en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:08:27 GMT 15 By Geraldne Miranda
Why is it that modesty disappears when society places more value towards an individual? Could it be because this attention makes him feel better than others? Should there be more importance attributed to someone’s actions rather than their words? Many politicians demon-strate this concept once they are elected into office. Throughout their campaign, they continually make significant promises to their constituents. Sometimes these promises are impossible to accomplish, yet they agree to them in order to paint an ordinary picture of themselves to persuade the public. These politicians humble themselves by convincing the people that they are average citizens and therefore their friend. However, most of these bonds developed with those who elected them are often forgotten once in office. This hamartia of humanity can be found everywhere in the world. Ironically, I see this occurring every Sunday when I attend church. For example, the people in charge of organizing church services should be the first to display the quality of humility; instead, they show contrary to that idea. According to common morals, the seniors and disabled attendees should receive quality and priority seating; nonetheless, these "leaders" reserve these places for themselves and friends. Sadly, the principles they promote do not coincide with their selfish actions. New responsibilities and a belief in religion are supposed to lead one to develop self discipline and willingness to help those less fortunate. However, it is more common to see someone who society places little importance to show these qualities of modesty. Going back to my observations in church, last Sunday, I was astounded by the gesture of kindness from a man and his three daughters. They selflessly gave up their seats for three seniors who would otherwise have had to stand during the entire mass. Furthermore, my experi-ences in church can also be applied to school settings. In particular, with the students I have lived with for the past 13 years of my life. While attending the sixth grade at Maryland Elementary, I witnessed someone who I considered my best friend undergo this unfortunate transformation. Moreover, I find it tragic to see this hypocritical approach towards others by students who are hailed for their academic achievements even at the high school level. Many who are considered the best of the best based on their academic success lack this essential trait, humility. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity of reading Le Petit Prince by French author Antoine de Saint Exupéry in which the Little Prince states, "C’est utile à mes volcans, et c’est aussi utile à ma fleur, que je les possède." (It is me being useful to my volcanoes, and it is me also being useful to my flower, that allows me to possess them.) With this, he explains that in order to actually have something such as a leadership position then we must be useful to it. Recently, I have been honored with several prestigious awards that I see as open doors leading me to achieve my goal of being useful to others with my accomplishments. Throughout my life, I have determined my friends through evaluating their genuine humility. It is necessary that we attempt to open our eyes beyond that of our personal bubble and help those in a worse situation than us. If there is something to value about someone, it should not be what they say, but what they actually accomplish to ameliorate not only their own lives but those surrounding it. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 16:18:17 GMT