How to Change Person's Life - Essay Example

 Days that cause significant changes in a person’s life are few and far apart; but when they do occur they are likely to never be forgotten. Some of these days are positive ones that bring happy occasions and are remembered with joy and cherished; while others are likely to pull the ground from under one’s feet and are always remembered with the same negative strong emotions. For me such a day occurred when I was least expecting it. The day started with the usual humdrum of the alarm ringing, fixing the bed and a shower. After shooting my breakfast down my throat, I ran around the house trying to gather my things as my clock silently displayed to me that I was late. Running out the door I made it to my car and unceremoniously dropped my things inside and started to drive to work. I was very focused on getting to work; as I believed that I would learn about myself as well as about the world through this job. However, as I sat in my car stuck in morning traffic I received a call from my mother telling me that my brother had gotten into an accident and was being rushed to a hospital nearby. I recall the sudden shivering that overtook my body at that point while I fumbled with my phone and called my boss telling him I wouldn’t be in for work that day. I don’t remember how I managed to escape the traffic that on normal days seems like a cage tightly shut or the race to the hospital; but I remember the chaos when I finally got there. My parents were both standing outside; my mother hysterical while my father informed me that my brother had been in a car accident and was in surgery. Two of my brother’s friends were also with him and while one had barely gotten hurt then other also had some injuries. A long wait ensued as we waited outside, waiting for some news as to what was going on inside but no one could tell us anything. Finally, after a wait of three four hours the doctor told us that my brother was ok for now but that his injuries were severe so it would take time for him to recover fully. My parents went home to look after the well wishers and family who had come to ask about my brother and it was then my duty to sit with him. I sat in the chair near the corner of the room with a full view of my brother and all the machines that were indicating that he was alive. If I look back now I can’t remember the number of days that I sat in that room looking after my brother and the relief I felt when he opened his eyes. However, during the course of this event and the aftermath I was forced to take leave which was not acceptable to the workplace. I chose to remain at the hospital and as a result was fired from my job. Although they would have done the same to anyone, I was really angry at the decision, given the circumstances. Throughout the time of my brother’s accident I remained devoted to my family; and was upset that my loyalties and priorities were so badly rewarded. Even through the negativity I faced from my workplace; I still believe I did the right thing. This was possibly the most significant experience in my life; and it made me more patient with the trials and problems that keep coming up in life. Most adolescents have trouble trying to understand who they are and what they want out of life (Myers, 2006). They are in a process of exploring the values and principles that they encounter; and making choices about which of=f these values and principles they will internalize and use as a part of their adult life. Before the accident, I also was in a similar state of flux; and was unsure about who I was. I believed that I would find the answers in my workplace and with my friends, as we all were experiencing the same concerns and questions. But instead, I found some valuable and important answers while caring for my brother. I was able to understand my priorities as I was forced by circumstances to evaluate them and make choices accordingly. It is because I made decisions based on my priorities that I do not regret them in spite of the consequences. The incident also made me realize that I put my family and other people before my personal advancement; a valuable piece of information about myself that I did not understand so well before. I also learnt that I will encounter un-fair situations; and that I need to patiently get through the problems I don’t deserve. Overall, I believe I understand myself a lot better, and I feel more ‘grown-up’ as compared to before the accident. I feel more comfortable with my decisions and choices than I did before; and I am also noticing that I am clearer about my values as compared to some of my friends. I believe that this experience was the worst I ever had, but it was the best learning experience I have had. I could not possibly have found so much clarity about my priorities and values had I not had to undergo this experience. I believe now that I have internalized the values handed down to me by my parents; and I respect them and credit them for having helped and supported me through my choices. Although most adolescents seem to find answers to who they are when they interact with their friends; I found mine when my parents supported and accepted my choices. References Myers, D.G., Straub R. 2006. Adolescence. Psychology, in Modules Study Guide. 8th Ed. NY: Worth Publishers. ISBN 9780716783084 Read More