Words, they are long and short, some ending sentences, some starting them, lots in between. Having taken high school English classes for a few years now, I've learned lots of new words. Example: torture. Definition: Wuthering Heights (sorry to all you Heathcliff fans). Other words too, of course, I already knew. Example: Human. Definition: An animal who communicates via spoken language, generally an omnivore, who produce anywhere from 0-19 children (Michelle Duggar, ahemm).
After taking English classes that initiate deep thinking and experiencing more of life, my previous definitions do not always hold true. Example: Human. New Definition: An animal who is always searching and who has some sort of connection to another human. To clarify, this is a working definition- I have a lot more books to read and life to live before I can say anything for certain. The English class I am currently attending, AIS (an integrated English and US History course) has opened my eyes already to new things.
This passed week, we discussed oral history. We listened to recordings of interviews from people who were effected by the attacks on 9/11/01. Mr. Bolos referred our class to a few different oral history organizations. I got very excited when he mentioned StoryCorps, because I was already familiar with it. For my sophomore English class, I read StoryCorp's compilation of interviews, Listening is an Act of Love. I could not turn the pages fast enough; I highly recommend it. Anyways, the reminder in class prompted me to visit the StoryCorps website.
On it, I listened to excerpts of many interviews, with subjects ranging from coming out to one's parents to the emergence of the afro. One story that impacted me was that of a single father and his son (click here to listen to it). Colbert became a father at the age of 16, and explained to his son, now almost 16 himself, what it was like to raise a child as a teenager.
Their conversation made me think about how little we really know about what we as people are capable of. I myself am just a teenager, and I complain about staying up until midnight and waking up early. Why do I stay up? Well, after my homework is finished, I usually have dessert, and then I might take a shower, and then I'll go on Facebook, etcetera, etcetera. I am not burping a baby, or trying to get my GED online, or coming home from a part-time job I hold so I can pay for my family's rent. Nothing of the sort! And yet, I complain that my backpack is too heavy, or that I NEED the new shirt at Nordstrom, or that my homework is too demanding. My excuses and complaints are indeed legitimate and in many cases sincere, but in the grand scheme of things I am pretty darn lucky.
Listening to Colbert and Nathan's story gave me perspective. No one can possibly know something without something to compare it to. (White is the opposite of black, happy is the opposite of sad, etc.) The more we listen to each other, the more we learn about ourselves. Listening to the Williams' story taught me about how lucky I am, and how capable all people are. I am looking forward to learning more about myself, and helping others learn about themselves in the process.
Good luck in your verbal adventures!
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