What Have I Learned This Past Year - 2001
December 31, 2001

Hello All

Every year I write a somewhat insightful letter about what I have learned that past year. As I try to write it this year, I find myself frustrated and confused on what I want to write. I want to include all that has happened in these past few months and on the other hand, I want to write about the simple trivial things in life like I have always done. It seems like I cannot find a middle ground.

September 11 was a horrible event. The loss of life is extremely sad. Moreover, when I think of the patriotism that happened following the events, that makes me teary-eyed. I love how America put the trivial things away for a short time and evaluated what is important to them. Life may be getting back to normal, and to the victims of the attack that may sound like heresy. America will take time for everyone to heal, and that may never come for some. It was refreshing to go away to college this year. I left only five days after the attacks. I had no TV, Internet, or newspaper. It was nice to escape from the reality of the world and try to help new freshman make a transition into college.

The attacks have made me realize that many things in life are trivial. It may have made me a little more reverent these past few months. I will try to continue to lead and inspire people to do new things in their lives. I love getting to know people, and making a difference no matter how small. The most fun I have had at college in the year and a half I have been there was working at a little kid's booth. It was nice to see parents taking their children out for a family event just over a month after the attacks. That proved to me that America is a great nation, filled with many great people. All I ask is take more time with people. Relax more. Listen to what people are saying and try to get to know them. As I walk through campus I smile at people, and too many people just never make eye contact. Try not to be like them. Greet people and hold the door for them. You will be surprised. Everyone says college is different from high school. The only real difference is a mindset. Do not worry about what people will think of you. Some will hate you for no apparent reason, and some might love you a little too much. That is life. A great pianist once wrote, "Happiness is an extreme, like sadness. Try to find contentment." Just go out in the world and try your hardest. You never know. Happy New Year.