Running has been my outlet. I began running a week ago, doing it as a way to clear my head during stressful times such as these, as well as to lose a few of the pounds I gained during the less-than-active months of winter.
What I didn't realize was how good I would feel running. I feel as though I am working on something much bigger than just my cardiovascular health. During my runs, I am able to digest my day, because I run right after school. I am able to really think about what has gone on over the course of my school day, and be prepared to go into the night's worth of homework well rested. I am able to become so physically exhausted that I don't think I can go any farther, and yet I get on it and keep on going.
Running is really just a symbol for the rest of my life. When I run, I am allowing myself to get into a mental and physical state of drive, yet peace. I am in the zone, ready to keep going, yet all I am focused on is where I am going. I run most often without a set destination, but rather for the simple enjoyment of hitting the road. I change it up every day, so that I don't become bored with my surroundings.
So far, I have ran on seven days. I have seen some amazing things. Today, I saw a hawk, flying from light post to light post. The grace and beautify of the animal was amazing, and I wanted to be able to run and catch up to it. I can't believe all of the amazing things I see along my path, and I'm glad I have the chance to take these moments to see them.
As I run through my life, I am going to be faced with a lot of hard roads. Sometimes there will be a sidewalk, sometimes I'll have to off-road it. Sometimes I will be alone, and sometimes there will be others running nearby. It will never be easy to go for a run, but it will always make me a better person to kick it into gear, and push myself beyond my limit.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 10th
We had a debate today in AP Psychology. Interestingly enough, I probably learn more in that class than any other. The reason for that is because, unlike my other classes, my teacher is less focused on "sticking to the curriculum," and instead focuses on true comprehension of the subject. We do hands-on activities, watch pertinent videos, and engage in interesting discussions.
Today, we had a fairly heated discussion. We were talking about the development of moral reasoning in human development. We were presented with a dilemma: If presented with the opportunity to cheat on a test and not get caught, would you do it?
I would say the class was split 25/25/50. 25% of the class were hard-core defenders of not cheating. They thought it was wrong to do, and was an unfair way to take advantage of the situation. Another 25% thought that it was there for the taking, and that it was only being resourceful to cheat, so go right ahead. The remaining 50% were those who were relatively undecided on the topic, and had important views in both directions.
I was one of those who said that I wouldn't cheat. I made a comment about how, in 10 years, nobody will care how you did on any test, or what your GPA was, but what will matter is the type of person that you became. I said that all of our actions create who we are as people, and I wouldn't cheat, because it is the wrong way to define myself as a person.
As the debate continued, one of my classmates made a comment that came off as a little bit hostile. He said that it was ridiculous that people were saying they wouldn't cheat because, if presented with the opportunity to do so and not get caught "everyone would cheat." I instantly challenged him, asking whether that was just him impressing his own personal feelings on the entire class. He was adamant in saying that we were not being honest with ourselves or the class in our answers of morality.
Here is where my problem comes in. It is vastly inappropriate to say that, because I feel a certain way, it is impossible for anyone else to feel differently, unless they are either lying or something is wrong with them. I don't think it is fair for one person to say that the moral decisions of another are wrong for being "too right", even if it may be less than realistic, or less than the norm.
I understand that, if you are not going to get caught, there are a great many people who would be willing to forgo honesty in favor of advantage. I refuse to accept, though, that I or any of my fellow classmates are wrong for choosing otherwise.
The fact that we were having a moral discussion in school was amazing. It needs to happen more often. But to do so, everyone needs to know how to do so in a way that will not insult or isolate others. That is not what a discussion is about.
Today, we had a fairly heated discussion. We were talking about the development of moral reasoning in human development. We were presented with a dilemma: If presented with the opportunity to cheat on a test and not get caught, would you do it?
I would say the class was split 25/25/50. 25% of the class were hard-core defenders of not cheating. They thought it was wrong to do, and was an unfair way to take advantage of the situation. Another 25% thought that it was there for the taking, and that it was only being resourceful to cheat, so go right ahead. The remaining 50% were those who were relatively undecided on the topic, and had important views in both directions.
I was one of those who said that I wouldn't cheat. I made a comment about how, in 10 years, nobody will care how you did on any test, or what your GPA was, but what will matter is the type of person that you became. I said that all of our actions create who we are as people, and I wouldn't cheat, because it is the wrong way to define myself as a person.
As the debate continued, one of my classmates made a comment that came off as a little bit hostile. He said that it was ridiculous that people were saying they wouldn't cheat because, if presented with the opportunity to do so and not get caught "everyone would cheat." I instantly challenged him, asking whether that was just him impressing his own personal feelings on the entire class. He was adamant in saying that we were not being honest with ourselves or the class in our answers of morality.
Here is where my problem comes in. It is vastly inappropriate to say that, because I feel a certain way, it is impossible for anyone else to feel differently, unless they are either lying or something is wrong with them. I don't think it is fair for one person to say that the moral decisions of another are wrong for being "too right", even if it may be less than realistic, or less than the norm.
I understand that, if you are not going to get caught, there are a great many people who would be willing to forgo honesty in favor of advantage. I refuse to accept, though, that I or any of my fellow classmates are wrong for choosing otherwise.
The fact that we were having a moral discussion in school was amazing. It needs to happen more often. But to do so, everyone needs to know how to do so in a way that will not insult or isolate others. That is not what a discussion is about.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 1
On Saturday, my brother stood before the entire congregation and read from the Torah for the first time. He became a Bar Mitzvah, and began his life as a Jewish adult.
I am exceptionally proud of the job that he did. He read with great pride, respect, and religious enthusiasm. It is very inspiring to see such a young person come forward and do such great things when it comes to speaking from his heart, all while opening the hearts of those who love him.
Whenever someone in NFTY is elected to a regional board position, one of the first things they are told is to find their successor. I have found one of mine. He is my brother. He may not be a regional board member, or he may be. But he will be a leader in the Jewish movement. I can know with certainty and hope that I will have someone behind me who will do amazing things and help to make this world a better place.
This is my wish for Logan. May he have everything he ever wants, and yet also struggle with life's important questions.
I am exceptionally proud of the job that he did. He read with great pride, respect, and religious enthusiasm. It is very inspiring to see such a young person come forward and do such great things when it comes to speaking from his heart, all while opening the hearts of those who love him.
Whenever someone in NFTY is elected to a regional board position, one of the first things they are told is to find their successor. I have found one of mine. He is my brother. He may not be a regional board member, or he may be. But he will be a leader in the Jewish movement. I can know with certainty and hope that I will have someone behind me who will do amazing things and help to make this world a better place.
This is my wish for Logan. May he have everything he ever wants, and yet also struggle with life's important questions.
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