The Gift of Giving by Destiny

The Gift of Giving by Destiny - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

When asked what we have learnt in the education institutions we currently attend or have attended, we tend to often reflect upon only academics. From an early age the simple question, "What did you learn at school today?" leads young students to recite the expected answer "Nothing really." or something to that effect. In this controversial time where children are being force fed information and expected to regurgitate answers from memorization, do we actually come across students who actually learn lessons that last for the duration of a lifetime.
Before the seventh grade, I had never met a teacher who bestowed upon me information and guidance that has manage to stick with me to this day. Ms. Cuellar, our seventh grade Ethics and Religion teacher, did not give us information that an individual would associate with a religion lecture. Though there was an evident correlation, Ms. Cuellar provided much more than words expected in a seventh grade Religion class but instead words that gave us a lesson of love and compassion.
The lesson being taught focused solely on giving. We had countless lessons on how we, as members of society, should conduct ourselves. However, none had the effect of this particular class on myself as a growing young female. Christianity, specifically Catholicism, emphasize the importance of giving and the benefits of receiving. Catholics also believe that we should also give back to anyone in need, especially those who are jailed, homeless and sick. As the lesson went on, a fellow classmate of mine asked,
" Why give to the homeless? We don't know what they do with OUR money."
Everyone else shook their head in agreement, as if this was a similar thought circulating in everyone's mind.. Ms. Cuellar did not seem to be phased by this question and her response came without thought. She responded with,
" Giving, if done by the heart, has no question as to where the money went. If you give with your heart and with true kindness, your job is done."
I was taken back by this response because it came so naturally to her and because it was also very true. However, the class was not satisfied with this answer, although I was.On the other side of the room, another question was being asked and Ms. Cuellar pointed at her signalling her to ask her question or make a statement.
"What if they spend the money on bad stuff like drugs or alcohol? Doesn't that make giving sort of bad?"
Again Ms. Cuellar was on her toes and responded quickly, without hesitation.
"When you give and you think someone has the wrong intentions, always give them a word of advice. You can always tell them to, 'Not spend the money on anything not beneficial to their health' or anything along those lines."
Her response made the room silent and everyone seemed convinced, including myself. I began to think that we can't always control what people do with the things we give them in life, but we can always influence them to do the right thing.
My views from that day forward have been altered forever. I see people in a different light and I have made it my personal mission to always give back if I have the materials to do so. I also want to focus my future career as a Journalist, to give back to the community by making them aware. I also, if life permits me, wish to become apart of the Peace Corps where I can give without the limitation of The United States border. There has been times where I have walked around with nothing in my pockets because I gave it all away. I also realized that it is not always about money, but also a kind word or even a snack with a friend that can make a big difference. There is ALWAYS something to give, if you are willing. When I am faced with skepticism for my giving and even friends who may say
" Stop giving away your money, they are all up to no good."
I respond with what I learned that day in Ethics and Religion class from Ms. Cuellar and I say,
"Giving, if done by the heart, has no question as to where the money went. If you give with your heart and with true kindness, your job is done."