The author Henri Nouwen discusses a life-changing experience he had when he started helping a handicap adult named Adam who could not speak or
walk. He lived in a community with such handicap adults so he was asked to help
wash, feed, and care for Adam. As time passed, Mr. Nouwen slowly started
discovering what life is about. As he cared for Adam, he began realizing how
incredible of a gift life is. Adam spoke to him in a language that Mr. Nouwen
did not know he could understand; Adam told him “how hidden, vulnerable, and
deep life is.” Adam offered him a hope that “can form a very strong bond among
people who are willing to go where life is fragile and hidden.”
Mr. Nouwen gets across his view that he is a “yes to life”
person; which is why he chose to help Adam. He notes that if people really are
committed to saying yes to life, then they shouldn’t be afraid or hesitant to
help others; they are “going to have to become a person who chooses it (life) when it
is hidden.” As RA’s, one of the reasons we are chosen I believe is because of
our sense of understanding and outreach. We are open minded and can get along
with those that are outgoing and to those that are shy and speak very little; we are not afraid
to get involved. Mr. Nouwen would say that in our roles as RA’s, it is in those
that are “hidden” and quiet in which we may find the most meaningful and strongest bonds.
Therefore I think in our duty as RA’s, Mr. Nouwen would
encourage us to motivate not only the outgoing and most social (who are more
willing to become involved) but more the quietest and shyest individuals to
become involved in the community. All first-year students should make an impact
in their house community and other groups at Carnegie Mellon but we should make
sure those more introverted realize their involvement is just as valued and wanted
as others, regardless of how many friendships they form. In my point of view,
the bond between two individuals can be greater than the friendship between
many.
No comments:
Post a Comment