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Pieces of the Puzzle

by JASKEERAT KAUR

 

The following was submitted for a Grade Ten school project to "describe our influences".  

 

Peers

As a child, one has to realize that life isn't fair.

As a child, one also learns just how cruel people can be, and finally learn the meaning of the words  -  "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger".

Teasing is a part of growing up  -  true; however, for me it was more than something I had to get through. I, like others, spent most of my years being teased by the unthinkable. Like most  -  I assume  -  I hated it.

However, looking back, I have learned that it has indeed made me stronger. Being teased in school has influenced me to stick up for who I am and what I believe in, but in a mature and respectful manner. It has taught me not to be so sensitive, because not everyone will understand my intentions and there are those who are just deliberately vindictive.

I've learned to walk away from confrontation I know is pointless. I've learned not to succumb to the ugliness of being provoked. I've learned not to be so bothered by things that are stupid and useless.

Learning to have such strength is easy; practicing it is hard. However, I'm confident that I will prevail in completely overcoming my struggles with my peers and just learn to ignore the negativity.

 

My Great-Grandpa

I learn of my great-granddad through my dad, and live vicariously through the vine of thoughts that have been passed down from him. Though I've never met my great-grandfather, I feel as if I've known him forever.

His thoughts I inherit are the ones that keep me headstrong. Painting a picture for you, I would say, on a gloomy day filled with melancholic feelings, I think of my great-grandfather.

His wife, my great-grandmother, was sick for twenty years. He, a doctor and a lawyer, served as her nurse for that period of time. He's taught me that when I'm sad, I learn how to smile again and when I'm mad, I learn how to laugh again. He's taught me to always put my mind to things, because I could be whatever I wanted to be and no one was going to be in my way. I've learned from hearing about his experiences that there is always an alternative path if need be; there is always a chance to get what you want.

Slowly maturing with the help of all this, as well as by the memories of my great-grandfather, I understand life more. I understand that it isn't always fair and there are times where you'll have to do the unthinkable, you'll have to do what you don't want to do.

There are times in your life when one has to deal with one's problems and move on  -   something I struggle with deeply. However, more and more, I'm learning to be a better person, partly because of him.

 

My Best Friend

Albert Camus once wrote, "Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend".

In my experience, life causes you to be the leader and the follower, to constantly have to be the one governing or constantly have to be the one observing. There are times when you need someone to just be there for you and not put you under the pressure of being the lord or the missionary.

My best friend is the opposite of me, but she is also the same. She understands me, in ways I don't have to explain. She's influenced me greatly to be myself, to be proud of who I am, and not be someone else. I think it's the most important thing I've learned from her.

I've also learned to remove the bulwark, the stoic façade, etc. that I've put around me and not just be I but comprehend who "me" is. Everyone can be himself or herself, but understanding oneself is the tricky part. I've been stronger since I've met her, I don't let others treat me like a doormat, yet I don't become the door either.

 

My Dad

My dad is my coach.

He's the one who encourages, but never distributes false hopes. He enlightens, but bares the absolute truth.

I find it hard to believe that life can be anything but stressful. I find it hard to believe when someone tells me, "it's okay to relax, you can just relax".

I find it hard to believe many things in the world. My mind bears many questions and curiosities but no filter to sort them out. In the words of Clarence Budington Kelland  -   "He [my father] didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it".

My dad is like a rumble strip on the side of the road, if I fall asleep at the wheel, he'll guide me back into the right place. He's never told me how to live my life, but he has guided me into living a good one, and he's given me the privilege of watching him live his.

If I am distracted, he teaches me to focus, he encourages me, and reminds me that there is not such thing as failing and there are always options. He teaches me that there is never a dead end in life where you just stop and live something miserable. He says that there is always a way.

Though sometimes it irks one to hear the truth when one just wants to bask in the sadness of the day, it's sometimes necessary. My dad has taught me to never give up, and always stand for what I believe in. He's never limited my thoughts, or told me how I should talk, or live my life, etc.

He provides me with much freedom, but gives me many boundaries so I realize when I've crossed a line. He's gone through many struggles in his life; he's had to overcome many obstacles, however, he's still managed to wipe his windshield and see clear into the day or night.

He still manages to stand tall, be strong, and be an inspiration, which encourages me to always go forward and only look back to learn something positive.

[Jaskeerat, now 16, is a senior at Desert Pines Magnet High School and aspires to go to the University of Southern California, U.S.A. She plans to double major in journalism and business.]

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