Nicholas: Realizing that putting others first is in my DNA
In her powerful and moving poem, “The Hill We Climb,” Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman said, “The new dawn blooms as we free it, for there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it If only we're brave enough to be it.”
I have kept my optimism and pursuit of helping others throughout this challenging year. I can not complain because even though I am devastated by not going to school in person, seeing my friends, and participating in extracurricular activities, I know that there are others less fortunate and others that have lost loved ones. I have reserved my energies to helping those in need beginning within my own family.
My 80-year-old grandparents have done so much for me, my parents, and my siblings. If it were not for their sacrifice of coming to this country from Mexico, we would not be here. I recognize their sacrifice every day.
During the pandemic, I saw them impacted tremendously. Their routine of going to the store, socializing with their friends, going to their doctor’s visits, and their peace of mind, disappeared. I have found ways to help my grandparents keep physically and mentally active. What is the most amazing is that, along the way, they have taught me so much about how they grew up. Their inspiring stories and life lessons will be in my heart forever. So I ask myself, “Did I help them, or did they help me?”
One can assert that the pandemic has been terrible and that the death and devastation it has caused are horrifying. However, I hope we hang on to the humanity that this pandemic has caused and that we recognize the compassion and support we have offered to each other. I have learned important lessons that I will not put away after the pandemic is over.
I have made a promise to my grandparents that from now on until I go to college, we will play “Loteria” every Wednesday night and that on Saturdays, we will dedicate part of our day to cleaning our yard. For me, this year of devastation has been a year of reflection and of identifying what is truly important in our lives. I have been brave enough to see the light of a new dawn.