Table for Two by Kelsey

Table for Two by Kelsey - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I was given the opportunity to have dinner with a current or former President of the United States, I would enjoy dinner across the table from Abraham Lincoln. We would go to dinner in Springfield, Illinois, in “The Land of Lincoln” where he could see all the tributes to him, walk through the capitol, his house, see his tomb, and walk through the city. I think he would be shocked to see the beautiful Presidential Library in his honor there. After eating the touring Springfield, then we could venture out to Chatham, Illinois, outside of town, where he could walk around where he was raised as a young boy, and see his log cabin home. It would be amazing to ask Mr. Lincoln questions about his experiences and decisions as President. I would enjoy getting to know him, hear about his family, and ask him to tell me about his life growing up in Springfield, Illinois, where my mom was raised. I would be so lucky to be able to get to know the man who changed our country for the better when it seemed completely impossible.

As the 16th President, Mr. Lincoln made a huge impact on not only our country, but all of mankind. He abolished slavery in every state, and recognized that every human being deserved freedom and equal opportunities. Without Abraham Lincoln’s determination and convicted perseverance and relentless leadership, slavery may have continued for many more years and even decades. Because of his focused and unwavering heart for all people, Lincoln persevered through great obstacles and became the foundation for Civil Rights and gave back those natural rights to all people. Abraham Lincoln stood up for what was right, even when the Southern states fought against him.

Within the dinner hour together, I would anticipate asking Mr. Lincoln how he maintained his persistence in his life. I have read many accounts of his numerous failures in life, and have been so inspired by his apparent ability to never give up. Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country. To hear first hand about what he experienced throughout his journey in life, and his view of them and how he rose above, would be an experience of a lifetime.

Throughout President Lincoln’s life, I believe he developed the courage to make such a huge difference and use what inspired him to fight and abolish slavery. I feel that Lincoln and I have very similar views on how to treat people and stand up for what is right. Lincoln believed "all men are created equal." Race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or having a disability, does not play a part in determining someone’s worth and capabilities. Abraham Lincoln showed kindness and concern for all people, even people who were considered to simply be someone’s "property." If I were to be alive during time period in which Abraham Lincoln lived, I would have had a very difficult time seeing human beings being treated with such cruelty. I have a very compassionate heart for others, which is why I admire Lincoln. For the past two years I have worked as an ABA therapist with two boys with Autism. These boys live with severe disabilities that effect them in their daily lives, and I, unfortunately, had to witness them be discriminated against on different occasions. One event that occurred was at a restaurant, while we were on an outing with one of the boys. He began to tantrum, which involved him screaming and hitting himself. One woman who was eating at the table next to us looked at me and said "Why don't you take him home? He shouldn't be allowed in public if he acts like that." This comment broke my heart and deeply offended his family. While some people do not know how to interact with people who have disabilities, I do still believe that they should be respectful. His disability can cause challenges for his family which can be very difficult to manage, but he is still a human being who deserves respect. He should not have to live his life being stuck inside his room everyday, because that isn't healthy for anyone. By getting this boy out and helping him get used to new environments, he will eventually learn to cope with changes.

All human beings bleed the same. We are all made with a purpose and should be given equal opportunity to succeed in the best way we can as individuals. I believe that Abraham Lincoln also believed this philosophy and inspired people all over the world to be kind to one another. While we still have a long way to go to end prejudice, I know that as a nation, a united nation, we will achieve it. With people like Abraham Lincoln in the history and DNA of our country, we are capable of incredible change. After a dinner for two with President Lincoln, I might just be able to be the next voice to make that change.