All of us have the qualities to be compassionate. For me, compassion, having the ability to
recognize when other people are suffering or going through a difficult time, and then having the
genuine motivation to want to help without asking for anything in return. However, if humans
followed this golden rule, there would be no wars, or abuse towards animals and vulnerable
people. Although sometimes the world seems to be overwhelmed with wars, hate, division and
discrimination, we cannot lose faith in the goodness of people. Compassion is important in our
society because it maintains hope for a better tomorrow. For example, there are organizations
that help rescue animals, people with disabilities etc. More importantly, all of us have the power
to be compassionate no matter how big or small our actions may be.
Throughout my life, I have strived to show willingness to help others. For instance, a personal
experience that shaped my life occurred when my mom and dad took me and my sister to a town
near Mexicali, Mexico, to take donations to share with people in need. I helped my dad pack
bags filled with clothes, shoes, toys, and other essentials into the truck. Having never been to an
impoverished town in Mexico before, I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived at a church
in the town, people kindly helped us unload the donations. Many houses had dirt floors, tiny
rooms, and children wearing worn-out shoes. It was an emotional moment for me. They were
people, just like me and my family. Looking back, I think the emotion I felt was compassion,
because I felt happy when I did a little bit to help others. I also remember playing with those
children on the street with marbles and a soccer ball, they were also happy to share time with us.
When I was in elementary school, I was also the recipient of compassion. Being called out by a
speech pathologist in elementary school for therapy is a personal experience that helped shape
my life. I was diagnosed with a speech impediment called stuttering. It was emotionally
challenging to be looked at differently by my teachers and peers, and when one kid said, quote ;What
is wrong with him? unquote; my self-esteem declined drastically. A friend always stood by me to provide
emotional support; he got the bullies away from me. This event changed my life because I
understood that only through hard work and dedication would I be able to overcome my
stuttering problem, or at least demonstrate improvement where others would not be able to tell
that I stutter. I had a choice: give up, or show resilience. I got my boost of confidence and sense
of accomplishment when, in my sophomore year of high school, I no longer needed speech
therapy; I met my goals, and I was so proud. I realized that a positive mindset can go a long way.
I have to thank my friend, parents and speech pathologist for having compassion.
|
