New Year, New Resolutions

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Bob Arnold

By Bob Arnold

A new year and a new decade have arrived. As usual, the start of another year stokes the desire in many of us to make changes in our lives.

Some resolve to improve their diet, exercise more, have less conflict with others or work harder toward a specific goal. Generally, resolutions geared to achieve a better version of one’s self. Most resolutions, however well intended, will fail to meet their true potential. The reasons why differ from person to person. I guess one simple explanation is that everyday life and pre-existing patterns get in the way. The degree to which we perceive the need to change is often a factor, so too, is the level of gratification one anticipates from the change.

I recently read a journal from the Literacy Volunteers Program here at Family Centers. It’s published each year and features the writings of students who are learning English. These students come from all over the world and many are fairly new arrivals to the U.S. Their stories are all unique. They demonstrate fear, anxiety, grit and heroism. Some are fleeing war and unsafe environments. Others came here to reunite with family members, while many made the journey in search of an education for their children and opportunities for themselves.

I found these stories riveting. While the life circumstances of these students vary widely, there is a common human theme that runs through them all – the desire for self-improvement and a better life. Each, through their-own individual processes, arrived at the same conclusion that learning English, the common language of this country, will make it possible for them to achieve their goals.

Looking at life through the lens of others can be instructive if not downright enlightening. Many of us who have been in the U.S. for our whole lives take a great deal for granted. We my not feel the sense of urgency to make the most out of each day because we may believe that the same opportunity will present itself tomorrow. The positive change we seek in our annual resolutions doesn’t come without a price, some effort and sacrifice. This is certainly the case with the students of Literacy Volunteers.

Many struggle to find the time to study English while juggling several jobs and meeting family responsibilities. It can be further challenging for those who don’t even have a command of their native language resulting from poor or lack of education in their native country. So why do they push themselves in this way? Perhaps they make the effort because they see this endeavor as the “key” that leads to a better life for themselves and their family.

Many of the literacy students are hungry to achieve something here that they couldn’t accomplish where they came from. Throughout their writings is a consistent theme of appreciation for the tutors and all those who are helping them on their journey.

If we could look at the world around us through their eyes, what would we see? Perhaps we’d see that opportunities are a privilege that need to be seized upon. We might also recognize that by helping others we are helping ourselves. This is certainly a message I have heard over and over from the tutors and other volunteers who give their time to assist those who need something that they have to offer. The journal contains numerous stories about those who help and those who have been helped.

So, back to our New Years resolutions. Deciding what will bring us fulfillment and happiness is not often easy and making it happen can be a real challenge. For some, a better diet and more exercise are necessary for health reasons and should be a goal. For all of us, finding ways to help others can be food for the soul. We feel better about ourselves when we help others to improve their lives. Perhaps volunteerism is the resolution to pursue in this new decade. It just might be your key to self-betterment and a true sense of gratification.

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