Appreciate the Little Things, They Matter! by Samantha

Appreciate the Little Things, They Matter! by Samantha - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
With deadlines constantly building and time constantly moving, it sometimes feels impossible to remember that life is about having fun and enjoying your surroundings. Often times, when stress builds individuals forget that you only live once - life is supposed to be spent doing things you love, with people you love. Life cannot always be about worrying what next week will bring, but instead enjoying every minute, taking in your surrounding and just enjoying your time. As a graduate student, I sometimes forget that life is not all about grades and worrying about tomorrow. This quote brings me back to reality when I begin panicking about my future.
Through this quote, John Lennon portrays a reality that many people forget - life is what happens when you are not paying attention. While I have always loved this quote, it really hit me while I was studying abroad in Perugia, Italy during my undergraduate career. My first two weeks there were spent crying and panicking because I was not at home with my loved ones. My mother sent me this quote after a tearful phone call, practically begging her to buy me a plane ticket home. I realized immediately what she meant by this – this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I was more concerned about what was going on at home instead of enjoying my time in Italy. From that point on, I took my phone out only to check in with my mom at home or take pictures. I realized I would never get an experience like that again and I needed to enjoy it while I had the time. I could not dwell on not being home with my friends and family, I had to be thankful for the opportunity I was given and enjoy every single moment of it, I could not let it pass. After that night, I had the most wonderful time, I made friends with locals, saw beautiful sights from Florence and Tuscany, all the way to Naples and Capri, and I enjoyed every breath of air, every bite of food, and every sip of wine that I could. By the end of the trip, I was crying because I had to leave, not because I went.
This quote has also gained more meaning for me after noticing the power of smart phones in society today. I see my friends distracted by their phones instead of enjoying the company and the time we all get to spend together. I see my 17-year-old cousin so enticed by her phone, she cannot be away from it for more than a few minutes – she even uses her phone while she is showering or at the movie theatre. I realize how much people miss while spending so much time on their phones. For example, my friends and I play a game where we call out a silly word when a car goes by with one headlight out at night. Many times, my friends are so involved with their phones, they miss every opportunity and get upset because they have lost that round. However, when we tell them to pay attention, talk to us instead and enjoy the music, they say, “no thanks” and go right back on their cell phones.
This quote has become a mantra in my life. To keep my eyes open and enjoy every sight I see, enjoy my friends and family while they are around, enjoy my education and my time learning, and to enjoy the simple things in life. Instead of worrying about getting a job or passing that test, I take my time and do my best. I talk to people and learn everything I can because no one ever knows what tomorrow will bring. Spending so much time planning and worrying takes away from the positive aspects of life, and I feel if more people lived with this quote inside of their heads, more people would lead happier, less stressful lives.