on eventually. Some of us will leave legacies, and others will not. I’ve never really understood the concept of a legacy. Does leaving behind a legacy make you more important than someone who doesn’t? I feel as though society thinks that’s the case, but I disagree. Every small act of kindness that you throw out into the world before you die is part of your legacy, because it impacted someone, and shouldn’t that be what a legacy is? An impact you’ve made on someone or something or a group of people? I don’t think you need to become rich or famous to have a legacy. You can be lonely and still leave something behind on this planet. In fact, we all leave something behind when we pass because our bodies remain on Earth and decompose. As for me, thinking of leaving behind a legacy feels entirely too far-fetched. I can’t even decide on what I want to do with my LIFE, how can my mind comprehend what I will leave behind after DEATH?! But if I must think that hard, I would hope that I could be a good friend, daughter, mom, cousin, etc. to someone. Overall, being a good person, to my own standards, would be the #1 goal. Not that I think I’m a bad person right now, but there are always ways to improve yourself and better your thinking and attitude. I hope that throughout my lifespan I can just keep learning and growing.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with HH's idea because I believe that everyone is here for a reason and that everyone has a contribution to Earth. Each person has their own personal job in order for one big program to run. Just like in a business each person has their own responsibilities that contribute to the company as a whole. There's always people that are remembered even after they pass away. Their legacy lives on. We all know Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and they are all great examples of people who have been remembered even after they died. They each left their own legacy for the rest of us to reminisce on. However, not everyone leaves a famous legacy. It could be a family legacy or even someone that lives on in the neighborhood through their cooking recipes. My mom always makes my great grandma's famous cucumber salad as a way to keep my great grandma's tradition alive. This cucumber salad was her contribution to the family. A contribution can be anything really, a recipe, an idea, even dish that gets passed down through the family. My mom and grandma have contributed to my life by teaching me how to do things and they have taught me the way that I will raise my kids based on the ways that they raised me. These family values will be passed on through my family and that's what contribution is in my opinion. I have learned so much from the people in my life and I feel lucky every day to have those people to guide me down the right path. I hope I can contribute just as much to my family in the future that my family has given to me. I also hope that I contribute to my family's lives now because family is forever. My mom always tells me that my brother and I have changed her life so I've given her her caring nature and title of being a mother. She's learned a lot from her two kids because when you have kids you can't just worry about yourself. I hope that as her kid I have given her pride in her mothering and self-confidence that she has done a great job in raising my brother and I by giving us everything that we could've asked for and we both feel fortunate to have someone as devoted as her to make us happy. As I get older I hope to be a good friend to those around me and someone that people can learn from, just like I learned from my mom and grandma. I plan on becoming a nurse so it is a must for me to contribute to saving lives which makes me happy that I am able to help people get better so that they can enjoy life. Everyone has a job that helps create a masterpiece in the end.
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ReplyDeleteI create. That’s what I do. Yea, I create art pieces but I mean I create my own life, my story, my legacy. “The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will” My life is the biggest piece of art that I’m working on and I want it to be bold and meaningful to not just me but other people.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a story. And it’s that story, good or bad, that can impact another person’s life whether it’s minor or drastic. There will be times in my life when I will move on from school, a job, a career, friends, etc. But I hope that when those people think of me, and the past experiences I had with them, that they smile.
We all want to be remembered for something, to be known as more than merely ordinary, to be seen as someone who truly made a difference, to leave an imprint on this world and to leave behind something that can make the future a little brighter. HH’s quote completely makes sense. We are here for a reason and we might not know it now, but one day it will come clear to us what that reason is.
But during your life, many things will change in a moment and suddenly everything we believed, understood or desired goes out the window. Suddenly, we're faced with a chance to rewrite our destinies, to make things right no matter how bad we think it sucked before.
I don’t know what my legacy will be. I would love to have a legacy as an artist. I want to be recognized for all of my great pieces I want my art to amaze and affect people emotionally. But that’s a dream of mine which I will work hard for to come true. However, my legacy doesn't have to be prominent, all I care about is impacting people personally by being kind to them. In fact, my greatest contribution was being a friend to someone who needed one most. Being there for that person made her feel safer and loved and I will always be proud of myself for that.
From a young age, I have always hated seeing people experiencing the sadness of any kind. I was naive to the difficulties that life gives you and the betrayal that one experiences. I have always tried to make those around me happy and often put some of the burden of their sadness on myself, not because I have too but simply because it's the right thing to do. I have been told by my grandparents ( I know it doesn't sound special but just hear me out) that God has big plans for me, and will use me to spread his teachings. My life and all those around me are special, each one of us will, in some way change this planet and hopefully touch the hearts of all they encounter.
ReplyDeleteI must agree with the 14th Dalai lama about the purpose of all creatures, everything has a reason for its own existence. Though it may seem foolish I fully believe that all that we should just allow care for one another. I have always believed in helping other people, that is the job of mankind, to learn from our failures and produce a utopia. Societies largest problem is that we view utopia as an impossibility, something that only lays in the fantasies of children naive to the real world. We have faced so-called "impossibility" before but we have always overcome the fixed doubt filled mentality that coined the term.
What is my biggest accomplishment yet? That is something that only the future holds the answer to. For all, I know I have not met the person that I will change or that will change me, but I can hope that they contribute to not only themselves but to all of those around them. I hope I can make true to what my grandparents tell me and one-day commit works that really spreads love to others. The world is full of so much pointless hatred, hatred only breeds more hatred which eventually leads to destruction.
My legacy? What do I think it is, right now I am faced with something that I would never have imagined. What once started out as an idea from my grandmother has become what it am most proud of. Without her, I would have never discovered the brilliance of life and the beauty of destruction. That is where you find yourself, Once you are able to face the darkness that is in destruction you can create beauty from it. Imagine a lightning storm, one that is massive, so massive that the sun is blocked from view and only partial rays break the storms cloak. In that moment, you are in darkness but in the darkness, there's light, a powerful bolt of plasma that can create destruction but also give comfort. The lightning bolt is amazing in its power and gentleness, such a destructive force that creates the only sort of hope available during the storm. What do I want my legacy to be? I want it to just be helpful, to serve the purpose of helping others. Protecting them either from themselves or the struggles of life. To one day smile at the world and say I made a difference. I honestly cannot wait for that day to come and I will try to spread the love that this world lacks, and one day finds beauty in the souls of those who I affected.
As of right now I don’t feel that I contribute much to society. Besides providing little kids joy when they see a bounce house get blown up when I'm at work, I don't impact many people. I used to referee children at the soccer fields in Hamilton Township. I enjoyed watching the little kids and doing drills with them, so helping out these kids is one of my larger contributions to society. I also make my close friends laugh, but I don't interact with many people outside of my friend group. Eventually I plan to own a business. I want this business to bring joy to the faces of the people that walk through the doors. My business will probably be the best thing that I contribute to society, unless I have kids, which will be my most important contribution to society. I agree with HH because I think everyone is here to contribute to the world in some way. The way that each person contributes to society differs, but everyone contributes nonetheless. HH's views do make sense but I don't think they're impossible. Even if the only thing that you do in life is make one person smile, then maybe that was your purpose.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest contribution is listening to peoples problems and trying to help them fix them. I think that I give good advice to people, so I try to be as helpful as I can. Surprisingly, mostly crew guys come up to me for advice rather than people that are in all my classes. I want to be remembered for doing something great. I think I'll either be remembered for an invention that I come up with or a business that I create. I would be happy to be remembered for either of these things because at least I'll be remembered. I would like to be remembered as a good boss and an honest man. If I am remembered as a greedy man who would do anything to get ahead, I don't want to be remembered at all. I would also like to be remembered for doing a great deed for the community such as build as school. If I have a legacy at all I know that it'll be for a good reason.
At this point in my life, I think the only thing I really do to contribute to society is listen when others need to be listened to. I believe that is what I will do for the rest of my life and I am okay with that. I want to help children and teenagers with the same things that I had to go through and am currently going through. I did not have that and I believe that is how I will contribute, by giving to others what I did not have. I do believe this idea of contribution is a good way to think. The way I interpreted this is, I believe that everyone contributes in some way at some point in their lives. Whether it be big or small, they are still having an impact on something or someone. It does not seem impossible because it doesn't have to be something huge. If you talk to your friends when you know they are upset, that is contributing. In my opinion, it doesn't matter how many people you impact, rather than the fact that you did. I don't think I've made a "biggest contribution" because like I said, I don't think you can really measure it. I believe I've made an impact on some people because I have put a lot of time into people that need it, solely because it makes me happy. I just want people to remember me as someone they trust and someone they could talk to about anything because that is who I want to be.
ReplyDeleteI see how someone can think that everybody was put on this earth for a reason. But if that person doesn't take the opportunities that are given to them and doesn't contribute, they are inconsequential. Many rich people have so much money that they don’t know what to do with it. A lot of them keep it for themselves or for their children and don’t contribute whatsoever. They are insignificant. The world cannot function if everyone just looks out for themselves. On the other hand, people who will become rich may have the same perspective on rich people and use their money to help people… Actually that quote is 100% correct. Poor people teach the rest of us not to take what we have for granted. Extremely selfish people teach others not to be selfish. Everybody contributes in some way whether they realize it or not.
ReplyDeleteI don’t THINK I’ve impacted many peoples’ lives. I’m more of an observant person. I’m the youngest of three children. My sister is 11 years older than me and my brother is 3 years older than me. They have impacted my life tremendously because I have always depended on them and look up to them (literally and figuratively). I, however, feel that I do not impact their lives because I’m much younger than they are and have nothing to offer. I try to be nice to people I do and don’t know. I try to be a shoulder to cry on for the people I do know. But since I’m not the most demonstrative person, they don’t normally use it. I guess I’ve impacted my mother’s life. If it weren’t for me, she’d have a lot more money right now and would have moved to a place where the weather is always nice. She claims she likes to confide in me because I have really good advice. I know I’ve definitely impact my dog’s lives just by adopting them.
I want to do something great with my life. Something significant and that is needed in the world. Is it okay that I don’t know what though? I want to be a doctor so maybe I can touch the lives of the people I’ve helped. But if I’m really dreaming, I would want to be a game changer like Steve Jobs. Phones will never be the same again and millions of people have iPhones around the world. I most likely won’t but
I want my legacy to be a big one.
Every night I write a note on a note card for my little sister when she gets up. It usually says “Rise and shine, pretty. I hope you slept well and no bed bugs bit. Have a wonderful day at school, love bug, I’ll see you when you get home. XOXO, Big Sissy”. She tapes all my notes to her door and reads them when she gets the chance to. I want her to know that I will always be there for her and always be with her no matter where I am or who I’m with. I hope she knows that. I love the idea of impacting someone- making them smile when they see me or making them laugh. I always want to let people know how pretty their outfit is, or how nice their shoes are, or how their new haircut looks great on them. Making people feel good is what I want my legacy to be. I want people to look back and say, “she had the biggest heart and always made me feel like I cared in the world and I was loved. She put the people she loved first and gave them her all, even if they didn’t give it in return.” I believe that would be the most amazing thing if I was remembered that way. It would make me feel incredible. I do believe in HH’s contribution. Everyone, whether they know it or not, impacts the world. Everyone brings their personality to the world and that is what makes it beautiful. I think my greatest contribution is having the ability to be an older sister. I care so much about Bella, it is unbelievable. Even though she get’s on my nerves, there is nothing in this world that will stop me from being there for her. I love when she comes running to me when I get her off the bus or when she comes in from playing outside and gives me a hug. I love when I take her out to starbucks or to dinner. I love impacting her life. Along with her, I love impacting my friends’ lives. Even though they probably hate the jokes I make half the time, they still laugh at them. I hope I impact their lives as much as I think I do. It would be very awkward if I didn’t. All in all, I want people to feel cared and to feel loved around me. I want them to know I have a huge heart and that my problems come after theirs.
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ReplyDeleteI often think on both good days and bad days, “why am I here?” One good days I wonder why I’m here for a couple of reasons. I wonder if I’m here to change the world, if I’m here to leave an imprint in many people’s lives and in their hearts, or maybe I’m here to inspire people who wish they weren’t here. And on bad days I wonder if there’s any real reason as to why I’m here at all. It’s one of those questions that’ll never have a concrete answer and drives us all crazy because we wish there was an answer so that we could live our lives the best we could according to why we're here and make the best out of it.
ReplyDeleteOther than school I don’t do much other than spend time with my family and my boyfriend. I spend an approximate 35 hours in school, not to mention the hours I sometimes stay after, but I only have barely half that time to spend doing things that concern me or my family. I don’t really know what to say about what I do right now in the present-- but I do know what I hope to do in the future.
I hope to be successful. Not successful as in rich or famous-- even though I wouldn’t argue with being either of the two, or even both-- successful as in being happy, making others happy, and making a change. There’s so much, too much, shitty things happening to little towns day by day. Let's put that into perspective-- each tiny town experiencing tragedies day by day, not to mention there being millions of tiny towns. It’s time to make a change in the world. From hunger, to suicide, to homeless people, to racism, or any “ism.” Do I think I’ll accomplish all of this in my lifetime? No, but I hope during my life that I can contribute to at least one things, if not many, because any kind of change is change and even if I can’t end any issue in the world, change is a start. I totally agree with HH’s idea about contribution because without it, what would ever get done? His idea doesn’t seem impossible to me for even a second because everyone is on this earth for SOMETHING. Today might not be the day but I promise there will come a day when you realize your true purpose. I don’t believe-- infact I know-- I have made my ultimate “this is why I’m here” contribution but for only 16 years old I might have one. My greatest contribution so far has probably been being there for my family, my grandparents specifically. This may not seem like some superhero contribution but it means a lot to me and my family. The best thing I can do is be there for people, especially my loved ones because there’s not much else.
I hope that when I’m no longer here I’ll leave a legacy worth knowing. I hope to leave people happy thoughts when I'm gone. One thing I don't want is people gassing me at my funeral to make people feel good about me who doesn't know my legacy, I want people to talk highly about be because of my positive legacy. A legacy of kindness, forgiveness & gratitude. Leaving behind a wonderful legacy is also wish for when I'm not longer here to continue it.
I kinda like HH’s idea! I’m not all about peace and happiness and love or whatever (I know the world is not this kind of place). But I have to say that I like the idea that everyone has a footprint to leave behind. However, I do think it is nearly impossible for EVERYONE’S contribution to be or stay recognized. Anyone can contribute to the world, no matter how big or how small, but only some are highly remembered.
ReplyDeleteI got curious, and searched about how many people have actually lived on this Earth, essentially putting into perspective how impossible it is for everyone to leave a noticeable legacy. Apparently, the Population Reference Bureau has considered this calculation to be old news, because in 2012, they said that 107 billion people were living on this Earth throughout its years of existence. 107 BILLION. That’s a huge number. And there are only hundreds, maybe thousands (and possibly millions) of people, dead or alive, who have made a difference in their lifetime. This is such a small percentage, that it’s virtually unimportant. But even still, these influential people still hold such a high standard and history in our society. It’s funny how that works.
As for my legacy? What I want people to remember me by, is my kindness or my niceness. I really pride myself in being nice to others, just because I feel the need to all the time. I never want anyone to think I am targeting them, judging them, or being mean to them. It makes me feel like such a horrible person! Even if my being nice is only a little contribution to someone’s day, it still makes me feel accomplished and happy.
If there’s one thing that I would love to do, it would be to make a legitimate change in the lives of teens here at Oakcrest (and possibly other schools). Because of the recent tragedy, it has made me realize that people do not know how loved they are. No matter what they have done, no one deserves to be discriminated against, bullied, or feel alone. There are so many things that people cannot see when just looking at the mere shell of a human being. To truly see, one must peer into the depths of the soul and heart, and not many people gain access to that. How many tragedies will it take until we say enough is enough? I want to be apart of the Spread the Love effort and help some students and kids who are really struggling, maybe even branch the foundation out. I could even design a mural or a piece of artwork, so that I can really leave my mark. I know I have never truly known all of the victims that are tied to our schools, but that cannot stop me from wanting to end heartbreak on a universal scale. Suicide should never be an option. That is the footprint I want to leave on this school, on this country, and on this world; that there will always be help when you need it.
At first, I found myself agreeing with HH’s belief that each creature adds “beauty and prosperity” to the world in their own way. But then I thought about all the evil people throughout history, such as Hitler and Trujillo; their legacies are anything but beautiful and prosperous. How could HH’s saying possibly be true if these demonic people once existed and caused an incalculable amount of human suffering? I thought for a really long time about any possible positive legacy that people like Hitler might leave behind and finally came to a conclusion: Horrible people indirectly teach other people how to be less horrible, and that in itself might be considered beautiful and prosperous. One’s despicable and incomprehensible acts teach humanity valuable moral lessons that could arguably benefit the entire human race as a whole. After the Holocaust, for example, the United Nations created an outreach program to educate youth on the human devastation caused by genocide to prevent it from occurring ever again. Even though there have been a number of genocides since the Holocaust (Cambodia, Rwanda, and Darfur to name a few), programs like this have succeeded in preaching a lesson of tolerance to humanity that could have a positive impact on future generations. This train of thought brought me back to my original agreement with HH’s statement.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the butterfly effect, meaning that I believe a minute action can have a monumental and seemingly unrelated impact elsewhere in the world. This leads me to conclude that my greatest contribution so far has been a result of some small act I performed within my 16 years of being on this Earth that ended up having a major consequence on another person’s life. While I’ll never know exactly what this contribution is, I’d like to think it changed someone’s life for the better. Maybe it was the time I invited the new girl to sit with my friends and I during lunch last year or the time I had a 20-minute conversation with an old woman on the subway or the numerous times I’ve waved to strangers on the street.
As for my legacy, I don’t think I’ll have one. According to google, there are 7.125 billion people in this world, all of whom will live a life and add to the world’s immense collection of “beauty and prosperity”. These 7.125 billion people, or the majority of them, will compete for success during their lifetime in an effort to “live on” after death in the memory of others; the problem is that there’s an overwhelming surplus of individuals and only so much room for memory in humanity’s hippocampus. I guess I’d want to be remembered as a nice person and yadda yadda yadda but I think it’s pointless to want a specific legacy when there’s so many other people competing for the same exact thing. Years after my death no one will even know that I once existed, let alone care to remember who I was as a person.
Initially, I wanted to agree with this. Then I changed my mind. Then I agreed with it again.All beings on this earth do contribute to the world’s beauty and prosperity, however this shouldn’t be confused with each being’s purpose.
ReplyDeleteNone of us will ever know whether we have a purpose here or not. A lot of us, if purpose does exist, will never discover our true purpose anyway. That’s just the harsh reality: the almost paralyzing idea that none of us matter...universally speaking of course. I mean, some people, scientists, when asked “how big are you to the universe?”, respond, “infinitely big”, but have proven that...so really, how big are we to the universe? Well, I guess it would depend who you ask.
Anyway, even if none of us have true universal purpose, we all still emit beauty. All of us. From babies to birds, from murderers to saints, from insects, plants, to humans in general. Something that lacks purpose doesn’t automatically lack beauty. Plus, like I said, none of us will ever really know whether we have a universal purpose or not. I mean none of us will know for sure anyway.
We all do things to contribute to the world’s beauty and prosperity, but I’m not entirely sure what I do. A lot of people tell me I’m strong, or inspiring, but I know myself better than those people. I know myself well enough to know that I’m neither of those things. Really, I’m just good at acting.
I guess I help people a lot though. I don’t always mean to, but I do. I’ve been through a lot and I’ve grown accustomed to dealing with shit. I know how to get through almost anything in one way or another. I mean, through them enough to make it through the day. It’s really hard for me to see beauty in myself so I just focus on others and make sure they’re aware of it too. Because, in all honesty, life on this planet is so worth seeing, all the way to and including the end, no matter who you are or what you look like. I guess I help people understand that it’s all worth seeing and that they’re worth living, if that makes sense. It’s probably because I wish, sometimes, someone would do that for me. Anyway, if we all realized that we’re all worthy of life, of living, the world would be a lot more peaceful and a lot more beautiful.
I also like to preach about forgiveness. It’s a scary thing for most people but it really is beautiful. Like, I never thought I’d be the person saying this because for the longest time I was so against it. I didn’t want to forgive anyone and I held grudges and I was always angry. Anger solves nothing. Grudges only knock down the one who holds them. Understanding, love, empathy, usually come as a package deal with forgiveness. Something about helping someone forgive someone else makes me really happy. Again, I think it’s because forgiveness would make the world more peaceful, thus more beautiful, thus more appealing to those who have a harder time seeing beauty.
I want to travel all over and walk barefoot and shake people’s hands and try ayahuasca and write to speak for those who can’t or who won’t because it’s so damn important to see and experience everyone’s beauty. Everyone has it, but not everyone knows it. But if we all discover each other’s beauty and our own, if we all learn forgiveness and if we all open our eyes to beauty in general, if we all contribute, the world will be a better place.
I could list a billion examples of people who’ve impacted me, but it’s hard to figure out the biggest contribution I’ve made… I guess I’ll do two:
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Delete1: My ex and his dad have a really bad history. His dad is most certainly mentally ill, and was raised worse than he raised his own son. There was violence,, alcohol, sexual assault, domestic violence, etc. My ex always talked about how he’d never be able to forgive his dad, but one day at a random diner on N 73, I asked him a bunch to do a bunch of stuff, like to put himself in his dad’s shoes (which he was already in, without even knowing it). There’s more to it than that, but at the end of our little date or whatever, he told me, through tears, that he could finally start to forgive his dad. He let go of 19 years of heavy agony that day and in his heart, for the betterment of himself, forgave his dad. That’s tangible. That’s one less angry person walking around. Anger no longer masks his beauty. And hopefully it’s like a domino effect where he’ll use his experience with forgiveness to help others forgive as well, like I do. I cried that day too, because genuine forgiveness is really really beautiful. I wish I could give that feeling, the ability to do it, to everyone.
Delete2: Well, I called help all eight times that my friend attempted suicide.
I don’t know what my legacy will be, but II know I just want to be a good person. I want to influence large amounts of people in small amounts of time through words, through writing. Most importantly, I want to learn about and help people and tell people’s stories from all over the world. I don’t know what it will be but I know what I want it to be and I know that everyone will have one that’s just as good as mine.
I am not a huge talker. I talk when I feel necessary and respond if asked but other than that if I had the choice to stay silent all day and just listen I would do it. I like to observe people to discover why they do the things they do, especially when that person twists me some type of way. Nevertheless, I like listening and many people need to be heard so I listen. That’s what I do. If you need to complain about something, complain to me. If need to talk about the boy/girl you have a crush on, tell me about it and I won’t get bored. For many talking is therapy to relieve the pressure from your head, I don’t mind being your therapist. I’m happy to listen but helping my friends can only do so much. Lately, I’ve tried to open my ears up to the classmates I know need some “therapy.” Although it’s not the same as talk from my friends, I give it my all to make my ears available to all those who need them.
ReplyDeleteHH’s idea is most definitely true. Everyone has a purpose in the world. Whether we all discover what that is, is another story. But every single person on this earth has something to offer to someone or something. I have my ears and my voice. I used to sing my sister to sleep every night when she was little because she needed comfort. If I had big muscles I would have hugged her to give comfort but God gave me a voice, so my voice is what I used.
If I were to guess what my legacy will become I might say my singing. It’s the one thing I do most often in front of big audience so I don’t really know who my song may impact (hopefully at least one person). All I know is that I’ll never forget Ms. Demark telling my cast mates and me that her depressed grandfather came to see “The Little Mermaid” and had the best time. In fact, she said that he was so happy and thrilled when Ariel killed Ursula and grew back her legs. I don’t mind portraying the character that the audience hates most if it makes at least one person happy to see my character die. So if I’m remembered as the evil witch that everyone enjoyed to watch die then that’s fine by me. I want to make others happy that’s all that matters.
I have always been that person that wanted to give the most help they could. I can probably say I help people more than I help myself, which I don’t know if is such a good thing... Oh well. To me, it is more satisfying knowing I made somebody’s day or made some type of change, it just makes me feel better. If you ask anyone who is close to me they would tell you I’m am probably one of the most thoughtful and caring person, that’s just literally how I always been. I plan to keep my mindset this way because I’ve noticed many respect me for it and appreciate the things I do. So, yes of course, I believe in HH’s idea about contribution. I honestly don’t understand how someone could live somewhere without wanting to help out in any possible way they can. A little contribution from everyone would make the world go around so much easier, just think about it. So far, despite me only being a teenager has made many contributions; from volunteer work, to just being there for people and providing help to those who need it. However, my biggest contribution or the one I will always clearly remember is the time I gave advice to a girl. She was going through a very tough time, she was depressed and was not acting at all like herself. I hated seeing her like that, so I talked to her. Not realizing at the time all the insightful things I was saying I was able to turn her whole mindset around. She began realizing there was so much more to life and so much more to live for. For some reason what I did always sticks with me. I was gassed I had the ability to change her mindset, and even more gassed it was all me who made that happen.
ReplyDeleteHopefully my legacy will be very positive. I would be remembered as someone who never gives up, and remained thoughtful and caring. I would say, I have a reputation of that and deserve to have that legacy. After graduating college I plan to become a veterinarian, so in my profession I will also be contributing by helping animals. Contributing is very important to me, so I will try to do as much as I can until I can’t anymore.
Everyone has something to offer the world. It doesn’t matter how big or how small it is; as long as it helps someone, it’s worth sharing. It’s up to each person to offer what they have to the world in order to make it a better place.
ReplyDeleteAs always, my answer to this week’s blog revolves around my family. Out of anything and everything I did in my life so far, the most important would be looking out for my brother. He’s such a great kid. But the odds aren’t necessarily in his favor. We lost our dad when he was 5 years old, which left him without a male role model in his life and down a parent. My brother and I are six years apart. In a way, I became his parent while also still being his sister. Whenever my mom is out, I am the one looking after him. So he will mad at me from time to time for being an annoying sister or when I try to impose authority, and in the end, that’s okay. It takes a village to raise a child after all, so I will do all that I can to make sure he has all the support he could ever want. I know he will grow into a more wonderful person than he already is, and I can’t take all the credit, but yeah, I would call that part of my legacy.
I plan on raising children when I am older. I would be their number one fan, and tell them all the advice I know, and take them to whatever amusement park they like, and go to their recitals and ceremonies and matches or whatever it is they’re into. I will love them with all my heart and soul, and that is what I can offer them. Hopefully they choose to spread more love and good into the world, and their legacy will be a part of mine too.
All in all, I’m about sharing love, compassion, friendship, and support with everyone possible. That is what my legacy will be.
I breathe the trees’ air and live on our nation’s land. I live just like all of us do. Though some characteristics of daily life may vary from culture to culture, we all perform human necessities. And thus, being a human myself, I contribute to the “beauty and prosperity of the world” by being a human and doing necessary human things. Inferring from this intro, you could say that, yes: I agree with HH’s idea about contribution. My contribution in this world is small and, because of my age, almost irrelevant. But the things I do affect the people around me. Whether it is eating, breathing, drinking water, bathing (necessities) or spending money, driving a car, and interacting with others, cause leads to effect.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, I plan to attend a 4-year college to earn a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology or Anatomy. Then, I will enroll in a 2-3 year graduate program in order to earn my Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. No matter what school I choose to learn from, my family and I will have to spend a heck of a lot of money. This will contribute to the improvement of our economy, but decrease the amount of spending I will do as an individual. As a Physical Therapist, I will be contributing to society by healing the injured. I have dreamed of being a PT since the 7th Grade, after I personally attended numerous sessions for a sports-related injury. I know that PT’s are always in high demand, because of the increasing elderly population and their need for medical assistance, so my future contributions to society are possible.
So far, my greatest contribution to the world has been being myself. I am so proud of the person I am. I can wear any clothes I want, not wear any makeup in public, and be a goofy-looking crazy person when I’m out and about with my friends. I am not embarrassed to sing in between classes because I know that even if it does catch someone’s attention, they most likely don’t even know my name. They will just think of me as “the weird singing little blonde girl”. And I could care less. I am proud of my ability to push myself past my “limits”. For example, there was a kid that confronted me and told me he liked me. Because I truly didn’t feel the same way, I had to tell him the truth and in some way...reject him. It hurt to see his smile fade away as I said “no”, but it was something that needed to be done. I treated it like ripping off a bandage, and rightfully so. Now we are friends and seeing him everyday isn’t awkward at all. I just try to live by the motto: “It’s only awkward if YOU make it awkward”, which is so true. This “situation” of sorts happened pretty recently and it was one of the first times I was open and honest in an uncomfortable time. This affected both me, my friends, him, and whomever he decided to rant to.
My legacy...well, I think my legacy will be evident in my future family. I hope to marry and start a family one day, and my legacy will be passed on through genetics. Hopefully my legacy will live on in people’s memories. Maybe one day, I’ll move to a place where I’ll be part of a community that knows each other inside and out, so that someone will remember me and shed a few tears at my funeral. Depressing wishes, I know. But that’s the reality of it. I just want someone to think of me, of what I great influence/sister/daughter/wife/mother/grandmother I was, and to smile at the very thought of my name.
Since the beginning of time people have questioned all living things’ existence including themselves. The age old question “Why am I here” has crossed my mind once or twice in the duration of this year alone. Mostly because I was clueless on the topic and felt like I didn’t belong. But in most cases, this question is referenced to a broader spectrum like the meaning of one’s existence in comparison to the universe. People do have a purpose, in my perspective. Their beating heart is destined to offer something more than just leisure activities. Brilliant minds of all kinds are intended to be put in use for something more than video games and sports. 7 billion Intellectual souls roam the earth just waiting to contribute something more to the environment or society.
ReplyDeleteThe 14th Dalai Lama’s quote makes perfect sense because it is something I also see truth in. Theoretically the idea is flawless and hopeful. But in reality, there will always be those who waste away their life, contributing nothing more than unfathomable acts of sin. However in my heart I still believe, if not today or tomorrow, one day each person should find a passion, a reason to live and survive, that shows them why they were placed on this planet.
From the time I could speak, I chose not to use my words. I have always been a little shy and quiet which may make everything I say next more understandable. I let others speak before because it seemed everyone had something to say. Even at the young age of 11, it seemed there was more drama than anyone could wrap their minds around. Nevertheless not-so-unspoken comments fluttered silently around until conflicted friends sought help. From me. Now my point to this is not that I am tired of the constant complaining and relationship problems. But the opposite, I became a closed book of all the little “secrets”, or subtly placed conversations, I learned of through mindless venting from each person who came into contact with me. And now even in high school, each time I come into contact with a new person, their life story begins to pour out of them within moments of meeting. My aunts and uncles used to say id make a great therapist, and I’ve always considered it. But the dilemma would be I would feel terrible because at times, my speechless self is ever slightly more speechless in pressing matters. Regardless I still hope I helped with the few words I did use and will continue to encourage forward.
My greatest contribution has to be the act of listening. It’s easy for others to share their conflicts because they know I will truly listen and if they don’t want to talk about it say no more. I have always thought this as such a simple thing, which I only recently noticed, meant nothing more than being a good friend and listener. I now realize it’s becoming more difficult to have privacy and sympathy towards such cliché but personal matters when everyone is put in the spotlight of social media. However I still have no idea why people see me as “easy to talk to” because I barely talk and when I do I doubt it’s any great philosophical advice and I may never know, so I guess I will just have to accept it.
In addition, this year for some reason Bunje, you think I see things differently, or so you said when you took a look at my writing. And I think I am finally realizing what you mean. Sometimes I find myself seeing things people in the high school mindset don’t realize at the time. So if this is another contribution in which I can help others see clearer somehow, I hope to continue possessing this thing that I don’t know what exactly to call it or is even real.
I don’t know what my legacy will be, only time will tell. I don’t know what I WANT my legacy to be. There are a million unexplainable variables in the world that allow a single moment to happen. Who am I to tell the future of my aspirations, because in the end things change. And I like to believe if it’s not for the better it’s not the end. And of course that’s not true in some cases but all we have is optimistic dreams that we can choose to chase.
Dina, you really do see things differently, and I find that inspirational. You have what is referred to as an "old soul" which probably comes from all the listening you do, and also partly just because of who you are. It's quite remarkable, though. Using that power to help people is what I think your legacy will be, and honestly, probably already is. <3
DeleteAww thanks Bunje, without you i would have never seen clearly myself. You're AMAZING!!
DeleteAww thanks Bunje, without you i would have never seen clearly myself. You're AMAZING!!
DeleteI never thought what I did ever impacted the world but I definitely think that some of the things I've done have impacted others. I've helped others in little ways. I hope that what I did for them helped them. In a way I guess I'm contributing to the world because I'm spreading my knowledge to others. That might be a little too far stretched but I don't think that contributing to the world means doing heroic acts. It can be anything that you do that helps another person. Little things can mean a lot to another person and helping someone can make them happy. As corny as this is, nothing's more beautiful than spreading happiness to others.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before when I was talking about my dream for the future but when I'm older I want to open a clinic in Vietnam and help those that are not able to afford health care as well as improve the health system over in Vietnam. That's for the future though. I'm hoping that this dream does become reality but I have no idea what will happen. Maybe I'll decide to do something completely else. I just know that I want to do something that'll let me impact others in a big way. If i don’t end up opening my own clinic or doing something big, I hope my kids will be my legacy. Hopefully I taught them as best as I could and they’ll be inspired to do something too.
For some reason, when I read the last part of the post I thought about this event that happened during the fourth grade. It wasn't really an event, more of like a meeting. One day in the fourth grade, a new girl came to my class. My teacher assigned her seat next to the person behind me. For some reason, something compelled me to become friends with her. We hit it off pretty well and we've been friends ever since. I'm not going to say who the girl is but I thought of her when I read the blog because I thought "what would have happen if I didn't become friends with her?". She was completely new to the school so she had no friends. I want to think that because of me I made her first day at a new school a little better. If she reads this hopefully she'll agree to it.
I believe in HH's idea about everyone in this world contributing for the continuation of beauty and prosperity in this world. Even the bad people who grow up in our societies contribute for the "greater good," in a sense, because, through their bad behavior and actions, they provoke others to take them down and destroy the negativity hence maintain the beauty and the prosperity. I don't know how true that is, but in a perfect world that's how it goes. But having said that, I believe I have not contributed well enough for this world and the reason is what you, Ms. Bunje, don't want us to say: I'm just a teenager and I have not lived long enough to do enough that can be entitled as proper contribution to the world. Especially during these times, as a young adult you simply lack too much "power" to do anything now. Teens never really had "freedom," but they have never been so forced into a stereotype as they are today. And the stereotype of a teenager is to go through school and college and then get a job. No one mentions alternate options, as if there are none. Personally, I'm choosing the road to college, so the stereotype doesn't concern me much, but it does to my peers and it is slowly becoming a problem.
ReplyDeleteBut other than not living long enough to actually be able to accomplish things, the only contribution I can think of that I unwillingly and unnoticeably partook in is the strive towards assuming a scholarship through both academics and athletics (more so through athletics, but I'm keeping my grades up just in case). I joined crew freshman year and now I'm stuck with it, and it hurts. (Literally! Right now as I struggle to type because of my newly developed blisters, I am in pain!) But it's fine. I don't care about the pain (too much), but it has become my ticket to a scholarship, that is if I manage to purchase the ticket. But, anyway, the way this is a contribution is that I dedicate myself to the sports and to the school so I increase my chances of getting a scholarship which means my parents will have to pay less, making them save some money and hence my contribution. But how does this contribute to the world in a positive way? Well, not paying money for college sets me in a good position as well, making me less stressed than necessary. So, without the excess stress, I will be able to get my degree(s) in "peace" and eventually get a job. At least that's my plan. After that I'll have family and kids and when I have kids I plan to get them through all the good and dumb experiences in life and teach them things as they go. I plan to leave my legacy behind through my kids. This is a bit of a stretch because I don't even know if I'll have kids, or if I'll even physically be able to have any, but I general I want to leave my knowledge and experience behind to someone so that someone can pass it down to someone else later on.
STOP LISTEN--my blog is irrelevant, please, listen to everything I am about to type: Do not consider Temple unless you are freaking crazy.
ReplyDeleteI am child of god-maybe, probably, definitely, not really. Everything I do has nothing to do with god, but thank you for the Buddha reference; that’s my mans. It has come to my attention that people keep saying that “I pretend not to care” well fu for that...anyways. I do a lot for the people I love, even the people that mean little. I try. I want to try. The people in my life really freaking matter, a lot. I get what I need to get done for myself, of course, because I matter a heck lot. But, I will maneuver any obstacle or task or whatever I have in every way so that the people in my life feel like a priority because they are. People matter and you should treat people as such. That’s what I do, I make the people in my life feel like a priority because they 100% are. The best thing that I have contributed is everyone I have ever met and everything I push aside for them. Those people matter to me and they are my little contribution of beauty.
I will do something probably fantastic or possible not. Depends really since I have no clue about my future and if you really really wanted me to type it, it would look like “jsdhfdsfjhdsjfhskas” because that’s usually how conversations about my future get to. “Will” is a dumbass word. I am writing this with much frustration, but what else is new? I will try to do something great. I will try to not ruin it. I ruin good things. Probably out of fear, but I don’t know. Thinking of my future is so nutty and so ridiculous.
I love HH’s idea about contribution and I agree. This is strange coming from me taken that a lot of people don’t like me and I probably don’t like some of them back, but people and animals and stupid ugly flowers all contribute a little beauty to this rock we call Earth. Everyone, has brought a smile to someone else’s face. That’s beauty. That is contributing beauty. Everyone, has smiled. That also does the same. There’s a lot of evil in this place, but there’s a lot of love.
I don’t really know what I want so this legacy question wasn’t making it any easier, but thanks for that. Legacy? Hmm.. I want to be known for not giving a damn but caring the hell out everything. I really don’t know if that makes sense, but hell yes it does. I said hell quite a bit in a blog with Buddha so sorry, big mans. Have a good day, this blog makes little sense so thank you for that. Love you too.
I’ll start this with a little disclaimer. I am writing this in a very saddened mood and I am tired and a little stressed. I don’t know if that is going to affect my writing, but I just wanted to say that. If i get in my feels and/or I rant in the middle of this post, you now know why. Also, it’s 10:40 and I am just started (very related to my saddened mood) so if it’s looking good and then it goes to shit, you also know why.
ReplyDeleteI believe the guy. (You will not believe how long it took to spell believe correctly) I agree with what HH says. Basically, that cliche, everything happens for a reason, applied to all nouns. Everybody, everything serves a purpose in the world. I agree with this 100%. Nothing is for nothing. No matter how significant or insignificant, large or small, important or unimportant, everybody and everything hold a purpose in life, society, and/or the world. Sorry Bunje, you may have just thrown up a little from the grammar used in that sentence, but I think it got my point across. Even down to shut ins, people who do not leave their homes for anything serve a valid purpose in society. Without them, the phrase “shut in” would not exist, the people who buy them groceries would have nobody to buy groceries for, delivery people would have a huge drop in the number of deliveries they have. Look, three valid purposes for people who literally never leave the house if that does not tell you that everybody serves a purpose, I don’t know what will.
As for me, what do I do? Nothing. I go to school, if I’m invited somewhere I go, and then I go home. It’s pretty boring. What I try to do in school and when around most people is the more important part. My goal is to make people smile. Actually, just in some way positively react to my actions. Whether it be excitement laughter, or just a smirk, I love to affect people in a positive way. I am wording this very weirdly but it is the only way i know to keep it this vague. I do not need people to bust out in laughter every time I say something, (although i would like it) I just live for the smiles and excitement. I’m that easy to please. The other day, i walked up to a friend, and I said my normal greeting Hey...How ya doing? And she said, better now that you’re here. I was so gassed. It’s such a small sentence but it made me feel better than most things that anyone has ever said to me. When Bunje tells me things along the lines of you make people happy, (IDK any specific things she has said to me at all for some reason *yikes emoji* *Laughing emoji*) that really makes my day. It is because that is what I live for, that is what keeps me going to school everyday, that is what makes me like school more than home sometimes. (if school didn’t involve work or learning I probably would like it completely more than school) Something just happened that really scared me and then pissed me off beyond belief in the middle of writing and I completely lost my train of thought, but I just love to make people happy. #MostLikelyToBrightenUpYourDay2k17
What do I want my legacy to be? Honestly, I wanna be a Bunje. If I was reading someone else’s blog post and they said that I would probably think, “dickeat dickeat dickeat” but I am serious, I wanna be like Bunje. No I do not want to be a Lang teacher, and I don’t want to do anything in the English field because I hate reading and writing ;). But the way she can just make anyone in the school feel better, she gives anyone in the school someone to talk to, she’s made “204” into a safe place for all students where we can skip class, stay after school, handle emotional issues. I wanna be that person, the one that can make everyone happy. My joy comes from the joy of others. And Bunje creates Joy in others, so basically I wanna be a Bunje when I grow up.
Manny--you are gonna be so much more than me. And that is totally a good thing!!! Thank you <3
DeletePS--I think I know what dickeat means but...ewwwww.
I believe that science is related to every aspect of life someway, somehow. Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Similarly in life, any action would produce a reaction. Triggering an action or a reaction may or may not produce an alternate reality (depends on the magnitude of the action) where the future is different than the current reality’s. Therefore, it is evident that any action has a high chance of changing the future may it be for better or worse. I agree that the chance of the action having a big impact is low, but it is still worth a shot. A great and famous example of that would be when Hitler was spared. During WWI, a British soldier found a German soldier wounded and decided to spare his life. That German soldier turned out to be Adolf Hitler. That British soldier didn’t know that he was going to be a mass terrorist. At that very moment, there existed two possible futures that neither the British soldier nor Hitler were aware of: one where he spares Hitler which gives him a chance to kill Jews (real one) or one where he kills him getting rid of the soon-to-be tyrant from the world (which is a drastic change). Even though that British soldier was insignificant to the history and the humanity, he made a big change. I believe that since I am not Adolf Hitler or Donald Trump (really it is Donald Drumpf), my actions probably won’t cause big changes directly. If my actions happen to cause a big change, they would do so indirectly. Therefore, HH’s quote is correct in saying that humans are here to contribute but on different scales. Since the quote is ambiguous, I give him the benefit of the doubt.
ReplyDeleteI like math and science. I like random facts. I like helping people. It would only make sense for me to be a doctor. I have no problems with seeing blood or anything medical. Thus, my legacy would be that I will be known as someone who helped people and/or saved lives with the help of my math and science knowledge. If I am not successful in doing so personally, I at least hope that my knowledge somehow causes others to help people and save lives.
HH’s idea of contribution I believe is right on point. Why would anything exist if not to contribute. That is how we function anyway everyone and everything has a particular job, contribution is what makes the whole world go round. By having a child a women is contributing to society, or by joining the military, or even by doing something bad and an example being made out of it, in some way everyone has a contribution. As for me I do not know where I stand on how I contribute. I do my part of contribution merely as being a listener. I have found some come to me to talk or just to simply be the person to go to that attempts to give them a positive outlook on the situation. Now I do not think that is my part in my contribution to society fully. Being people's listener in situations may be a small part of what I am here to do but in all honesty i do not know what my contributions to society are. I know that I wish I had vast contributions to offer but i don't for now my offer will stay a person that others can go to when in need. my greatest contribution so far the only way i know to answer this is by saying I know I have contributed things in life. But not one single thing I have done outranks the other. I do not yet have a greatest contributions although I have some they are all equally small.
ReplyDeleteMy legacy is not something that I think about often because as far as I know I won't have a legacy. Now legacy in my eyes is how you will be remembered 100 years after you die. Well as morbid as it may sound recently In a conversation the person I was speaking to said well in 100 years no one will remember you anyway so why even get buried. He then went on to explain how you won't even be a thought in anyone's mind your time came to an end and life moved on, unless you are famous you won’t matter. Now I kind of agree with that, I am not going to be famous therefore I really will not have a legacy. If I get the privilege to meet my great grandkids one day what are the odds they would tell their grandkids about me and so on. The odds are very slim so eventually the thought of me and anything I did on this Earth will die out with me. So for my legacy I don't think I truly believe in legacies everyone takes what ever good things or bad things they did with them, I have accepted it. I wouldn't want a bad legacy for doing something terrible that everyone hears about so I am opting for no legacy at all.
The literal meaning of legacy just means something handed down to someone after you die. But, why wait til your dead? I think there is value to thinking about basic contributions to the human race as a legacy because it is still something that you give without thought to what you receive back. Does that change anything for you?
DeleteI agree with HH’s idea, every human being contributes their own part on this Earth. Each human being has the choice to bring beauty and posterity to this world or exactly the opposite. Do I contribute a part on this Earth? My 16 years on this Earth I believe that I contribute a part on this Earth and in my community. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the people that surround me in everyday life. I’ve been more than grateful to meet the people that I have this year. They support/encourage me through everything. These are the people that have an impact on my life and I hope I have an impact in their lives as well. My greatest contribution so far would have to be simply communicating with people. A single word to a sentence can change someone's whole day, of course in a positive way. I’d rather like to see people happy than upset and the best way to do that is through communication. Regardless if the individual wants to relay information to me or not I can just naturally find a way to change that person's mood. It honestly hurts me to see other people upset, its just something I don’t like. I still don't know exactly what legacy I will leave on this Earth. Even after 16 years I'm still trying to figure out who I am myself. I guess I can see myself helping people as I mature in age considering that I usually put others priorities before my own. Why am I here? I believe that I was put on this Earth for a purpose. Whatever I'm destined to be is yet to be told but only the future can tell. Everything that I've been taught /learning should help me down the road in life. I’m young and still learning, mistakes will be made along the way. My legacy is just beginning and I have a longs way to go before I find out exactly what that legacy is destined to be.
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ReplyDeleteI never heard about Dalai Lama and my parent barely know his name. My dad heard about Dalai Lama when he was mention on TV. Even though my family’s religion is Buddhism, we had no clue about Dalai Lama. I agree with Dalai Lama that every living thing has contributed something to the world in different ways. Helping others, leading the people, or working together for a common good cause are a couple of things that I see as a contribution. No matter how big or small the good deed is, it is still a contribution to the world. Also, people may not contribute yet, but sooner or later it will appear before them.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don’t think I made a contribution to the world yet. Would donating money to a charity count? Just Kidding. I been thinking for at least 30 mins and I got nothing. Well, I got some small things. I helped out my friends with social problems and I motivated them to try harder and press forward, but that is it. I help people with school work and math problems. Overall, I just help people in little ways. Some people may find my contributions as weak and pathetic, but I see it as still contributing to the world and changing people’s lives just one step at a time. In the future, I want to create something big that helps the world and the people. The idea could come to me or I must search for it myself.
Speaking about myself, I wanted my legacy to leave a mark on people. Like I want to be remembered for something good I did to the people. Either brighten up their day with my awkwardness or making them smile or laugh with my clumsy self. If I leave a mark on their memories, then I did my job.
I agree with Buddhism HH. I believe everyone is placed on the earth to do something. It’s like the food chain. Everything builds off of the previous thing and so on. If not, then the earth simply wouldn’t function. Well, at least in my eyes. I don’t have the greatest idea of what I do to contribute, because doesn’t it depend on people’s point of view of me? All I can say is what I think I contribute to the world. I contribute love, advice, and kindness. At least most of the time. Sometimes I can be super miserable and I do nothing but be negative, but luckily that doesn’t happen a lot. But whenever I see someone who is sad, I try to help cheer them up. Whenever someone asks me for advice I try to give them the most positive but realistic advice. And lastly I always try to be kind to everyone. The people who don’t really socialize, or the people who seem weird, anyone who is seen as an “outcast” I talk to them. They’re people just like me and everyone else. Why not talk to someone because they aren’t “cool” enough? I just think that’s ridiculous and stupid. HH’s idea isn’t impossible. It can easily be obtained actually, just everyone be kind. Give one compliment a day. Help someone, it can be so small. You can hand someone a napkin, talk to them, smile at them, I don’t know but do something. I wasn’t so sure what my greatest contribution was. I’m not sure if this counts, or even is one. But I think my greatest contribution was to continue spreading love and positivity, and it helped my sister become clean. I’m the baby out of my two sisters, but I’ve always been really mature. Even at a young age. We’ve always been close and she came to me for a lot. While everyone was yelling at her, bashing her, doing everything but support her when she started to use, I continued to be the same old me. I let her know I was still there, I still loved her, and that I’m always going to be there for her. Now she’s almost a year clean, and to see her now makes me so happy just typing this sentence made me tear up. But, that’s the only thing I can think of for my grand contribution. Later on in life I’ll have more to share. My legacy will be known that I always helped others. Helping others makes my soul happy. I want my legacy to be known as that. I want to be known as the person who was always helpful, and helped people get through whatever they needed assistance through. Hopefully Bunj, I’ve made some type of impact in your life, even if it’s making you smile. You’ve made a huge impact in my life, and I hope you understand how amazing you truly are. I seriously wish one day to be at least half the woman you are.
ReplyDeleteMy religion being Buddhism, I have heard of the Dali Lama. And I agree with the Dalai Lama’s statement. People and animals are here to contribute to society in any way they can. It doesn’t have to be a huge contribution, but it can also be a small one. I always ask myself what will I do after I graduate college and step out into the world to pursue my dreams and career. My career being a mechanical engineer, I imagine making new and more reliable prosthetics that can feel more of an arm than just a piece of plastic and some screws. I even imagine building a machine to help stop water pollution by ways of drones. The drones disperse into the depths of the ocean and are programmed to find plastics, metals, even oil by looking for the chemical makeup. But. All that hasn’t happened yet. Those are only ideas so far. But they may be a great contribution one day. Going to more present day scenarios, the contributions I make seem low to what I aspire to do. But in little ways, the contributions I make now help people emotionally, physically, and mentally. I can be a great motivator at times when needed. Specifically in tennis and marching band. I like to make people feel welcome to things that I’m also a part of and show the same equality as if I knew the person years before. I love to help people in any way I can, and if I can do that for a living; I’d want that for my legacy. I want to be remembered in other people’s eyes for what I did for them in positive ways. That’s what I think and want my legacy to be.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone placed on this earth is put there for a reason. Every person has a purpose. There is a reason they are alive and walking on this planet. They do not know it right now, and they may never will, but they are there to impact a person, the environment, animals, etc. They each have a legacy. My legacy? I never really thought about it. I mean honestly, I believe that I am here for a specific reason, I just do not know what. Therefore, I do believe HH’s idea about contribution. It makes a lot of sense actually. To believe that everyone walking this earth has a purpose, it’s true. I honestly had no idea how I contribute until about 2 sentences ago into writing this blog. You said, “don’t wail that you are just a tennager,” but I am. I am only a teenager, meaning I have so much more to contribute to people in the future. But as of from when I was younger to now, I believe I have helped people and contributed in two ways. One by, when I am there for someone who needs it. Helping people is something I love to do. Knowing that you made someone's day, or that you helped a lost soul means everything to me. I hate seeing people upset,down,angry. I hate it. So I try to help in any way that I can. My other reason, it sounds a little whacky, but the fact that I see ghosts is one of the main reasons I believe I was put on this earth. I sound pretty insane but there have been two occurrences where I have actually helped people by seeing ghosts. I see them everywhere, I mean literally everywhere. But every single time someone I know passes away, it is like this sense of either peace, or intense anxiety that something is wrong with them on the other side. I can not explain this feeling, no one can. Last year, I girl my friends knew, she passed away in a car accident. When I heard about it I was very upset. I did not instantly get my feeling of peace or anxiety. However, when I went to her vigil she came to me. This sounds so strange but this stuff really happens to me. It’s like Theresa Caputo the medium on tv, just dialed down a lot. I had the feeling someone was there standing next to me and someone else's words, her words, were whispered into my head over and over. “I’m okay,” she said, “I’m okay.” She just get repeating it and after that a rainbow appeared in the sky. Not caring if the family was going to believe me or not, I was going insane not saying anything so I told them. They cried and couldn’t believe it. I believe that this is why I am here. This is what I have to contribute to the world.
ReplyDeleteIt is March 10, 2016, a Thursday, and I am posting this blog a day late and the reason for that is because I went this whole day thinking today was Wednesday. Why? I have no idea. My TSTD was written in pencil in study hall and now my blog is a day late, go Heather. My point being, there is a reason behind that. I just don’t know what the reason is yet. Just like how there is a reason each and every one of us are put on this earth. I may become something or someone amazing, Abby Silver may become some super famous singer, Taylor Van may possible become a comedian, and Andrea may start washing her fruit before she eats it.
ReplyDeleteI support HH’s idea in its entirety because I believe we all have a reason. We all have goals. We all have our own characterists and we all contribute to this thing we call life. Some people stay up all night thinking of a person and that person sleeps the whole night never knowing they are missed. And that’s the crazy thing about this universe. We may never know, but there is a reason behind it all. There is a reason we are here and here in this time period. We may not know yet, may already know, or may never know, but its there. That something is there.
I do not know exactly why I am here. I know I am contributing in some way, shape, or form, but I don’t exactly know how yet. I love my friends and family and I know they all love me back. Maybe I am here just to spread love? I don’t know. Or maybe in 10 years I will invent something crazy and that will be my contribution.
I hope everyday I make at least 3 people smile. I hope I can contribute to at least 3 different people and their happiness. Being nice, just contributing by being nice, can make a huge change.