Corinne S., Tower Heights Middle School
Explore the Good
Everyone has a different perspective, or philosophy, on what is needed to have a “happy life”. Lately, I have personally been reflecting on Dottie Yeck’s philosophy, which states, “Being Good + Doing Good = Having Fun + Being Happy”. I agree, but also think it’s important to add “Explore the Good” to Dottie Yeck’s equation. To me, the concept of exploring the good means learning about new cultures, meeting new people, considering new ideas, and finding new opportunities in life.
I try to focus on exploring the good as much as I can in my everyday life. I do this in many ways including joining new clubs and volunteering so that I can learn new skills and meet new people in my community. Clubs and volunteering help me to explore the good locally, but my favorite way to explore the good is globally through travel. Exploring new countries, understanding their traditions, meeting new people, and experiencing their culture, are all ways to explore the good on a much bigger scale. Doing these things with the purpose of better understanding the people and places in our world is extremely important and, I feel, can help everyone to have a happier life.
Two summers ago, I visited Spain with my family for four weeks with the purpose of walking the Camino de Santiago. I was apprehensive to go somewhere where I didn’t speak the language and was worried about how I would communicate with people. I realized that even if I didn’t know the language, we could still have an amazing adventure by exploring the good that this experience could bring. In Spain, we hiked “The Camino” which is an ancient pilgrimage across Spain. Traditionally, walkers are called pilgrims, they carry their belongings with them across the country, staying in small villages, big cities, and sometimes even old monasteries. While my family and I were walking, we met people from all over the world and from all kinds of backgrounds. The Spaniards that lived along the Camino provided encouragement and support to pilgrims in hopes that they would reach Santiago de Compostella. They did this by setting up food and drink stands called “donativos” which provided a moral boost and an opportunity to interact with the locals. Despite the language barrier we were always greeted with a smile and the Camino catchphrase "Buen Camino” which translates to "have a good Camino”. I learned so much about compassion and Spanish culture from these people who I barely knew. I use these lessons on hospitality in my everyday life, at school, with volunteering, and in my friendships.
My plan for a happy life is to continue to travel the world and explore all of the good it has to offer. I plan to do this through volunteering, connecting with people, learning about other cultures, and having new experiences. Exploring the good will help to increase my understanding of the world and find “happy” new opportunities in life.
