To The Kids Who Wave At Passing Trains
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

To The Kids Who Wave At Passing Trains

Forrest Gump, Miley Cyrus and William James.

16
To The Kids Who Wave At Passing Trains
Tori Sanders

William James once said, "Act as if what you do makes a difference." This may seem obvious and redundant. This bit of advice might be something you've heard before -- we've all been told to consider the consequences of our actions and to think before we act. It makes sense to execute each action with the knowledge that it could possibly affect the lives of others. However, this quote by William James challenges us a step further by finishing simply, "it does."

He recognizes that with each word we speak and each step we take, we are changing something or someone. It's not a question of whether or not you will influence others -- it's a question of how.

We've all dreamed of growing up, growing old and being able to look back on our lives and say that we changed the world. Maybe it's time to start realizing that we've already done that. You don't have to grow old before you realize how much you influence the people around you.

When Forrest Gump ran across the United States, he didn't do it to be a leader. He did it because he "felt like running" and other people joined in.

When Miley Cyrus shaved her head and went a little crazy, she didn't do it to start a movement. She shaved her head because she wanted to shave her head. Her intention wasn't purely influence but she influenced others anyway.

When you were a freshman in high school, the seniors probably weren't doing the things they did to teach you or lead you or show you the ropes. But they did.

When you were little and you waved at a passing bus or train that was speeding along, you didn't really expect anyone to see you and wave back. But they did see you. I've been on trains since then, and I've seen eight-year old boys helping their little sisters wave to the passing car. I want to let them know that I saw them and that they made a difference.

When you're sober at a party, someone will notice, and think "I wonder if that's a good idea."

When you're drunk at a party, someone will notice, and think "I wonder if that's a good idea."

When you pray, others pray with you.

When you smile at someone, they're probably going to smile back.

To the person who spit their gum out on the sidewalk: I stepped in it.

To the person who spilled their drink on the table at work: I cleaned it up.

To the person who carved their initials in a tree in a park: I saw it, and it made me want to do the same thing.

And to the person who "payed it forward" in the drive-thru: that was my meal you paid for. Thank you.

There are no shouts in the dark, a tree does make a sound when it falls in an empty forest.

Actions have repercussions and it's up to you to decide what those are. The choices that hurt you hurt other people too. When you celebrate, there are a million others who are affected by the joy in your celebration.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56239
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36239
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958172
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187982
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments