My non-classmate, Amanda Zdun's, blog post:
In the past year, I have come to the realization that life is too short to
not cherish the things you love. Since the passing of my father, I have looked
at life through a new perspective. The people you love will not be around
forever so cherish those precious moments you have with them. Family and
friends are the most important things in my life. Family will always be there
for you and will love you unconditionally even if they hate you some days. They
would do whatever it takes to make sure you are okay and happy. They will
always be the first ones there right when you need them, even if they live in
another state. You're family supports you in everything you do and are always
your number one fans. You never realize how much you love someone until they
are gone, so show them every opportunity you get because it may be your last
chance. Most people will brush this off and say 'Oh nothing bad will happen to
them because they're healthy and happy' until they're gone and you were forced
to learn the hard way like I did.
Friends are the few people you count on to be there for you whenever you
need them. When there is something you don't want to tell your family, a friend
will be there to lend the listening ear or the shoulder to cry on. A good
friend is one that picks you up when you are down and makes you laugh when all
you want to do is cry. When family isn't around, they're the first people you
call. they will support you in every decision you make but will be truthful and
tell you when you're wrong. Your parents treat your friend as if they are their
own child. They come to all the family gatherings and birthday parties because
your whole family asks where they are when they are not with you. At this point
you no longer have a friend, you have another family member. The friends you
have that become family are so important, make sure you share how much they
truly mean to you. Life is too short too hold back your feelings, so love with
all your heart and speak your mind often.
Like I said in the first sentence, life is too short to not do what you
love. Many people have hobbies such as playing an instrument, knitting, or
playing sports. I love the game of soccer. If I could play everyday until the
day I die I would. It makes me so happy and I never get sick of it, even after
already playing for 12 years. The endorphins released when you exercise
diminish the perception of pain, it's like a drug but better because you can't
get addicted. Endorphins make you a happier person as well. Exercising, such as
playing a sport or just running, reduces stress, depression, anxiety, and
boosts your self-esteem. Whenever I am feeling down or just not myself, I go
and play soccer. I forget about everything that is on my mind and I am only
focused on the game. Once my dad passed, I lost my drive to play. Everything in
my life ceased for a while because I didn't know how to handle the emotional
toll and stress of losing a parent. During this time period I was asked to
commit to a school to play soccer at the division 1 level, but because I was in
a slump, I declined all offers and chose the school closest to home. Once I
realized my mistake it was too late. I was in season for basketball and I took
over a week off. Once I realized that my father would have wanted me to
continue to do what I loved and not mope around, I started playing again. Not
very well but it made me feel better, it kept my mind off the world around me
for a few hours and I was able to smile again. Even when bad things happen in your
life, you shouldn't quit doing the things you love. That will only make things
worse.
Do what you love and love the people in your life unconditionally because
one day it may all be gone.
My Response:
I really enjoyed reading this non-classmates post for many
reasons. First, I really liked what she started off talking about. When she
says, “life is too short to not cherish the things you love”, I truly agree
with that. To start, going through high school, I would spend time with my
family, but I would kind of just go through the motions. For example, Sunday
dinners at my grandmothers house became a norm to me that I never was really
appreciative of the time the family was spending together. All the laughs, the
stories, and the arguments were never looked at as something special. Now,
sitting in my dorm room looking back to last year, I have learned that each and
every moment spent with my loved ones is a moment that I should cherish and
hold true to my heart. When Amanda begins to talk about the passing of her
father, I begin to think about how hard that must have been for her. Senior
year of high school and the beginning of college is the 2 times that you would
need your dad most. Nothing is scarier than committing to a school and starting
a new life away from home. Thinking about going through that experience without
my dad makes me feel empty. I value his opinion so dearly. When Amanda says how
family will always be there for you, she wasn’t kidding. That is something else
that I really agree with. I can get into a huge fight with my mother and 10
minutes later things can be fine. Family is family and no matter what they will
have your back. They are the ones in this world that love unconditionally. Personally,
so far this year I have had a very hard time being away from my family. It’s
funny because I never thought I would miss them so much. Like I was saying
before, I used to go through the motions during family dinner, not treasuring
the good company. But, now when I am home on breaks, I spend nearly every
second with my family because I know that is what’s important.
Continuing on, I always really agree when Amanda talks about
friends. She says how “Your parents treat your friend as if they are their own
child. They come to all the family gatherings…” I specifically wanted to
respond to this expert of Amanda’s post because of the relationship my roommate
and I have. This past weekend, I had gone home with her. Besides the fact that
we are best friends, I couldn’t be more grateful for how her family treats me.
Over the weekend, I went out to dinner with her and her family for her
grandparent’s birthday. They made me feel so welcomed and like a part of the
family. It’s so comforting to know that even when I am 3 and a half hours away,
I still have a home. Also, because I have school this year the week proceeding
and the week after Easter, I am unable to go home. My roommates family invited
me to spend Easter Sunday with them and I could not be more grateful and
excited. Its something like that that goes such a long way.
Finally, Amanda talks about doing what you love. Within the past
year, I have learned a lot as well. I have a job at a physical therapy office
back at home and I absolutely love it. My passion is helping people and I am so
happy and grateful that I was exposed to this experience prior to college
because this helped me in deciding my major. Now, being a radiology major, I
will be able to earn a degree turning my passion into my profession and personally,
I think there is nothing more rewarding than that.
Overall, when Amanda says, “Do what you love and love the people
in your life unconditionally because one day it may all be gone”, I 100% agree.
You may never know when something in your life might dramatically change so I
have learned to never take any experience lightly, cherish my past and my
present, and love. I’ve learned to love my life because when I sit down and
think about it, it’s pretty amazing.
