Given the Chance by Hayley

Given the Chance by Hayley - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Given the Chance

If I could have dinner with a historical figure and I could choose who ever I wanted, who is it that I would choose? Would it be Marilyn Monroe, the beautiful actress, singer and model? Or how about one of the most famous Presidents in history, Honest Abe. Or quite possibly one of the most fearsome human beings to walk this earth, Adolf Hitler. The one thing they have in common is a life well lived. Maybe cut short unfortunately but each just as unique as the other. No matter how enticing it would be to prick their minds and understand more of what they were thinking or whether they would change anything, I would arguably have to say I would choose neither of these three. The one historical figure who intrigues me the most would be the lovely Mother Teresa.
I’m sure majority of us have heard her name. Whether it be on a commercial, in history class or even over the news. She was true to her faith and did what she felt she needed to do to help others. Why? Because she wanted to, she didn’t help others for fame or to receive anything in return. Rather than receiving anything she at one point left her convent to live full time amongst those less fortunate in Calcutta. Where her and a handful of other nuns had to live with little to no income and at times had to even beg for food and money. Now one thing I would ask her is why? Why did she give up the comfort of her convent, and what was it that she saw in those struggling and less fortunate. In my life I try to give back and do what I can for those who have little to nothing but I could never make a difference like Mother Teresa has. I would choose to have dinner with her to ask how it was she was able to make such a difference and impact. What was the most challenging situation she had ever faced? Was it difficult at times to know what the right thing to do was or even what the right path was for her to take?
The main two reasons I would ask her of all people to come to dinner with me is to ask if given the chance, would she have chosen a different road for herself. Personally I feel she would tell me “Never”. She was a loving soul and cared for every person she came into contact with. She gave to others what most never give their entire lives! She is a role model in so many ways. Not just as a human being but the life to live in faith. The last thing I would ask is how I can change my life to give more to others. What is it that I can do to give back to those who need it most? Mainly how is it that I can be more like her in the way she viewed lives and the worth of those less fortunate. I would love just an evening with her to listen to her stories. About her life and journey. Along with those she helped. She was a remarkable woman and it would be a blessing and honor to be able to just speak with her one time. Given the chance I would choose Mother Teresa every time.