Being anywhere between the ages of ten and thirteen is tough. Most ten to thirteen-years-olds aren't thinking about people in other countries or thinking about traveling the world. They are usually just trying to make it through the school day. That's what I was doing in sixth grade. I was starting to figure out who I was. What do I believe? What do I think about myself and the world around me? Do I go along with things because I want people to like me even if I don't like what's going on? What do I like to do? Am I playing this sport, starring in this theater production or playing this instrument because I want to or because my parents want me to, or because that's what people think is cool? As I say goodbye, I want to leave you with some advice. Here are two pieces that have helped me through life and the Peace Corps: 1) Be kind and 2) Have a thoughtful and open mind.
1) Be kind! The president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said in his commemmoration speech in April of 2023, "...someone said that if you ever have to choose between being kind and being right, it's better to choose to be kind because you will always be right by doing that." I have always been told the phrase "treat people the way you want to be treated", but "people" are not you.
