Everybody's Free

Monkey See Monkey Do

"Actions speak louder than words." The cliché phrase frequently used. But really, it's true. People write on your wall all the time "Omg I miss you let's hang!" or "I love youu! :)"— but how many of those people truly mean it? How can they mean it when they say it to every other person? How can they mean it when they only think of you when they physically see you? I know I over-analyze these type of things, but "I miss you" and "I love you" still hold a lot of weight in my eyes. I try to only say what I mean, so I'm careful to believe such things unless I see significance behind the words, especially since "love" is frequently thrown around these days.

This holds true for other things as well. "You know I'm here for you" or "I care about you" don't matter unless one shows it. You can say it all you want, but unless you go out of your way to text and make sure someone is okay, make a surprise visit, take initiative to plan a catch-up day, or bring someone a cute pair of sunglasses to substantiate "I was thinking about you when I was at the mall", those words mean nothing. It really doesn't have to be anything big, just enough to show you mean it. Sometimes, it's just that caring and understanding smile while exchanging glances, that sympathetic and upset look in the midst a distressing story, or the genuine excitement when sharing good news. I bring this up because I've been thinking about the roles of people I consider close. Simply put, life has been stressful with prom, IB exams, college acceptances, graduation, etc looming around, and everyone seems to be having their own issues. Keeping this in mind, I try to be conscious of my actions and provide simple demonstrations of encouragement and affection to ensure others know I'm there for them. Sometimes it's hard. There's a tendency to be bogged down with our own problems and wallow in our own misery. But things can always be worse. Even if it seems like you're laying flat at the ultimate bottom of the Grand Canyon, at least you're not buried alive 500 feet down. It also helps that I'm not the only one— just recently, I've been honestly surprised.

Last week when I returned to my car after teaching religious classes, I was caught off guard by a box of Godiva chocolate and a sweet card on my dashboard. The following week, I was greeted by a cute monkey— a souvenir of a friend's vacation. There was no reason, no occasion, no obligation

involved— just a simple reminder that someone cares. A reminder to smile. Yeah it was just a few trinkets, but it sentimentally was worth more. It reminded me that I have such caring friends. Honestly, that's the best feeling in the world. Knowing how nice and generous people can be. Most of you know I have been applying for many scholarships lately, one of which was based on popularity vote. Well, I didn't win. There was no way I'd be able to get 10,000 votes in a week. However, the whole experience really impacted me. People who I hadn't talked to for years (and when I say years, I mean since like 6th grade) were more than happy to vote. Several people, some close friends and some basically strangers, posted the link on their statuses to further promote the cause. The facilitator even sent an email to all the volunteers, which somehow spread to other khanes— which I found out from friends who claimed they got the forwarded emails from their parents. I was genuinely astonished by how the word spread. People were taking time out of their own busy lives to advocate for me: a girl they didn't even know. Everyone was so encouraging, regardless of my relations with them and honestly, it meant a lot. So yeah I didn't win. But the sense of support and the amazement as votes came in from Canada— that's what brought worthwhile moments of sheer gratitude and happiness. So I'd like to end by thanking everyone who helped, whether you spread the word or simply took a few seconds to vote yourself— I do appreciate it. And for those of you who put your lives on hold to be good friends, just know it is noted and very much appreciated. With one person taking the initiative to ignite a flame for happiness, comfort, and support, warmth will spread as others will inevitably follow.