What would be discovered if my entire life’s events rested in the pages of a lengthy novel? Each reader would have the opportunity to read about my life’s best moments, like the time I successfully finished my first piano recital in first grade. Yet, the shameful time I lied to my parents about breaking a vase would be unsheltered in the novel’s pages. Without knowing my beliefs and characteristics, one could perceive who I am by simply knowing the events that took place in my life. Through the host of events in my book, one could guess my Christian beliefs and perhaps my political views. One could see what’s important to me, like God and my family More specifically, one would see how I treat others, particularly strangers. Rather than demonstrating
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Since an early age, I remember viewing myself as an ultra-conservative, as my parents instilled strong conservative values in me. Like most conservatives, I viewed poverty as a curse: one that passes the hard-working and falls heavily on the lazy. I was taught that government shouldn’t handle poverty, for the community and Church can effectively solve it. I “idolized” the conservative fanatics and passionately believed in cutting social programs to lower taxes for individuals with money. However, hearing about how the men’s struggles of addiction, debt, illness, and crime lead to poverty compelled me to change my views. I no longer viewed poverty as a curse, but rather a trap: a trap that warrants help the community and the government, too. Hearing about their ongoing needs of shelter, clothes, and food enraged me. I finally understood the argument for social welfare programs, for these programs feed millions of starving children and aid thousands of homeless individuals each day. I understood the argument for increased spending in impoverished areas, like downtown Grand Rapids, to create more jobs and better schools, both of which add to a prosperous future. I abandoned the conservative warriors from the right and began supporting moderate and progressive politicians. Previously vilifying President Obama for his “extremist” liberal views, I admit I “felt the Bern” this past primary cycle. Though I can’t say I’ve abandoned every conservative view, I can say that my first trip to Mel Trotter taught me to have a more open
Since an early age, I remember viewing myself as an ultra-conservative, as my parents instilled strong conservative values in me. Like most conservatives, I viewed poverty as a curse: one that passes the hard-working and falls heavily on the lazy. I was taught that government shouldn’t handle poverty, for the community and Church can effectively solve it. I “idolized” the conservative fanatics and passionately believed in cutting social programs to lower taxes for individuals with money. However, hearing about how the men’s struggles of addiction, debt, illness, and crime lead to poverty compelled me to change my views. I no longer viewed poverty as a curse, but rather a trap: a trap that warrants help the community and the government, too. Hearing about their ongoing needs of shelter, clothes, and food enraged me. I finally understood the argument for social welfare programs, for these programs feed millions of starving children and aid thousands of homeless individuals each day. I understood the argument for increased spending in impoverished areas, like downtown Grand Rapids, to create more jobs and better schools, both of which add to a prosperous future. I abandoned the conservative warriors from the right and began supporting moderate and progressive politicians. Previously vilifying President Obama for his “extremist” liberal views, I admit I “felt the Bern” this past primary cycle. Though I can’t say I’ve abandoned every conservative view, I can say that my first trip to Mel Trotter taught me to have a more open