Atticus Finch Eulogy

On a blazing hot afternoon, I was with my Peer Ministry. It seemed like our whole group, interacting with the sizable population of homeless on the streets of Riverside, CA, was working like a fast food crew; we were distributing food from our cars at a superhuman pace. This activity seemed like any ordinary job our group did together — until I handed a brown paper bag to a homeless African American man. His expression registered shock. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Son, how did you know I needed help?” I simply responded that he had a lost expression on his face. He grabbed the paper bag from my hand and started crying, but these tears were different. These were the tears of a man who had found his next meal, a man who had found a new faith in humanity. As I watched the man profusely thank my peers and me, I felt this surge of pride and purpose.

Giving to others within one’s capacity is the most ideal way to live a selfless life. However, I began to shrug off its importance. I had that same attitude going into Peer Ministry on a daily basis; however, what this homeless man showed me was this: Not everyone has the …show more content…
However, I now recognize that a lot of these individuals are victims of circumstance — the same circumstances that might bring down-on-their luck patients into my future operating room. As the African American man knelt and prayed after I gave him the food, I felt affirmed in my decision to become a doctor. I understood why my parents try to raise me to be giving. It is because helping others in need and experiencing moments like what I encountered what all human beings are supposed to do: help our fellow brothers and sisters in times of