"This I Believe" Three Summary Responses

In "Three Summaries"

“Work is a Blessing”

“Work is a Blessing,” by Russell, Honoré illustrates to readers to see a strong argument for why work of any kind is a blessing and how as a child amongst other siblings their agriculture was not successful concerning cash while maintaining an existent residence. Due to his family struggles Honoré decided to pursue employment close to home at an early age assisting with cattle. Even though he chose to work and help maintain the family establishment he began complaining to his father about having to wake up at the crack of dawn to attend work. Honoré his father stated, “Ya Know, Boy, work is a Blessing”. Honoré had pursued a job he did not want but appreciated it in a way to say it is better served for oneself with anything at any job. After Honoré’s father’s encouraging words, his mindset transformed to believe without work no one will be able to survive. Honoré strived and worked extremely hard to accomplish his goal to have a structured and prosperous future without any struggles. However, believing in his father's wise words became effective communication which built an understanding, and trust and strengthened their bond. Honoré knew his father cared about his life decisions, well-being, and development. Honoré future blossomed due to positive life decisions such as pursuing college, attending school activities to avoid college fees, and committing to the government life. Certain things had surfaced during his life journey which gave him a sense of purpose concerning the “why” of life. Honoré realized the reason why people do what they do, the reason for actions, work, and relationships which remind Honored of his father's wise words “Work is a Blessing” and he will never give up.

“Finding the Flexibility to Survive”

“Finding the Flexibility to Survive” by Brighton Early bespoke she and her mother, like many others who live in America, live in poverty. Brighton mentioned her mother discovered that if they shop at Chevron station on Friday, they can purchase produced items at a discounted price. They would both arrive at Chevron station every Friday evening to ensure they got the best selection. Brighton’s mother had realized that they had maxed out all their credit cards and could not afford to go shopping. However, she discovered that one credit card that had not been decreased in funds was the Chevron station credit card. Brighton noticed It is not normal for people to go grocery shopping at a gas station like Chevron, but when the necessity must be convenient to survive, one must put aside their pride and ego to make changes due to flexibility. Even though the two no longer have the means to shop at what many would call, “real grocery stores,” they are still able to get the most important necessities that they need in their daily lives. Brighton goes on to describe that the worst part of shopping at a Chevron station is when having more groceries than others piled up on the counter for the clerk to check out and it takes the clerk longer than normal which then causes the line to increase with lots of customers while giving Brighton and her mother smutty as they both check out and bag their items. Brighton expressed concerns about her mother’s disappointment and holding within embarrassment at being seen by someone while shopping at the Chevron station. This experience has taught her to be flexible with the norms of society and that this flexibility is what gets her through her daily life. She expresses that she must remind herself that this is just a transformation due to their normal routines that will not last forever. Even though Brighton and her mother are struggling in poverty now, they must cope with the changes and maintain their priorities. No matter what happens Brighton, and her mother have each other and will find a solution through the difficult time. 

“Treating Everyone as Family”

“Treating Everyone as Family” by Madelenie Urbaszewski demonstrates the family's first experience moving to New Orleans in Louisiana. At an early Madelenie relocated to New Orleans with her family. She has not ever experienced the treatment and welcomes from other people, especially from her hometown. Madeleine’s first day in New Orleans was extremely well content and gratifying. In every place that she visited people were welcoming her with open arms. Madelenie’s first experience had a positive impact on a waitress while waiting to order food. The waitress asked, “What can I get for you honey?” which left Medelenie openly surprised because She was not used to being referred to in such familiar terms by someone she had never met, the second experience was visiting the DMV due to prioritizing and the employee said “Good Morning” to everyone with a friendly and welcoming tone which made them all feel at ease. Not only did this happen with the employed woman at the DMV who entered the room but also, a man who entered and did the same thing. Again, the room returned his greeting with one of their own. After years of living in New Orleans, the Urbaszewski family became accustomed to the city language such as “honey, sweetie, and Babys.” Madelenie and their family realized that it's okay to feel comforted by these terms of endearment from the locals and be around friendly strangers who make them feel like they belong in the city. Madelenie came to realize that life experiences like these are perfect examples that no one is alone. There are generous, kind, friendly people in the world that are strangers who will consider you as family. These are experiences Madeleine endured since moving to New Orleans. This experience allowed Madelenie to look at people in a positive light and she can feel more comfortable with people she has never met. Also, led to her idea of how life should be lived. Life should not be lived “isolated and being a loner” Madelenie can now enter a room of people who are unknown and not be afraid to consider them as a cherished family whom she has not met yet.