For this class, we had to create an entry to the "This I Believe" segment on NPR. This is my entry about a moment in my life when I witnessed something that helped to make me the person that I am today. I have also included the link to the audio if you are so inclined to listen to it.
http://sites.psu.edu/alexjanicksblog/files/2013/01/My-Song.m4a
My parents have always believed that the only way you can coexist with others, is to always treat them with respect. Many refer to this as the golden rule; I refer to it as the teachings of my childhood. The basic beliefs that were bestowed upon me as a child all centered around the theme that being kind to others is the only way to be.
Growing up, I found it shocking that not a lot of people had been exposed to this basic kindness as I thought. It was hard for me to maintain my belief that everyone should be treated equally when I wasn’t being extended that same respect by the majority of children my age. However, I held my ground and stood tall in my beliefs. But there was one event that tested me more than any other could have. My family was on a trip and we had stopped at a Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. The Dunkin Donuts was staffed with Indians who spoke broken English and therefore had trouble understanding some of the orders. Both of my parents, whom I had thought to be pillars of caring and respect, became impatient with one of the Indian men behind the counter after he had tried a few times to understand the order and hadn’t been able to get it all. This may seem a small event and a part of everyday life, but I was in Middle School and thought that as long as I know that my parents are able to stay strong in their respect for everyone, then I can too.
Out of this event, I came to realize that my parents were only human and that I too, was prone to these moments of impatience, even though I don’t like to admit it. After this event, I have continued to treat others with the respect I believe they deserve as human beings, regardless of who they are. And even though I am human and therefore prone to moments of impatience and weakness, all things still deserve respect. And this, I believe.
http://sites.psu.edu/alexjanicksblog/files/2013/01/My-Song.m4a
My parents have always believed that the only way you can coexist with others, is to always treat them with respect. Many refer to this as the golden rule; I refer to it as the teachings of my childhood. The basic beliefs that were bestowed upon me as a child all centered around the theme that being kind to others is the only way to be.
Growing up, I found it shocking that not a lot of people had been exposed to this basic kindness as I thought. It was hard for me to maintain my belief that everyone should be treated equally when I wasn’t being extended that same respect by the majority of children my age. However, I held my ground and stood tall in my beliefs. But there was one event that tested me more than any other could have. My family was on a trip and we had stopped at a Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. The Dunkin Donuts was staffed with Indians who spoke broken English and therefore had trouble understanding some of the orders. Both of my parents, whom I had thought to be pillars of caring and respect, became impatient with one of the Indian men behind the counter after he had tried a few times to understand the order and hadn’t been able to get it all. This may seem a small event and a part of everyday life, but I was in Middle School and thought that as long as I know that my parents are able to stay strong in their respect for everyone, then I can too.
Out of this event, I came to realize that my parents were only human and that I too, was prone to these moments of impatience, even though I don’t like to admit it. After this event, I have continued to treat others with the respect I believe they deserve as human beings, regardless of who they are. And even though I am human and therefore prone to moments of impatience and weakness, all things still deserve respect. And this, I believe.
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