Kevin Quang Week 9: The Power to Choose
While scrolling through reels instead of writing this blog, I came across one of those motivational quote posts, the ones you don't fully process the first time you watch it. The first quote read, “While we woke up today, someone else didn’t.”
While I complain about having to go to swim practice, someone else wished they could have the chance to swim one more time. When I was younger, my mom would always tell me to be grateful for everything we had. Whether it was for the food on the table, the roof over our heads, or for family, these values were drilled into me constantly. So, as much as I hate it, every time I jump into the pool I always tell myself that there’s someone out there who would do anything to experience that same cold sensation.
“While we take our health for granted, someone else wished they didn’t.”
I never really understood first-hand how fortunate I was to have these things in my life until I started volunteering at Washington hospital. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work front desk shifts and talk to the staff and nurses working there. During the slower, afternoon hours, they would tell me stories about previous patients, and it made me realize how fragile and delicate life really is, and how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle. In the busier morning hours, I saw the same visitors coming in, day after day for weeks on end. My time at Washington changed the way I saw volunteering– I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and power to help out. The patients and visitors in the hospital didn’t have the power to choose, but I could choose to sign up and come in for a shift whenever I wanted, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
“If you forget the language of gratitude, you’ll find it very hard to find happiness.”
While I complain about having to go to swim practice, someone else wished they could have the chance to swim one more time. When I was younger, my mom would always tell me to be grateful for everything we had. Whether it was for the food on the table, the roof over our heads, or for family, these values were drilled into me constantly. So, as much as I hate it, every time I jump into the pool I always tell myself that there’s someone out there who would do anything to experience that same cold sensation.
“While we take our health for granted, someone else wished they didn’t.”
I never really understood first-hand how fortunate I was to have these things in my life until I started volunteering at Washington hospital. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work front desk shifts and talk to the staff and nurses working there. During the slower, afternoon hours, they would tell me stories about previous patients, and it made me realize how fragile and delicate life really is, and how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle. In the busier morning hours, I saw the same visitors coming in, day after day for weeks on end. My time at Washington changed the way I saw volunteering– I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and power to help out. The patients and visitors in the hospital didn’t have the power to choose, but I could choose to sign up and come in for a shift whenever I wanted, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
“If you forget the language of gratitude, you’ll find it very hard to find happiness.”
Hi Kevin! I first want to say how relatable you are for admitting to scrolling through reels instead of working. Thank you for keeping it real! Now, onto the actual content: I really like how you tied the quotes to your time volunteering at Washington Hospital. It sounds like your experience truly transformed the way you think. Your blog reminded me of just how lucky we are and the importance of not taking things for granted. Having the opportunity to help those who aren’t as fortunate is such a gift. I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing!
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin, your blog heavily resonated with me. I will say Instagram Reels has shown me quite a few motivational quotes during my social media adventures. There are many times I think about all the wonderful things I have in my life. This is obviously after I complain about not having enough. There are so many opportunities that we have here in this community which others around the world will never have. You also mentioned volunteering at Washington Hospital. I actually volunteer there too, and I can say that I too have seen countless amounts of patients in various conditions much worse than me. Many times I think about how thankful I am that I am still in good health. Your insight on this topic was very eye opening.
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin! Just like you, my parents would always say that I should be grateful for everything. I agree with them all the time. There are people out there who are wishing to live our life, while we sometimes wish to live someones else’s life. The one thing that struck to me about your blog is when you said that someone else would wished the chance to swim one more time. I can relate to this because even though I play basketball, I always think to myself that why do I need to play with hundred percent energy? What if I do not play today or practice today. But I also always tell my self that even though my gut is telling me stop playing for a few days, there are still people out there want to play this game one last time. There are also people who want to walk for the last time. What I learned is that we should be happy with what we have because there are people out there who want to live the same life as us.
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin! Super excited to have you in my blog cohort this year! Your blog brought me such relatability, and almost everything you said is super similar to me. As I'm trying to take golf more seriously now, I have to practice everyday and wake up super early to hit before school. Waking up at 6am everyday is a pain, but the feeling that someone is working harder than you, also hits me. I also think about it sometimes, on how people wish to have our lives sometimes. Something which i felt I heard so much growing up, about being grateful, truly hits you when you get older. Being grateful everyday for what you have is the most important aspect of life. I volunteered at the Veteran affairs for the last 2 years, and I always see elderly people, just wanting to have a conversation with someone, because they have no one else to talk to. If I can do that to make there day, I do it always. Overall, I loved reading your blog, it truly was something I enjoyed reading, and can't wait for next week!
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin,
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on gratitude is moving and well written, the way you connect everyday experiences-like swimming practice-to the larger idea of appreciating what we have is powerful. The quotes you provided also add an extra layer of depth.
Your experience at Washington Hospital is especially impactful. Seeing firsthand how fragile life can be and realizing the privilege of choice is a lesson that many don’t fully grasp until much later.
The final quote about gratitude and happiness ties everything together perfectly. Your writing not only tells a story but also encourages self-reflection in your readers, really well done!