Seeing is Not Believing

This past week taught me tolerance. I am not usually good with people my age, and being submerged with over 70 teenagers showed me that.  That being said, this past week also taught me that people are not always what they seem. What you see on the outside may not match what you will get on the inside. Sometimes it does. That is something you would never know if you do not give people a chance. People, in general, are pretty cruel, but that does not mean they all are. This world is too big to write everyone off. Realizing that helps to be more positive about this human race. 

Respect

There are people in this world who believe that just because they are not cleaning up after anyone that they are better. That is in no way true. Whether you are a CEO, or a janitor, should not determine the amount of respect you are given. Age should not determine the amount of respect. Human is human and there is no one who can decide who is not. Some people believe that one needs to give respect to get respect. While this is important, this should not decide if you are not going to respect someone. This all goes along with being the bigger person, but even in everyday situations respect should be given.

For a Friend

To Anyone Who Needs It:

     It is easy to feel lost in this world, or feel like another number. The truth is that your existence has impacted this world greatly. Wherever you have been is not the same because of your touch. Do not, not even for a minute, believe that no one loves you. It's not true. It could never be. Life is going to have rough patches, no matter how good it may get. Just remember that when it feels like you have gone as low as you could go, the only place you can go is up. 

Dying Friendships

Many people say that best friends are the siblings that we cannot choose. With most siblings, there will be fights, arguments, fall outs, and rough patches. The strongest of relationships can withstand these problems. On the other hand, sometimes it is just best to let go. When the letting go does happen, usually after the fall out, it will sting. In most situations, there are two parties. Both are at fault, but one side more than the other. From personal experience, the side that is expecting the apology is the one that least deserves it. Either way, it is important when to know to let go. The most important thing is that it is going to sting. The good thing is that the next day, it will sting less. This will continue until it doesn't sting anymore. When it comes to forgiving and forgetting, sometimes it is better to forget. There are too many beautiful things happening in this world to waste time worrying about people who do not care about you. It is sad, but sometimes the truth doesn't rhyme.

Connection to Ancient Rome

The other day in Latin class, we were having a discussion about Ancient Roman politicians. The conversation was going pretty well until I answered the question of whether or not it was worth it to become a politician at the time. Many people said no because there was a large risk of being killed because of your beliefs. That is understandable. However, I said that I respect people more when they stand by their beliefs. I also said that these same people (Ancient Roman politicians) were seen as martyrs in my eyes. Not all of them of course, but some. This brought on a long pause and some quizzical looks. I believe in standing by what you believe in. As cliché as it sounds, it is true. Being a teenager, or just human, today means there is much pressure of conform and become what you are not. The connection to Ancient Rome is simple. Although bloody wars are not fought for not agreeing with society, people die. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. Stand with what you believe in and stay your true, authentic self. 

Praise

Trahimur omnēs studiō laudis. We are all attracted by the desire for praise. It is true. The main reason we do most things is because we want someone to tell us how great we are. It is nothing to be ashamed of since it is human nature and it starts as a small child. At the same time, it is a plague. We have stopped doing things because we want to. It has turned into doing things based on how much praise will be received. Praise makes people feel good, but it can also turn modesty into arrogance. Praise is the reason why we seek to impress people. In the end, there is no point in all of this 'praise seeking'. People tend to love people who are themselves over people who are someone else looking for praise. Sometimes self-praise is all you need.

It's Getting Hot in Here

I am not sure if I was born in the wrong time period and generation, or I strictly follow my "Modesty is the best policy" rule. It seems that as the days go by, the clothes get shorter and tighter. It gets hot. Everyone knows that, but there are different ways to dress for the weather. I'm not saying everyone should walk around in turtlenecks and moon-boots, but close to nothing is not better. Some people feel comfortable with walking around half naked and some do not. Some people enjoy dressing for other people. At the same time, if you walk around with most of your skin showing, be ready for stares-- both degrading and negative. As for school and work, there is a dress code for a reason. At my school, it is sometimes hotter on the inside, but that does not mean the dress code goes out the window. So many girls come to school with the tiniest shorts and expect that to be okay. When they are sent to get a change of clothes, an argument begins. I feel that this issue is facing us today because sex drives the society-- not thoughts, ideas, and minds.