Collisions

Your first take of this word is probably one of tension, conflict, and some kind of reverberating force that causes ripples in the surrounding area. Well, that is exactly what I mean it to be.

Nothing you do is separate and isolated. Every single thing that is done affects another. I wrote a story about something called "The Butterfly Effect" for a math class in my freshman year of college. While I was writing it, it seemed like I had to fabricate some large plot in order for there to be one pivotal moment. The reality is, though, every moment is a pivotal moment. Every choice you make is pivotal. Your choice makes the difference when the collision comes and the impact it has.

Let me give you an example. There is a young man on his way to class. His sweatpants are sagging well below his belt line and his over-sized hoodie makes him appear to have more flesh on his bones than his face portrays. His hands are stuffed into his pockets and he makes eye contact with you through heavy-lidded eyes. He has nothing for class. You know this because his hands are in his pockets and there is no backpack or bag to be seen. You could glare at him, because he knows that he should have the proper materials for class, when he asks if he needs his book today... Or, you could say, "Sure, I'll watch your lyrics for you while you go get your book, although I'm going to have to count you as tardy. Pull up your pants while you're there, please." And when he comes back, exclaim that you are glad the book is here and you hope to see it when he comes in the room the first time.

Of course, you can't allow him to go every day to get his book because he should now to bring supplies to class, but just imagine if you had not allowed him to get his book and you had stared at him when he asked you to watch his lyrics. His hood would have crept up his neck to the back of his head and you would have lost him. It comes down to this: Do I let the stereotype that most teachers see influence how I treat him? Or do I chose to see him? Even when I know he is talking about dropping French? However I chose, I affect him. However I talk about him to others affects them and him. You are affected by hearing about him... maybe not a lot, but you are.

You cannot prevent collisions. You cannot prevent affecting people when you make choices. These things happen. Your responsibility is to take these into account when you interact with those around you. Don't be so self-absorbed or self-pitying to say that no one is affected by you. You are not God nor are you invisible and insignificant. Take the bigger perspective and look outside of yourself. Try actually seeing the people around you. It could be convicting or enlightening. Again, you have that choice. Make it.