Hope

I recently attended a field trip at school. The idea behind this trip was to connect students, mainly freshman and sophomores, to their peers around them. A group of students are chosen to participate in various activities that enable them to openly express their feelings in a comfortable setting. Out of respect for those involved I will not share exact details of what was shared but rather my experience.

I have participated in this project for the past two years as a anonymous guide for my fellow students. Currently I am a member of an organization known as The PEACE (Protecting Every Abused Child Everywhere) Project. Members like myself are invited to help the students around us be more comfortable and open to the day's activities. Our main objective is to give the students a comfortable place to discuss any issues that they may face.

The first year I participated in this activity I was very unsure what to expect. These students are the ones that sit behind me in class or a few tables away at lunch. I did not know if I would be able to open up to them. I was very wrong however.

Small groups were chosen and teachers were placed with each. In my group there was every type of person you could imagine. One student barely spoke a word while another would not stop talking. Some of my group members were open to the idea of sharing while another prematurely accused us of gossiping about what was said. As we answered the suggested questions, I was amazed to learn about those around me. The struggles faced by some were far worse than anything I have endured.

A year later I returned to participate again. This year, however, I came with expectations. My group participated and I was again amazed by what I heard. These are not random people I do not know but my peers whom I see everyday. I should help these people and appreciate them for they are all unique. Being kind is not something of shame but of wonder.

Hearing their extraordinary tales made me appreciate my own extraordinary life. The life I have is mine, not to be judged but to be lived by only me. My only desire is to live it for the better.