A few mornings ago, I cried because I am currently ineligible to order my Aggie ring due to my pending grades for this abroad trip. I was under the impression that I would be late to register for a time slot for Aggie Ring Day. A late slot time meant the absence of my mom and family on my Ring Day. I continued to express my dilemma with my professor and host guides. They couldn’t understand why it was such a big deal. In their perspective, the situation was out of my control, so no need in crying over spilled milk and it is only a ring. To me it was like the end of the world (in that moment).
I later found out that registration for time slots isn’t until a few months from now. The deadlines I’m faced with only concern sizing my ring and making the payment for it. I was instantly overjoyed. Then I sat there for a moment and realized how crazy I was. I began to think about why I cried and what everything meant on a greater scale.
Whether I got, what I perceived as, a good time slot or not, I was still getting my ring. Yes, it would be unfortunate if my mother couldn’t make it, but I knew deep down that she would make a way, so why was I crying. I was crying more so because I felt inconvenienced. “How prissy is that!” I thought. I had fallen victim to the ring obsession, not focusing on what the ring symbolizes, or what it is the precursor to. Graduating is the goal. Education is the bigger picture. I’m at least fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pursue and receive my education.
I think back to my encounters with the children of Chajul and the many children who cannot afford to go to school, but desperately want to seek an education. They are heartbroken because they have a thirst for knowledge that cannot be quenched due to various circumstances, but more so the fact that it is not easily accessible. I’m humbled.
I now place caution on what I take and place value on. I have to make a conscious effort to not worry so much, because often times I’m worried about the wrong thing. This time spent away in a different culture has helped me learn about myself and opened my eyes to focus on the bigger issues in life. We often times get caught up in the material things. It is part of our culture as Americans to need more; it is no longer a want for things, things that are not necessities in life. We are a task driven nation and we want to be efficient and effective at all times. We have no time for inconvenience. This experience has brought many things to my attention and I am so grateful to see things in a new light.
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