We often hear the phrase "the good life." In fact, the University of Florida's common course required of all undergraduate students is titled "What is the Good Life?". The concept of "the good life" can be interpreted in many different ways depending upon the experiences, values and aspirations of each individual.
In a concise narrative, describe your notion of "the good life." How will your undergraduate experience at the University of Florida prepare you to live "the good life"?
You are what you give
John F. Kennedy once said '' I am an idealist without illusions.'' Although the situation and context was different, it does not change what it means. I guess for this piece of writing it is the same, it is not about flashing fancy words, nor about the way I write it. It is about what I want it to mean.
In the summer of 2004 hurricane Charlie was passing through central Florida, one of the biggest most fearful events of the year, but not to me. To me that event was moving to a different country, right in the middle of the summer. I remember looking in the mirror not scared that hurricane Charlie was passing right through my new house, but scared of what to expect from a place I did not know and I had to call home.
After four years of convincing myself I knew who I finally was, I was forced to move back to my long lost home, or my other home. I was confused of why I had to come back, I had forgotten who I was here in Colombia; I even felt like a foreigner when eating. I was determined to forget who I was for the past four years and start over. I couldn't, I needed to bring out the best in me and these sudden changes that came into my life made me the person I am today.
You must be wondering what does this have to do with my notion of the good life; well it has everything to do with it. I was molded by two different fascinating cultures that together made me see the world in a variety of perspectives, in other words made me appreciate the splendor of identity, to understand what I am meant to do, I needed the nature of others, and others needed my way of nature as well, I realized it is the true way of living life.
I also learned that to live the good life is to be responsible for others, no matter culture, gender or religion. What I do in my life falls on other people, if I do good I inspire good. When we work together to help others, we are helping ourselves grow. I believe in compassion and respect, and I have confidence that when people unite and see the real big picture we make a change in this world.
The greatest significance of being a Gator is finding Gators like you, who feel passionate enough about the world and the human virtue to help shape futures of others by working together gathering the right tools to understand and make compassionate choices to make this world a better place. There is no place I would rather be, because UF fulfills my expectations, and I know that when I look in the mirror being a Gator, I know where my life will be headed.
